The enemy below: preparing ground forces for subterranean warfare
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Authors
Bowes, Joshua S.
Newdigate, Mark T.
Rosario, Pedro J.
Tindoll, Davis D.
Subjects
Subterranean warfare
subterranean typology
deep underground facilities
rudimentary and sophisticated tunnels
subterranean targeting factors
siege of Constantinople
siege of Petersburg
Messines Ridge
Battle of Okinawa
Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam
subterranean typology
deep underground facilities
rudimentary and sophisticated tunnels
subterranean targeting factors
siege of Constantinople
siege of Petersburg
Messines Ridge
Battle of Okinawa
Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam
Advisors
Blanken, Leo
Date of Issue
2013-12
Date
Dec-13
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This capstone project analyses subterranean threats in the contemporary operational environment. It identifies the doctrinal gap in the U.S. military regarding operations within tunnels, urban and natural cavities, and other underground facilities, and outlines the changes necessary to prepare ground forces to operate in these complex environments. This paper reviews historical cases spanning back over half a millennium, proposes a new typological classification system, and investigates the subterranean environment in terms of the United States Army doctrine, organization, training, matriel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities process. Additionally, it provides analysis geared toward countering subterranean threats through indirect means to include: incendiary weapons, cyber-based attacks, and military information support operations. The capstone finds that: 1) Current U.S. military doctrine does not properly prepare units for operations in subterranean environments; 2) Future conflicts will require general purpose forces to deal with subterranean threats; and 3) Understanding the use of indirect approaches is critical in the conduct of subterranean operations. This research leads to the recommendation that the Training and Doctrine Command Intelligence Support Activity recognize subterranean as an operational environment. Additionally, this capstone provides guidance to commanders and staffs to assist in pre-mission training even before the doctrinal gap is filled.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.