MCRP 12-10B.1, page 86

planned, widely disseminated, and understood by all assigned and attached units. Commanders consider the following techniques when planning for communications: (1) If possible, lay wire through buildings for maximum protection. (2) Use existing telephone systems. (Remember, telephones are not secure.) (3) Emplace radios and retransmission sites in buildings on top floors or atop buildings that are higher than surrounding structures. Ensure that antennas are placed on the side of buildings where the radio signal can be directed at friendly units. This will enhance LOS radio communications. (4) Use messengers at all levels because they are the most reliable and secure means of communications. b. Intelligence. The discussion in Chapter 2 pertains equally to a defensive operation. Intelligence gathering for defensive operations is not limited to studying only the enemy. Commanders must emphasize obtaining and using all intelligence. Commanders must emphasize the utility of the urban infrastructure to enhance his/her intelligence gathering and dissemination effort. The defender usually has the advantage of being familiar with the intricacies of the urban terrain that he/she is defending. For example, the: The sanitation or public works department will have knowledge of the subterranean sewer lines Civil engineers will have extensive knowledge of water and power distribution nodes Law enforcement representatives may have access to lists of people sympathetic to the attacker Local journalists may agree to use local sources to assist in intelligence gathering effort. c. Manuever (1) Positioning of Forces. Finding fighting positions in urban areas that provide both good fields of fire and cover is often difficult. The forward edges of a town usually offer the best fields of fire but can be easily targeted by enemy observation and supporting fire. These areas often contain residential buildings constructed of light material. Factories, civic buildings, and other heavy structures that provide adequate cover and are more suitable for a defense are more likely to be found deeper within the town, but they have limited fields of fire. Because the forward edge of a town is the obvious position for the defender, it should generally be avoided. However, the defender may choose to use the edge of the town if Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain 3-15