This article reviews the role of armor in the urban battlespace with an eye toward how history can assist in charting the way ahead. These Key factors, proximity to the littoral battlespace and frequency of conflict, coupled with continued economic growing pains of a global marketplace, make the Third World urban setting a dangerous place well into the next century. Recent discussion on the use of armor in the urban setting highlights the numerous operational challenges faced by vehicles fighting in this arena. While the number of vehicles needed in city fighting is reduced, their ability to contribute to the combined arms team is increased.
History provides many examples of the combat potential of mounted forces on urban terrain.
This article discusses two. The city of Hue had a population of 140,000 at the time of the attack in January 1968. The city was divided into two zones. The outer area was suburban in nature and located south of the Perfume River. The Citadel dominated the north bank of the river and was traditional built-up, closed terrain.