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TOPIC: Converting an Urban Structure into a Strongpoint.

DISCUSSION: Belligerents are likely to convert houses or buildings into a strongpoint. A platoon-size strongpoint will comprise one or two sturdy buildings, with basements or semi-basements. These are usually located at crossroads, on street corners, or overlooking a bridge or open ground such as parks and squares. The aim is to maximize fields of fire and to provide multi-tiered layers of fire. The basic building blocks of a strongpoint defense are:

LESSON(s):

• Adapt the building for multi-layered fire. Most weapons, including antitank and medium machine guns, will be on the ground floor and in the semi-basement. Snipers and automatic riflemen (with grenades and RPGs) will fire from upper stories. Attics can be used for mortar positions and for air defense weapons (heavy machine guns and hand-held SAMS).

• Doors and windows are blocked with sand bags, bricks or earth filled furniture. Firing is done from openings created in the sandbags or cut through walls. False openings are created to draw fire, real ones being covered by suitably painted plywood when not in use.

• Floors and firing positions are reinforced to reduce the effects of collapse as a result of shell fire. Floors are covered with up to 1.5 meters of earth or two layers of sandbags.

• Stairways are removed to complicate enemy clearing. Internal movement between floors is done by using ladders. Outside fire escapes should be blocked with wire or booby traps.

• To reduce the effect of flame attack, combustible materials are removed or covered with earth. Shields can be placed in front of openings. Underground shelters should have 15-20 centimeter-high walls of earth in front of their entrances to stop napalm.

• Basements, storerooms, medical points, and command posts are made into shelters against bombardment. Every underground facility must have at least two exits. The exits should go in different directions, with at least one in the form of a covered connecting passage whose exit is beyond the possible distance of collapsing rubble (i.e., two thirds the height of the nearest building).

• Ground floor exits are given blast-proof protection and lead to a communications trench.

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Correct and Timely SALUTE Reporting is Crucial