Search and Attack: Just a Technique for Movement to Contact or a Distinct Doctrinal Mission?

This monograph attempts to recapture the tactics, techniques, and procedures for search and attack operations which Americans learned in past conflicts. Since the re-introduction of light infantry into the U.S. Armys force structure in the mid-80s, light battalions have struggled in executing the mission essential task to conduct search and attack. By classifying search and attack simply as another technique for movement to contact, the emerging FM 7-20 Aug 1991, Approved Final Draft lumps planning considerations together and causes confusion in the field. The monograph first reviews the doctrinal life- cycle of search and attack since 1965. Then utilizing the seven battlefield operating systems, the monograph compares the doctrine for both movement to contact and search and attack. Then, historical analysis is drawn from the Philippine Insurgency 1899-1902, World War II 1941-1945, and the Vietnam Conflict 1965-1973. As with the doctrine, this historical analysis is considered in light of the battlefield operating systems.