Combat Operations in Mountainous Terrain: Are United States Army Light Infantry Divisions Preparing Properly?

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of the Army's only World War II era divisional unit designed specifically for employment in mountainous terrain, the 10th Mountain Division. It examines the reasons for its activation, its organization, training, and combat performance. Using this as a historical precedence, it then analyzes the current training programs for operations in mountainous terrain. This thesis concludes that the Army leadership cannot ignore the peculiar requirements of combat in mountainous terrain. Rapid deployment forces, specifically light infantry divisions, must begin a concerted program of training in mountainous terrain. The problem is identified. Facilities are available for training. The risk of not beginning such a program is too high to ignore the problem any further.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 05, 1987
Accession Number
ADA184866

Entities

People

  • Melvin E. Richmond Jr

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artillery
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Readiness
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Geography
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military History
  • Military Science
  • Personnel Management
  • Recruiting
  • Second World War
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation