Command and Control C2 for Urban Warfare
Jun 23, 2025
Join John Spencer, a veteran and Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, as he dives into the complexities of command and control in urban warfare. He emphasizes the need for military adaptation to urban settings, focusing on decentralized command and old technologies. Spencer highlights crucial information operations and civil-military cooperation, using lessons from the Battle of Marawi. He advocates for training that understands both terrain and enemy capabilities, transforming how forces engage in densely populated combat zones.
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Unique Challenges of Urban Warfare
- Urban warfare differs fundamentally due to civilian presence, man-made structures, and critical infrastructure, known as the urban triad.
- Command and control must integrate information operations, which are far more complex in urban settings than other terrains.
Urban Terrain Disrupts Communications
- Urban terrain disrupts radios, GPS, and targeting systems due to dense structures and subterranean environments.
- Command and control systems must have redundancies to operate effectively in these communication-degrading urban canyons.
Gaza Brigades Control Challenge
- A Gaza division commander had to manage five brigades converging on a 400-meter square through three-hour daily meetings solely to coordinate control measures.
- They relied on procedural, non-electronic control measures due to proximity and communication challenges.