Assaulting Schnoeggersburg: Unlawful Actions in the Town of Schnoeggersburg
Hell yeah, let's dive into Operation KOMET23, the mother of all urban warfare exercises!
The City of Chaos: Schnöggersburg
The battlefield was none other than the heart of Schnöggersburg, Europe's most advanced urban training facility. This pitch-black warren of cityscapes, subterranean labyrinths, waterways, and towering skyscrapers served as the perfect playground for the German Airborne Brigade 1. With their regiments 26 and 31 in tow, they embarked on an epic two-week mission as part of KOMET23, a challenge of epic proportions compared to any military exercise in recent German history.
The objective was simple, yet crucial: to storm the city and destroy enemy strongholds while keeping the bad guys from countering or escaping our assault. This was no child's play; it was a test of mettle for our airborne soldiers.
** intelligence is King**
The saying goes, "knowledge is power," and it couldn't be more accurate for urban warfare. During KOMET23, scouting the enemy was the difference between life and death. Our officers needed to identify weaknesses in their defenses and bypass well-guarded positions, or face the wrath of ambushes and delays. Proper intelligence ensured our units maintained their momentum while minimizing losses.
On the flip side, skimping on reconnaissance proved disastrous for some. The enemy was given precious opportunities to regroup and disrupt our operation, turning the tides of battle against us. A keen eye for detail might as well be rechristened as a force multiplier in urban combat scenarios.
Adaptability is the Name of the Game
Urban environments are a kaleidoscope of changing circumstances, from little-guarded buildings to heavily fortified strongholds. KOMET23 hammered home the necessity of adapting swiftly to rapidly shift between aggressive assaults and stealthy maneuvers.
Units that didn't adapt quickly fell victim to enemy counterattacks, surrendering momentum and losing the element of surprise. However, those that switched gears effortlessly outmaneuvered their adversaries, isolating key targets and making them pay the price for their resistance.
Boxing the Foe: Isolation Matters
The art of war dictates, "know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." In urban combat, isolating the enemy is crucial for that successful outcome. You need to cut them off from supplies, reinforcements, and safe havens, eliminating their ability to counterattack or regroup.
Periods of inadequate isolation allowed our adversaries to regroup and wreak havoc on our units, inflicting significant casualties. Lesson learned: Isolate your enemies on multiple fronts—physically, electronically, and psychologically—to enhance your chances of victory.
Firepower: The Ultimate Boost
Urban warfare is a combined arms fight, and KOMET23 emphasized the importance of fire support in overcoming the complexities of urban terrain. From the Wiesel fighting vehicle to artillery and mortars, our troops cranked up the heat on enemy strongholds, taking advantage of the inherent advantages granted by superior firepower.
Close air support also played a pivotal role in supporting our airborne assault, engaging heavily fortified positions with pinpoint precision. The ability to engage adversaries from multiple angles while reducing risk to our troops was nothing short of a game-changer.
Concealment: Surviving the Urban Jungle
As any good urban predator knows, blending in with your environment is the key to staying alive. KOMET23 reaffirmed the importance of concealing our movements in order to avoid detection and ambushes. Using smokescreens and maximizing cover behind buildings and infrastructure was essential for preserving the survival of our troops.
In situations where conventional tactics were restricted, soldiers had to display their creative sides, utilizing available infrastructure for protecting themselves from enemy fire. In the world of urban combat, the only constant is change, and being resourceful enough to adapt is the key to savoring another day.
Preparing for the Future
Operation KOMET23 stands as a powerful example of how to master urban warfare. Whether it's the pivotal role of reconnaissance at the company level or the necessity of agility in modulating operational intensity, these lessons offer a blueprint for enhancing urban combat readiness.
Integrating these lessons into future training requires a multi-faceted approach. Our forces need to embrace adaptability, leverage combined arms, and prioritize reconnaissance to conquer the complexities of urban warfare. By doing so, we'll continue to prevail in future conflicts, wherever they take place.
Captain Ilhan Akcay is a member of the German Army, a paratrooper officer and currently the daring, fearless commander of a training company in Germany's Homeland Defense Forces.
The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and do not reflect the attitudes, views, or official stances of any organization, institution, or government entity I am affiliated with, including the German Army.
Image credit: Ruediger Hess, US Army
Got it straight, let's dominate the city!
In the intricate labyrinth of urban warfare, the traditional roles of military training and intelligence are amplified.The swiftness to adapt amidst the dynamic urban environment surpasses brute force, as demonstrated in Operation KOMET23.As evident during KOMET23, the isolation of enemy fortifications plays a decisive role in tipping the scales of urban warfare in one's favor.Superior firepower, from ground vehicles to air support, is vital in navigating and overcoming the obstacles presented by urban terrain.*Concealment remains an essential skill in the world of urban combat, as it increases the chances of survival and ensures the success of military missions.
