Art of Darkness Deception and Urban Operations

摘要

Urban operations are a significant and enduring challenge by virtually any measure; but a battle on friendly urban terrain offers the weaker combatants a chance to reduce the advantages of a stronger adversary. Something similar might be said of deception, historically a frequent resort of the underdog. The admixture of these two strategies-when deception is employed in the urban environment-produces a powerful synergy. This research was undertaken for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) and was conducted in the Force Development and Technology Program of RAND's Arroyo Center. This study will be of interest to armed forces, law enforcement, or intelligence community personnel planning for or conducting operations and training in urban areas. Other governmental or non-governmental agencies considering policies involving dedication of military, law enforcement, or intelligence assets in urban settings will likewise find this material of value in determining the risks and potential costs or benefits of such policies.