Tactical Methods for Combatting Insurgencies: Are U.S. Army Light Infantry Battalions Prepared
Abstract
This monograph assesses U.S. Army light infantry battalions training for conducting counterinsurgency operations. Military forces should be trained and ready for counterinsurgency warfare because they might be committed to fight in an insurgency. Army training doctrine requires units to identify their mission essential tasks and then train to execute those tasks. The light infantry battalions, mission essential task lists are analyzed to determine if training on those tasks prepares the infantry battalions to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The research methodology involved studying revolutionary warfare, historical experiences, counterinsurgency theory, and U. S. doctrine for combatting insurgencies. An analysis based on the nature of the insurgency and U.S. Army doctrine determines the criteria used to evaluate the mission essential tasks of the light infantry battalions. Although training on the light infantry battalions' mission essential tasks prepare those units for a conventional conflict, training on their mission essential tasks will not prepare those units for unconventional counterinsurgency warfare. The light infantry battalions need additional training on specified tasks and on the nature of insurgencies to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The current infantry battalions' mission essential task lists are not comprehensive for counterinsurgency operations. The battalions' mission essential task lists need additional tasks such as cordon and search, search and attack, area ambush, encirclement, movement security, civil military operations, and training of indigenous forces. U.S. Army light infantry battalions require extensive training prior to commitment into counterinsurgency warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 20, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA262607
Entities
People
- Gregory M. Heritage
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College