{"id":34391,"date":"2018-03-06T17:12:27","date_gmt":"2018-03-06T17:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2018\/03\/06\/soldiers-marines-rely-on-psyop-learning-a-citys-rhythm-when-training-for-urban-warfare\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:19:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:19:56","slug":"soldiers-marines-rely-on-psyop-learning-a-citys-rhythm-when-training-for-urban-warfare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/training-sim\/2018\/03\/06\/soldiers-marines-rely-on-psyop-learning-a-citys-rhythm-when-training-for-urban-warfare\/","title":{"rendered":"Soldiers, Marines rely on PSYOP, learning a city’s rhythm when training for urban warfare"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While much attention is spent on adjusting weapons systems and training soldiers and Marines to use them, what may be of more value in an urban fight<\/a> is the work being done years before a conflict erupts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts frequently tout the success of psychological operations<\/a> units in the run up to the second battle of Fallujah<\/a> in late 2004. They worked to inform the city\u2019s residents that the battle would soon unfold and warned them to evacuate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, an estimated 90 percent of the population fled, freeing up Marines to fight with fewer constraints than if there was a substantial number of civilians present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, simply knowing the human terrain, from culture to leaders and friendly residents, ahead of time can either prevent conflict or inform U.S. and allied forces of enemy locations, capabilities and plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such information can also help to more quickly bring the city back to life through partnering with local friendly leaders to restore services, improve infrastructure and win the support of the civilian population.<\/p>\n\n\n\t