As global urbanization increases, the likelihood of United States (US) military participation in combat operations in urban areas also grows proportionally. This study examines the mission analysis step of the military decision-making process (MDW) f... Read more

As global urbanization increases, the likelihood of United States (US) military participation in combat operations in urban areas also grows proportionally. This study examines the mission analysis step of the military decision-making process (MDW) for military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT). By reviewing urban combat in Aachen, Manila, Hue, Panama City, Mogadishu, and Grozny, as well as US Army and Marine Corps doctrine, this study summarizes characteristics for consideration during mission analysis for MOUT. At present, the US Army's manual, FM 90-1 0, Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain, published in 1979, is being rewritten. As the doctrinal review process begins, the Army must consider the planning and preparation processes for operational and tactical warfighting on urbanized terrain. Mission analysis, the foundation of the military decision-making process, remains critical to success in planning for Army operations, but particularly in the urban environment. The emerging threats and conditions of future urban combat will require commanders and staffs to examine their traditional methods of analysis for MOUT and develop more thorough methods of planning for urban combat. This study concludes with an outline of mission analysis that will assist commanders and staffs in producing well-planned orders for future MOUT. Less