How many men?

Question

Approx how many men(minimum) do you reckon would it take to occupy a city of about half a million?

The city is declared an open city ,the population is peaceful but extremely aggitated.Theres about 15 major roads into the city.

The city hall,the hospitals,all transport hubs including port facilities,military barracks,police stations,court house, power and water supply all have to be taken in the first few hours.

What have i forgotten?

extra....its an open city,,,,little to no fighting involved and little threat of insurgency,

I'm only concerned with what it would take to strangle a city.
People in the middle to long term can enter and leave the city.

Answer 1

To really answer that question theres other inherent information that would be required... as in...

occupation without a threat to the occupants?, or are the occupants protecting the citizens from some threat? OR is this a city thats being taken, and if so, what is the force in the city? Also, will citizens be allowed to leave the city once occupied? Another consideration would be what type of city,.. is it like a chicago, New York style tall buildings etc? Or is it like Saudi Arabia where the tallest average area is like 20 feet high? That will make a difference.

Threat level is huge in the way that, what is the occupation attempting to accomplish? If its simply having people there,.. heck,. you could go skeleton crew,... but if your occupying and worried about attacks, or are trying to fortify, or defend, you need more obviously...

I think all in all if your going to occupy a city that size, you'd need a Brigade (at least 1200 to 1500) at least, based on the fact your going to need mulitple company and platoon size elements to secure various zones and sectors (as a city that size, you would most likely seperated it into areas of responsibility, and also checkpoints and such) plus you would need all the support units attached to the main body to assist with all basic operations of the brigade.

Still, this probably wouldn't be ideal, and the sheer size of the city alone (space / area) ,may require a division ideally,.. probably looking at something in the area of 3500 to 5000 troops with possible additional support aqttachments...

But this is where the details come in,. as if any sizable force attacks,.. your in trouble, as your combat power of the division is not centrally located, its spread out over space, and thus exposed to that weakness, which could mean the requirements of additional supporting units or other considerations.

And additionally if your "taking" this city,.. screw manpower,... you achieve air superiority, blow the crap out of everything you can, then send in the crunchies with armour air and artillery support. btu once again,. this depends on size of the force your up against, and rules of engagement as well as what your trying to achieve... ultimatly US doctrine is to have a 3 to 1 superiority in force, plus an overwhelming show of force as far as firepower,.. so you'd have to simply do the math based on what you were going up against...

Answer 2

First, there is difference between "occupying" and "taking" a position. Some of the things to consider beyond the actual city itself is the perimeter, terrain surrounding the city and if you are going to try to keep the population within the city limits. If there is little chance of outside attack and the populace is under control, I would think perhaps 2-3 Regiments might do it. That would be aprox. 12-15, thousand soldiers to take the city and keep it. Also, these numbers are not 100% "foot soldiers", but also their support personnel.

Answer 3

between 2 to3 hundred thousand give or take...

Answer 4

Just one determined person.

Answer 5

You forgot the people, they must want you there. If they don't want you there you can not win