Light Infantry Division Assessment

Abstract

After the Vietnam conflict the Army prepared a force that could fight and win in central Europe. Army senior leadership recognized the need for a more flexible capability to meet other worldwide contingencies. To meet the Chief of Staff of the Army guidance, the light division was designed to be no larger than 10,000 soldiers and capable of deploying in 500 C-141B sorties. This paper addresses the light infantry division's strategic role, operational employment and the unique characteristics of light infantry forces. It will make assessments on some of the capabilities and limitations of the light infantry division. The light force can be an important combat multiplier and formidable offensive force when employed by enlightened commanders.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 02, 1990
Accession Number
ADA223405

Entities

People

  • Zannie O. Smith

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Battlefields
  • Central Europe
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Deployment
  • Employment
  • Environment
  • Europe
  • Logistics
  • Low Intensity Conflict
  • Training
  • United States
  • Urban Areas
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation