Volume of Fire as an Effective Measurement of Infantry Performance in Battle - The Impact on the U.S. Army Decision to Organize Five New Light Infantry Divisions

Abstract

This study investigates the issue of volume of fire in infantry units to determine its specific impact on the effectiveness of such units. The design criteria, organization for combat, organic systems, and concepts for deployment of the new U.S. Light Infantry Division are presented and assessed. Various techniques to determine actual volume of rifle fire delivered in combat are reviewed to develop an appreciation for how many riflemen actually responded in combat. S. L. A. Marshall's research efforts during World War II and the Korean War are helpful in this particular effort. Finally, a series of case studies, one from each of the theaters in World War II and one each from the Korean War and Vietnam, are presented to determine if rifle fire has been the decisive factor in battle.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 17, 1986
Accession Number
ADA167920

Entities

People

  • Charles T. Crenshaw Iii

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Artillery
  • Artillery Fire
  • Case Studies
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Support
  • Employment
  • Guns
  • Helicopters
  • Howitzers
  • Indirect Fire
  • Machine Guns
  • Personnel Management
  • Small Arms
  • Training
  • Vietnam War
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design