Over several dozen episodes of the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, a theme that has regularly found its way into the discussions featured on the podcast is the presence of underground environments in urban warfare. From ancient Jerusalem to today’s urban battlefields in Ukraine and Gaza, we can find many examples of urban conflicts that have been heavily influenced by their underground components.
But how should military forces categorize subterranean spaces and consider the different purposes of underground structures? How does this subterranean dimension influence the conduct of military operations? What about the unique hazards of sending soldiers beneath the ground? And what are some of the planning considerations for attacking or defending subterranean positions?
This episode addresses those questions and more in a comprehensive overview of the subject. It is both a primer on underground warfare and a deep dive into some of its most important aspects. John Spencer highlights basic definitions, the fundamental functions of subterranean spaces, and the challenges these spaces pose as he lays out a foundational understanding that is key to military forces’ preparation to operate in urban areas.
You can listen to the discussion below or find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe, and if you’re enjoying the Urban Warfare Project Podcast, please take a minute and leave the podcast a review or give it a rating!
Image credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Propert, US Navy