Urban Warrior: Breakdown in Civil-Military Relations

It is estimated that by the year 2025, most of the worlds population will be located in urban, coastal environments. This knowledge becomes an indicator for the military as to what areas and types of training soldiers will need in preparation for future battles. The United States Marine Corps USMC has seen the need to train in actual urban environments in cities across the United States. The USMC conducted one such exercise, Urban Warrior, on March 13, 1999. The city chosen for the exercise was Monterey, California. During this realistic training, the Marines discovered real impediments when organizing the exercise. The problems encountered during this exercise are examples of the impediments that can arise when coordinating with civilian agencies. To overcome potential impediments the Marines found that better coordination could minimize the time and effort required for enhancing civil-military relations. This thesis argues that with better civil-military relations, training exercises, as well as real exercises, which the National Guard will take part, these impediments can be erased or diminished. This thesis concludes that most or all impediments that occurred are preventable by an early, aggressive, and adequately staffed public relations campaign. It concludes further that public relations campaigns should be planned and organized prior to events. This planning and organizing should be conducted on a full-time coordinating and educating basis between military personnel and civilian agencies.