Accession Number:

ADA184866

Title:

Combat Operations in Mountainous Terrain: Are United States Army Light Infantry Divisions Preparing Properly?

Descriptive Note:

Masters thesis,

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Richmond, Melvin E., Jr

Report Date:

1987-06-05

Pagination or Media Count:

123.0

Abstract:

This study explores the experiences of the Armys only World War II era divisional unit designed specifically for employment in mountainous terrain, the 10th Mountain Division. It examines the reasons for its activation, its organization, training, and combat performance. Using this as a historical precedence, it then analyzes the current training programs for operations in mountainous terrain. This thesis concludes that the Army leadership cannot ignore the peculiar requirements of combat in mountainous terrain. Rapid deployment forces, specifically light infantry divisions, must begin a concerted program of training in mountainous terrain. The problem is identified. Facilities are available for training. The risk of not beginning such a program is too high to ignore the problem any further.

Descriptors:

• *INFANTRY
• *COMBAT FORCES
• *MILITARY DOCTRINE
• *CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• *MILITARY TRAINING
• MOUNTAINS
• COMBAT READINESS
• COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS
• DIVISION LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• THESES

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE