The future of warfare is urban

40th Infantry Division hosts Urban Operations Planner Course

Soldier looks out from helicopter.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeremy Gula, with the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), and a student in the 40th Infantry Division's Urban Operations Planner Course, rides in a UH-60 Black Hawk over Los Angeles, May 15, for an urban terrain orientation flight. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeremy Gula, with the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), and a student in the 40th Infantry Division's Urban Operations Planner Course, rides in a UH-60 Black Hawk over Los Angeles, May 15, for an urban terrain orientation flight. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

VIDEO: The 40th Infantry Division Urban Operations Planner Course prepares planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

VIDEO: The 40th Infantry Division Urban Operations Planner Course prepares planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Story by Sgt. Marla Ogden
69th Public Affairs Detachment

May 24, 2023

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.— With over half of the world’s climbing population living in cities, the future of urban warfare is inevitable. Consequently, the same military strategies used in desert and forest terrains will no longer suffice.

Urban warfare is complex—its challenges involve crowded city streets, multi-level high-rise buildings, interconnected subterranean structures like subways and parking garages, tapered air and harbor routes, and civilian population concerns. 

That’s why the California National Guard’s 40th Infantry Division developed the U.S. Army’s first formal course to prepare leaders and planners to execute large-scale combat operations in such dense terrain. 

The Urban Operations Planner Course, established in 2021, aims to close the training and education gap for brigade and division-level planners to develop the skills necessary to succeed in such challenging environments. 

“The course gives them the tools for how to deal with dense urban operations and how to perform large-scale combat operations in a dense urban environment,” said U.S Army Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general—operations, 40th ID, and director of the 40th ID’s Urban Warfare Center and Urban Operations Planner Course.

The seven-day Los Alamitos-based course recently hosted roughly 30 resident students and virtual participants from May 14- 21, 2023. 

The course was comprised of students from all three U.S. Army components (Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard), joint partners from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and international allied military personnel. 

“The diversity of the students is really a strength of the course,” Wooldridge said. “We have allies [here] from multiple different countries, NATO and non-NATO, and they bring a richness to the discussion that wouldn’t otherwise be there.”

Marine, Soldiers and civilians look at container buildings.

Brigade and division-level officers and senior noncommissioned officers in the 40th Infantry Division's Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a practical exercise at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, May 16. The course visited the NTC’s mock town of Razish to examine urban warfare scenarios in collaboration with NTC cadre.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Brigade and division-level officers and senior noncommissioned officers in the 40th Infantry Division's Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a practical exercise at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, May 16. The course visited the NTC’s mock town of Razish to examine urban warfare scenarios in collaboration with NTC cadre.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Woman speaks Soldiers

Sahr Muhammedally, director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, presents a lecture on Civilian Harm Mitigation in Urban Warfare at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, on May 15. The Urban Operations Planner Course brings together the world's foremost urban experts to provide military personnel with realistic and relevant scenarios that simulate the complexities and challenges of large-scale urban combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Sahr Muhammedally, director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, presents a lecture on Civilian Harm Mitigation in Urban Warfare at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, on May 15. The Urban Operations Planner Course brings together the world's foremost urban experts to provide military personnel with realistic and relevant scenarios that simulate the complexities and challenges of large-scale urban combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Soldiers look at document on table.

Students conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 20. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 20. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

“It’s important for us to work with our allies in learning and training on the same methodologies.”

Sgt. Maj. Matthew Malinowski, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii National Guard

Soldiers walk together

Students partaking in the Urban Operations Planner Course walk towards the airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 15, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course toured the skies of Los Angeles for an urban terrain orientation flight. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Students partaking in the Urban Operations Planner Course walk towards the airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 15, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course toured the skies of Los Angeles for an urban terrain orientation flight. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

A student in the course, Sgt. Maj. Matthew Malinowski, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii National Guard, explained that training alongside ally partners is critical because large-scale combat operations are typically joint or multinational operation environments.

“It’s important for us to work with our allies in learning and training on the same methodologies,” Malinowski said.

Additionally, the instructors are world-class urban warfare experts from various esteemed organizations, such as The Modern War Institute at West Point and The School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort. Leavenworth, Kansas. 

“We brought in urban warfare experts from the United Kingdom, Canada, and throughout the United States,” Wooldridge said. 

The students participated in interactive discussions and practical exercises that explored urban fundamentals, legal aspects of urban operations and civilian harm mitigation, the history of subterranean conflicts, operational approaches, and warfighting functions. 

The course provides military personnel with the unique opportunity to examine past conflicts and current global struggles that simulate the complexities and challenges of large-scale urban combat operations with top experts. 

“It really is about the interaction between these urban warfare experts, masters of their fields, and the students,” Wooldridge explained. 

Malinowski explained that because of the course, he has new tools to bring back to his unit. 

“This course has provided an in-depth look at warfighting functions, and the key takeaways are the tools and planning considerations for planning large-scale combat operations in an urban environment and how we can apply that within our brigade,” Malinowski said. 

Wooldridge explained that the goal for student planners who graduate from the 56-hour course will be able to plan, direct and sustain large-scale combat operations in dense urban environments. 

“Some people think that urban is just the same as the desert or the plains, or the forest, but they couldn’t be farther from the truth—there are very special considerations for operating in large-scale urban combat operations that you don’t see anywhere else,” Wooldridge said. 

Wooldridge explained that the Urban Operations Planner Course is an investment in preparedness and a commitment to the mission of being “always ready, always there.”

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, commander, 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, speaks with John Spencer, co-director and instructor for the 40th ID Urban Operations Planner Course. The Urban Operations Planner Course, established in 2021, aims to close the training and education gap for brigade and division-level planners to develop the skills necessary to succeed in such challenging environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, commander, 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, speaks with John Spencer, co-director and instructor for the 40th ID Urban Operations Planner Course. The Urban Operations Planner Course, established in 2021, aims to close the training and education gap for brigade and division-level planners to develop the skills necessary to succeed in such challenging environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Group of Soldiers in a room

Brigade and division-level officers and senior noncommissioned officers participating in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a practical exercise at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, San Bernardino, May 16, 2023. The course visited the NTC’s mock Town of Razish to examine urban warfare scenarios in collaboration with NTC cadre.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Brigade and division-level officers and senior noncommissioned officers participating in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a practical exercise at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, San Bernardino, May 16, 2023. The course visited the NTC’s mock Town of Razish to examine urban warfare scenarios in collaboration with NTC cadre.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

British Soldier speaks to class

Students in a group discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 14, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course welcomes international allied military personnel and joint partners throughout the U.S. military. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Students in a group discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 14, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course welcomes international allied military personnel and joint partners throughout the U.S. military. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Brigade and division-level officers and senior noncommissioned officers participating in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a practical exercise at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, San Bernardino, Calif., May 16, 2023. The course visited the NTC’s mock Town of Razish to examine urban warfare scenarios in collaboration with NTC cadre. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

United States Marine Corps Maj. Rick Flores leads an instruction on identifying threat capabilities and urban tactics during the Urban Operations Planner Course at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. The 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard developed the Urban Operations Planner Course to prepare operations leaders and planners to execute large-scale combat operations in dense urban terrains. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 20, 2023. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Brigade and division-level officers and senior noncommissioned officers participating in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a practical exercise at the Fort Irwin National Training Center, San Bernardino, Calif., May 16, 2023. The course visited the NTC’s mock Town of Razish to examine urban warfare scenarios in collaboration with NTC cadre. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

United States Marine Corps Maj. Rick Flores leads an instruction on identifying threat capabilities and urban tactics during the Urban Operations Planner Course at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. The 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard developed the Urban Operations Planner Course to prepare operations leaders and planners to execute large-scale combat operations in dense urban terrains. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 20, 2023. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students and instructors of the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course pose for a group photo at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 19, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course, established in 2021, aims to close the training and education gap for brigade and division-level planners to develop the skills necessary to succeed in such challenging environments.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Students and instructors of the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course pose for a group photo at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 19, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course, established in 2021, aims to close the training and education gap for brigade and division-level planners to develop the skills necessary to succeed in such challenging environments.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Marine speaks in classroom.

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, Urban Operations Planner course engage in a group discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares military planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Espinosa)

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, Urban Operations Planner course engage in a group discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares military planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Espinosa)

Man in military uniform talks to woman.

Urban Operations Planner Course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, discuss urban warfare considerations during a practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 18. The Urban Operations Planner Course provides military personnel with world-class training to practice their skills and develop practical strategies for combat in urban environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Urban Operations Planner Course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, discuss urban warfare considerations during a practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 18. The Urban Operations Planner Course provides military personnel with world-class training to practice their skills and develop practical strategies for combat in urban environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Man teaches at whiteboard.

Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux leads students in a discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux leads students in a discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Soldier plays simulation game.

Students from the conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 20. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 20. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 20, 2023. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 20, 2023. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, commander and Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general, 40th ID, California National Guard, pose for a photo with John Spencer, co-director of the 40th ID Urban Operations Planner Course, and course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, Director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 19, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course instructors are world-class urban warfare experts from various esteemed organizations, such as The Modern War Institute at West Point and The School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort. Leavenworth, Kansas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, commander and Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general, 40th ID, California National Guard, pose for a photo with John Spencer, co-director of the 40th ID Urban Operations Planner Course, and course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, Director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 19, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course instructors are world-class urban warfare experts from various esteemed organizations, such as The Modern War Institute at West Point and The School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort. Leavenworth, Kansas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course engage in an urban wargame practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. Wargaming helps students to foster an understanding for the decisions military leaders make in warfare and enhance analytical skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course engage in an urban wargame practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. Wargaming helps students to foster an understanding for the decisions military leaders make in warfare and enhance analytical skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general—operations, 40th ID, and director of the 40th ID’s Urban Warfare Center and Urban Operations Planner Course, discusses threat capabilities and urban tactics during a lecture in intelligence preparation of the battlefield, at Joint Forces training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale urban combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general—operations, 40th ID, and director of the 40th ID’s Urban Warfare Center and Urban Operations Planner Course, discusses threat capabilities and urban tactics during a lecture in intelligence preparation of the battlefield, at Joint Forces training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale urban combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

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Marine speaks in classroom.

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, Urban Operations Planner course engage in a group discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares military planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Espinosa)

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, Urban Operations Planner course engage in a group discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares military planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Espinosa)

Man in military uniform talks to woman.

Urban Operations Planner Course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, discuss urban warfare considerations during a practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 18. The Urban Operations Planner Course provides military personnel with world-class training to practice their skills and develop practical strategies for combat in urban environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Urban Operations Planner Course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, discuss urban warfare considerations during a practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 18. The Urban Operations Planner Course provides military personnel with world-class training to practice their skills and develop practical strategies for combat in urban environments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Man teaches at whiteboard.

Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux leads students in a discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux leads students in a discussion about urban fundamentals at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 14. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Soldier plays simulation game.

Students from the conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 20. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, May 20. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 20, 2023. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students from the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course conduct a wargaming exercise for their culminating capstone at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 20, 2023. The course capstone was designed to allow students to put their learned urban warfare knowledge to the test. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, commander and Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general, 40th ID, California National Guard, pose for a photo with John Spencer, co-director of the 40th ID Urban Operations Planner Course, and course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, Director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 19, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course instructors are world-class urban warfare experts from various esteemed organizations, such as The Modern War Institute at West Point and The School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort. Leavenworth, Kansas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Leeney, commander and Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general, 40th ID, California National Guard, pose for a photo with John Spencer, co-director of the 40th ID Urban Operations Planner Course, and course instructors, Canadian Armed Forces Maj. Jayson Geroux and Sahr Muhammedally, Director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 19, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course instructors are world-class urban warfare experts from various esteemed organizations, such as The Modern War Institute at West Point and The School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort. Leavenworth, Kansas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. William Franco Espinosa)

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course engage in an urban wargame practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. Wargaming helps students to foster an understanding for the decisions military leaders make in warfare and enhance analytical skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

Students in the 40th Infantry Division, California National Guard, Urban Operations Planner Course engage in an urban wargame practical exercise, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. Wargaming helps students to foster an understanding for the decisions military leaders make in warfare and enhance analytical skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general—operations, 40th ID, and director of the 40th ID’s Urban Warfare Center and Urban Operations Planner Course, discusses threat capabilities and urban tactics during a lecture in intelligence preparation of the battlefield, at Joint Forces training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale urban combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert T. Wooldridge, deputy commanding general—operations, 40th ID, and director of the 40th ID’s Urban Warfare Center and Urban Operations Planner Course, discusses threat capabilities and urban tactics during a lecture in intelligence preparation of the battlefield, at Joint Forces training Base, Los Alamitos, Calif., May 17, 2023. The Urban Operations Planner Course prepares planners and leaders for the unique challenges of urban operations by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in large-scale urban combat operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Marla Ogden)