Armoured vehicles in urban terrain - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

Guide

FM/BG-1332 - Vehicles in an urban environment

Guide

When operating alongside armoured vehicles in urban terrain:

Infantry should never advance directly in front of the gun and should maintain communication with the vehicle commander when moving close.
Using FM/BG-1329 - Vehicle with flanking infantry:
- Infantry advances along the sides of the vehicle's axis, engaging or clearing threats.
- When a vehicle fires or shifts position, infantry falls back into formation to maintain cover and avoid overpressure.
Vehicles may move or reposition without warning, creating a crushing hazard.
Tank cannons generate severe overpressure when firing. Infantry standing to the front are at risk of fatal injury. Overpressure extends 50–100 m in a ~45° cone shape from the gun's muzzle.

Guide

FM/BG-1333 - Base limitations and considerations

Guide

Visibility for vehicle crews is restricted, especially toward the sides and rear.
Movement corridors (streets, alleys) limit manoeuvring options and make vehicles predictable targets.
Danger areas (intersections, courtyards, open stretches) require deliberate overwatch and coordination before crossing.

Guide

FM/BG-1334 - Threats in urban terrain

Guide

Urban environments present two primary threats to armoured vehicles:

Anti-Vehicle Ambushes (AV threats) - Hidden enemy teams with launchers can appear suddenly from windows, alleys, or rooftops.
- Infantry should clear windows, doors, and corners ahead of the vehicle to reduce this risk.
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) - These are often placed in choke points or along predictable vehicle routes.

Infantry should scout slightly ahead, observing for disturbed ground, hidden wires, or suspicious objects that may indicate a threat.

Guide

FM/BG-1335 - Covering vehicles in urban terrain

Guide

Infantry can provide essential protection to vehicles by:

Clearing ground-level and elevated threats before the vehicle enters an area.
Maintaining lateral security along both sides of the vehicle's path.
Marking cleared areas or safe routes to guide vehicle movement.
Communicating observed threats (IEDs, AT teams, blocked routes) immediately on the relevant net.

Skill

FM/BS-1336 - Support infantry in urban terrain

Skill

Suppress known or suspected enemy positions with heavy weapons.
Provide mobile cover as infantry crosses open spaces.
Illuminate or engage fortified targets that infantry cannot suppress effectively.