Organizational Design of Light Forces: A Structure for all Seasons
Abstract
This monograph examines whether or not the structure of the current U.S. Army Light Infantry Division is consistent with the demands presented by deployment and employment across the broad spectrum of conflict. The U.S. Army has expended a significant amount of its constrained resources to build the light infantry divisions. Research clearly indicates that the divisions are becoming all purpose forces, and are being simultaneously challenged with missions in the Low-, Mid-, and High-intensity Conflict arenas. At the same time, they are the target of considerable debate because of a multitude of concerns. They are often viewed as too light, dependent upon tremendous amounts of augmentation and support, not survivable, and the cause of reduced capability in other sectors of the Army's force structure. This paper concludes that there is a valid need for rapidly deployable light infantry forces in all levels of the spectrum of conflict, but that the appropriate structure is a separate infantry brigade (light) capable of absorbing, commanding, and controlling mission specific augmentation and support. The methodology includes the following: A brief overview of the Army 86, Army of Excellence, and AirLand Battle contributions to the development of the present light infantry division.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA211014
Entities
People
- Harry A. Tomlin
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College