The Army's plan to field a digitized force in the near future, and develop new operational concepts that rely on situational awareness, will place a premium on reliable communications. Urban terrain compounds the communications problem because buildings can interfere with radios and cause fading and path loss. This study highlights changes in doctrine and technology that may improve command, control, and communications in urban operations. Tactics can be adjusted to prioritize the communication needs of battalion and company commanders. For example, soldiers can use high buildings as base stations or relays, leverage the civilian communications infrastructure, and avoid electromagnetic dead space. In terms of technological change, there are no "silver bullets," but several technologies do appear to promise incremental improvement. Short-range radios greatly increase situational awareness when they are issued to every infantry leader down to the fire team level. Communication problems such as fading may be countered to some extent in the near future when several technologies, including software radios, ultra-wideband waveforms, and UAV relays, mature.

"Prepared for the United States Army"--T.p. "MR-1316-A"--p. [4] of Cover. Not available online. "MR-1316."

Introduction -- Where we are today -- Near-term solutions (0-3 years) -- Mid- or far-term technology solutions (3-10 years) -- Conclusions.