School of War Ep 130: John Spencer on Israel’s Unprecedented War (or, Urban Warfare 101)
Jul 2, 2024
John Spencer, an expert in urban warfare, discusses Israel's unique war against Hamas with a focus on justice and humanity. The conversation delves into changes in urban warfare, the significance of terrain, learning on the ground, the battle of Manila, and outthinking the enemy with innovative strategies like tunnels.
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John Spencer's Urban Combat Journey
- John Spencer served in Iraq and studied mega cities for military operations.
- He traveled globally to analyze urban combat, including in Gaza and Ukraine.
Urban Combat Evolving with Mega Cities
- Urban combat doctrine evolved from history but requires rethinking for mega cities.
- In Ukraine, cities are strategic objectives, not just battlefields, shifting military approach.
Urban Combat Tactics Advice
- Avoid entering buildings through doors or windows during urban combat; use walls and bulldozers for approach.
- Use overwhelming firepower and destruction to neutralize prepared defenders efficiently.