Light Infantry in the Defense of Urban Europe.
Abstract
This monograph assesses whether the Light Infantry Division, in its current configuration, can conduct successful defensive MOUT operations against Soviet forces in Europe. The study first outlines the demographic trends in Western Europe and the documented light infantry missions which make MOUT operations inevitable in a future conflict. As background material an overview of Soviet offensive MOUT doctrine and capabilities is provided, followed by a review of U.S. defensive MOUT doctrine and experience. Lastly, four recent Middle East battles involving MOUT operations are reviewed: Jerusalem (1967), Suez City (1973), Khorramshahr (1980), and Beirut (1982). The study analyzes the Light Division in the areas of doctrine, training, organization, and equipment and among the conclusions drawn are the following: light force doctrine for employment of the covering force and reserves requires revision; a Light Force National Training Center is needed; a scarcity of engineers and engineer equipment will degrade defensive preparations; there is an urgent need for shoulder fired anti-tank and breaching weapons suited to employment in confined areas. The study concludes that although the Light Infantry Division suffers some shortcomings it is capable of conducting a successful MOUT defense in Europe, and that the nature of urban terrain actually helps to mitigate some deficiencies, as in the ares of ADA and armored transport. In conclusion, urban terrain is judged to be an environment where the Light Infantry Division can achieve success with less corps augmentation than is required in most other scenarios.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA192108
Entities
People
- Lloyd W. Sherfey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College