FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

PLANNING FOR URBAN OPERATIONS
Urban Operations
H-16. The complexity of the urban environment provides more data points for the IPB process to identify,
evaluate, and monitor. The human and societal aspects of the environment and the physical complexity
primarily cause this difference. Relationships between aspects of the environment, built on an immense
infrastructure of formal and informal systems connecting the population to the urban area, are usually less
familiar to analysts. Thus, the urban environment often requires more specifically focused intelligence
resources to plan, prepare for, execute, and assess operations than in other environments. No two urban
areas are alike physically (in population or infrastructure). Experiences gained in one area are not readily
transferable to another urban area. Each characteristic of the urban environment (terrain, society, and
infrastructure) is dynamic and can change in response to UO or external influences. Civilian populations
pose a special challenge to commanders conducting UO. Civilians react to, interact with, and influence (to
varying degrees) Army forces.
ENGINEER RUNNING ESTIMATE
H-17. UO are planned, prepared for, and executed in the same basic way as any other type of environment;
however, the elements of the urban environment (terrain, society, and infrastructure) and the many
variables and conditions associated with UO require special consideration. The running estimate discussed
in chapter 2 and appendix E provides the framework for planning engineer support to UO.
Terrain
H-18. The running estimate assesses the impact of terrain on both friendly and enemy engineer
capabilities. The military aspects of terrain (OAKOC) remain critical to the analysis of natural terrain in,
under, and around urban areas (see table H-2, page H-6). LOS analysis is performed to identify possible
sniper locations and observation posts. Planners use blueprints of buildings to analyze building
compositions and determine their effects on weapon and breaching systems. The urban area is viewed with
consideration to collateral damage (safety zones for unprotected civilians) and protected areas (churches,
hospitals, and cultural sites). Geospatial engineer teams can facilitate decisionmaking and staff planning
with geospatial products (3-D displays and LOS overlays). The use of special overlays (sewer, electric, and
water systems) can also aid planning.
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 H-5