Infantry Drills

2-51: Urban Terrain



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2-51. Offensive tasks in urban terrain are designed to impose the leader’s will on the enemy. Offensive missions in an urban environment aim to destroy, defeat, or neutralize an enemy force. However, the purpose may be to achieve some effect relating to the population or infrastructure of the urban area. Leaders should use a combined arms approach for offensive urban operations.


2-52. Offensive missions in urban areas are based on offensive doctrine applied to urban terrain. Urban terrain imposes a number of demands different from ordinary field conditions, such as problems with troop requirements, maneuver, and use of equipment. As with all offensive missions, the leader must retain his ability to maneuver against enemy positions. (Refer to ATTP 3-06.11 for more information.)

Next: 2-53: Subterranean Environment

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad