Too Light To Fight? Considerations for the Light FSB in Support of the Light-Heavy Brigade

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the ability of the light forward support battalion (FSB) to support a task organized light-heavy brigade. The idea of mixing light and heavy forces at the brigade level is not new, but little has been written about the support needs of a mixed force. This paper begins with a discussion of the history of the 10th Mountain Division (Light) in World War II and moves forward to the same division during exercise Return of Forces to Germany (REFORGER), January, 1990. REFORGER 90 served as a test for mixing light and heavy forces at the division level and was followed by National Training Center (NTC) rotation 90-8 (April-May, 1990) which assessed the mixing of light and heavy forces at the brigade level. The lessons of NTC rotation 90-8 and REFORGER 90 are examined to identify common ground. The link between the two exercises was the need for a change in light division sustainment structure.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 13, 1991
Accession Number
ADA258096

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  • Kevin A. Leonard

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  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

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