The US Army faces an increasing threat from subterranean (SUB-T) environments near population centers. As population centers grow and living areas become denser, the US Army's likelihood of conducting SUB-T warfare is exceptionally high. By utilizing the SUB-T environment as part of a layered defense plan, adversaries can delay corps and theater Army's operational timelines, prevent the cessation of military operations, and inhibit the implementation of the elements of operational art. History is rife with examples where operational commanders and planners failed to account for the SUB-T environment, and their subordinates suffered the consequences. As an understanding of the SUB-T environment's relationship to the broader operational environment becomes clear, commanders and planners can develop operational plans to mitigate the threat and ensure operational and strategic success.

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