Accession Number:

ADA171504

Title:

The Operational Employment of the Light Infantry Division.

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis,

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Godwin,William A. , III

Report Date:

1986-06-02

Pagination or Media Count:

189.0

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to examine the operational employment of the light infantry division in contingency and reinforcement roles. Considerations for employment were identified from an analysis of doctrine, contemporary military thought, and three historical examples of the employment of light infantry. The historical examples used were the German invasion of Crete, the Falklands War, and the battle at Bastogne. Thoughts by MG Franz Uhle-Wettler, LTG John Galvin, Steve Canby, Edward Luttwak, and Michael Duffy provide an appraisal of the use of light infantry. This study found that there were many similarities in the employment of light forces despite differences in environment, threat, and time. Key similarities are operations in rugged terrain, close air support superiority, and significant artillery support. Light units habitually operated in small units and at night. Tactics are characterized by raids, ambush, and infiltration. These tactics enhance the use of light infantry in a contingency role at the tactical level.

Descriptors:

• *INFANTRY
• *DIVISION LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS
• *ARMY OPERATIONS
• MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• EMPLOYMENT
• ARMY PERSONNEL
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• BATTLEFIELDS
• THESES
• CONFLICT
• ROLES(BEHAVIOR)
• LOW INTENSITY

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE