The room-to-room and house-to-house fighting in Fallujah was some of the most intense in modern military history. These unique factors present challenges to already complex military operations like troop movement, communication and logistical trains. “The course was helpful for whether we’re involved in large-scale combat operations or if tasked with stability operations, like humanitarian assistance disaster relief at home.”ĭuring the class, leaders had to account for the complexities of a crowded airspace, skyscrapers, narrow streets, dense populations and even the city’s subway system.
Jason Secrest, commander of the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, to the New York National Guard. “This class was critical in terms of bridging a knowledge gap between military operations and working with our civilian counterparts,” said Lt. The soldiers worked alongside civilian fire officials, transit staff, and emergency managers to develop an understanding of the specific challenges that a city like New York presents. In early November 2021, 18 officers and senior NCOs of the NYNG completed a five-day class in the Big Apple that explored the challenges of military operations in large cities. The rubble of Stalingrad forced the Nazis into close-quarters fighting that negated their superior artillery, armor, and air power. The New York Army National Guard aims to use New York City as a classroom to teach operations in such an environment. In the 21st century, the potential risks of fighting in a dense urban environment are magnified increases in population density. From Stalingrad to Fallujah, fighting in close quarters can be an equalizer that negates technological advantages and results in high casualties. Urban warfare has always been a challenge on the battlefield.