The Infantry Division (Light): Did We Read the History Book?

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA182783 | Open PDF

Abstract:

In April 1982 the leadership of the United States Army announced that its two standard infantry divisions would be reduced to approximately 10,000 soldiers, restructured Light Infantry Divisions and that three additional Light Divisions would be created. This paper traces the Armys development and testing of Light divisions during the World War II period. The 1980s version of the Light Division is compared with its 1960 forerunner and it appears that many of the deficiencies which caused the earlier division to be rejected exist in the Modern Light Division. Questions remain as to the tactical and strategic value of having Light Infantry divisions in the Armys force structure. Author

Author(s):
Thompson, Gerald E.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
Descriptive Note:
Student essay
Pagination:
0019

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
AWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_JCA_4.1.2_Sustain the Force; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_4_Logistics
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
*INFANTRY, *DIVISION LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS, MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES), LEADERSHIP, HISTORY, ARMY
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Forces and Organizations
Keyword(s):
*LIGHT INFANTRY DIVISIONS, WORLD WAR 2
Report Date:
1987 Mar 23