What would it look like for Infantry (front line ground troops)

North Korean Terrain

North Korea is a mountainous region that sits perfect for defense. The reason this is perfect for the defense is because it allows for extraordinary subterrainian advantages. These are but not limited to, subway stations, tunnels, fallout shelters, etc. All these are system in which make it difficult for invading troops to get in and take care of business. This is for numerous reasons.

1. Limits combined forces to support ground troops such as apaches, Blackhawks, etc. that can be used to really decide how an engagement/battle plays out.

2. Highly reenforced doors.

3. Booby traps underground, that are hard to identify due to limited visibility.

4. Perfect for chemical Warfare against troops inside.

5. Limits what troops can bring to the fight in reguards to explosives due to overpressure, and burning up oxygen using such assets.

6. One big fatal funnel.

7. Invading forces probably don’t have a tunnel system mapped out before going in. Especially if it’s used for military facilities.

These are to name just a few. The last two weeks I have been training for the conditions, and I was surprised how difficult it can make fighting the enemy. But tunnel systems also work against the host just as much as it does invading forces. Let’s just say it wouldn’t be pleasant. It’s concerning working in tight spaces, as the US Army preaches violence of action, speed, fire and maneuver, prepping objectives using mortars to annihalate an objective as troops move in, all while maintaining control of yourself and subordinates. It’s quite a difficult task.

Subterranean warfare would be quite difficult once you start taking casualties. Just think. If you are 4 miles into a long tunnel system, you could be dragging casualties for miles to get them to be able to be Medivaced out. This drastically slows down your momentum and can cause you to get bogged down to where it’s a stand-off, possibly causing you to withdraw and lose all your ground you fought so hard to gain. There are a lot of factors that go into that as well such as Mission, Enemy, Time, Terrain, Troops available, and Civilian considerations.

Not only does North Korea have complex tunnel systems, but it has a pretty advanced nuclear and missile program. This makes it difficult for invading aircraft. And there is always the threat of a nuclear missile counterattack. Let’s just say I hope the opposing country has a highly advanced antimissile program to counter their counter.

(US Soldiers training for complex tunnel system tactics)