The Light Infantry Division and Counterguerrilla Operations: Organizational Fit or Mismatch?

Abstract

This monograph examines the suitability of the US Army Light Infantry Division's division-base structure to execute counterguerrilla doctrine. Since the adoption of AirLand Battle doctrine by the US Army in 1982, there has been an increasing call to move the US Army division base to the brigade and, in essence, fix the brigade structure with its own organic combat, combat support and combat service support structure. While there has considerable study of this proposal with regards to heavy brigades and divisions in mid- to high-intensity conflict, there has been little examination of the light infantry division and virtually none of low-intensity conflict. In light of this apparent void, this monograph analyzes brigade- vs. division-base organization for the light infantry division in one type of operation that appears to be applicable to light infantry employment across the conflict spectrum--counterguerrilla operations. Keywords: Infantry; Guerrilla warfare; Battles; Brigade level organizations; Counterinsurgency.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 14, 1989
Accession Number
ADA225422

Entities

People

  • Dennis C. Dimengo

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artillery
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Close Support
  • Combat Areas
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Support
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Doctrine
  • Military Intelligence
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Special Forces
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • History

Readers

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