History provides many examples that can help define contem-porary concept$. Here is an attempt to define the ‘‘generic” lightinfantry and suggest possible training tasks.

ProverbsoftheLigh$ Infantry

Major Scott R. McMichael, US Army

LIGHT INFANTRY

WHAT exactly does the Army meanby the term “light infantry”?

What is the difference between light in-fantry and reg-dar infantry? Is light in-fantry merely regular infantry made lightby stripping away its heavy equipmentandvebicles, or is it sometbingquitedlf-ferent in terms of tacticrd style, attitudesand utility?

Surveying the official literature on thelight division, one is hard put to avoid theconclusion that our Army leadership istakhg the view that light infantry isnotbing more than regular infantry madelight for the overriding purpose ofstrategic mobility. A number of facts sup-port thfs conclusion. First, theinitial de-sign parameters for the division focusedon restrictions on size, not operationalemployment. The force designers of thenew light division labored under threebasic parameters:

e A lo,ooo-man personnel ceiling.e A deployability limit of 500 or less

C141 sorties.e A requirement for the division to

have nine battalion maneuver elements.The Army’s emphasis on lightness in

terms of size and equipment is aleoreflected in tbe decision to eventually fielda totrd of five divieions (including Na-tional Guard/Reserve) and in the draftdoctrine tentatively approved for itsemployment. Field Circuler 71-10l, LightInfantry Division Operations, specifiestactical missions for the light division atall three levels of warfare (low, mid andhigh-intensity).

In addition, most of the recent articleson the tactical usee of the light divisionconcern its commitment to the NorthAtlantic ‘heaty Organization as part of acorps which includes heavy divisions.Furthermore, a statement etill heard fre-quently regarding the utility of the lightdivision is that it is not being asked to do

anything that a regular infantry force isnot already supposed to be ready and ableto do. All of tbesedevelopments point tothe division as a multipurpose force, themost notable characteristic of which ie itsstrategic mobility, not its tactical utility.

Certainly, the Army has not i~ored thepeculirw tactical characteristics of thedivision. It has, after all, developed theLight Leaders Course end undertaken amuItitude of tests and studiee to deter-mine how to fight the division. But thehallmark of the division rimains itsstrategic lightness, not ite tacticallightness. This is an imbalance notdismissed lightly (not a pun), for I believethat it shows a lack of appreciation for thereel meaning of light infantry.

In contrast to the general American useof the term light infantry as regukm infan-try made light, there existe another inter-pretation, meetly European in its contextand origins, which is not tied to forcestructure or strategic mobility nearl~ sorigidly as it is in the United States. Thisarticle sheds light on this opposing con-cept and cites a Iiet of proverbs whichcharacterizes operations by what could bereferred to as “classic” light infantry.

There are three primary characteristicsof claseic light infantry which distinguishit from regular infantry:

e An attitude of self-reliance.e A propensity for improvisation and

flexibility.e A specific, common tactical style.The attitude of self-reliance is probably

the most significant of the three at-tributes since the others are founded on it.Self-reliance is based on high levels of self--confidence, discipline, trust, unit cohesionand a never-say-die approach to problems.It pi-esupposes the possession of highlydeveloped individual skills not usuallyfound in the regular infantry soldier.

Light infantrymen know that, no mat-

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ter what the situation, they can make doby turning the eituation to their advan-tage. Classic light infantry almost dis-dains logistics, believing that it is possi-ble to live in, on and off the lend and to usethe enemy’s supplies and weapons ifnecessary. Self-reliance transcends tin-favorable circumstances and finds a wayto accomplish the mission through in-novation, imagination and perseverance.

The light infantry’s attitude of self-reliance leads directly to a propensity for

flexibility and improvisation. The light in-fantry cannot afford a rigid approach totactical problems. Instead, light infantryseeks to respond quickly to then.gaturn-,ing its strengths against the enemy’sweaknesses in ways that the enemy doesnot expect. The light infantry leader im-provieee to accomplish his mission bychanging his tactics and organizationwhenever necessary. Old equipment isused in new ways, and new methods aredeveloped to meet a changing eituation.

LIGHT INFANTRY OPERATIONS

There exists a “light infantry attitude” whichcanbe describedina few characteristic words offensiveness. initiative, surprise,im-provisation and total self-reliance.

Light forces areundauntedby terrain.Terrain is viewed as a; al-ly, a combat multiplier for the light infantryman. Light forces meterrain-oriented.Very little terrainis impassableto truelight infsn-tw.

Light infantry does best when it lives on, in and off the land. Itmust be comfortable “in the bush.”

Good intelligence is vitaI to light infantry. Intelligence is ob-tained by the light infantry from every source from the nationallevel to theuse of local inhabitants,reconnaissanceandpatrolling.

Conventions tactics axeno good for light forces.

Historically, light infantry operationsare mountedat battafionlevel and lower. Light infantry operationsare highly dependentonsquad,platoon and company-levelactions.

Light forces need high-quality communication to coordinatedecentralizedefforts into a coherentwhole.

Dueto ageneralshortageof combatsupport,light forcesmustdoan excellentjob of combining arms when they have a chance.

Light infantry forcee mustbe mastersof improvisation, familimwith all kinds of weapons,vehicles, landing craft, and so forth.

Light infantry forces makeuseof whatever is at handto improvetheir combat capabilities.

Native irregukmforces are often used in support of the lig$t in-fantry.

Light infantry must remain flexible in mind and action, capableof reacting quickly.

When a light infantryman rises from Kle eleep, he is ready tofight.

Light infantrymen reIy on camouflage.

Against heavy enemy forces, the light infantry always requiresagreat deal of augmentation.

September

,:

LIGHTINFANTRY

Li=ht infantrv is light of foot, so to sDeak.an’d light andquic~of mind as wel~Thelight infantry uses improvisation andflexibility as a combat multiplier, therebyfrequently achieving a psychological ad-vantage over an enemy which may out-man it and outgun it.

Not surprisingly, self-reliance, improvi-sation and flexibility produce a uniquetacticrd style. the key features of whichare surpn”se, stealth, shock and offen-siueness. Tbe light infantry rdwaye seeks

toretein theinitiative to keep the enemyoff-balance. Light infantry operates mostfrequently at night and uses tbe terrain athand to full advantage. Light infantry isterrain-oriented and is able to switch oper,ations from one type of terrain to enotherwithout paralysis of the mind. Moreover,in combat, the light infantry is logistics-conscious but not logistics-dependent.Light infantry relieeon superior tactics,not superior firepower, to win the battle.

This short discussion barely scratches

Light infantrymen must be abIe to climb, crawl, swim, ski,snowshoe,rappel, stalk, run andhlde.

Light infantrymen mustbe able marksmen,proficient in the usearrdmaintenanceof many weapons.

Light forces rely onpioneerskillsat all levels, beginning with thesquad, to properly exploit terrain.

Ranger standardsof land navigation area must for light forces.

Light infantry rarely usesroads or trails

Light infsntry forces left in combat theaters for long inevitablybecomebsavier due to the acquisitionof heavier weapons,PIUSanincreasedlogistics structure,

Light infantry appreciatesheavy fire supportwhenit is availablebut is not dependent on it.

Physical conditioning and mental strength we absolutemusts.

THE OFFENSE

Light forces may be deployed at the operationallevel of war, butthey always fight at the tacticallevel. Light forces think at the tac- itical level.

%.

True light infantry loves the night. Light forces fight at nightand h]de during the day. ‘7

Light infantry attacks violently and suddenly on two or,more 1axes, seeking the flanks and rear of the enemy.

Attacks are conducted fiercely and tenaciously against enemy fweaknesses,not strengthe.

Light forces attack, stripped for action. -1.T-

Lizht infantry creates a shock effect by the euddenneseandfierc&ess of their attacks.

Attacks are closely synchronized.

Light infantry always relies on surprise achieved through93stealth, deception, silenceand maneuveron foot.

~.~:i:.:,Light infantry always seeksto retain the initiative.

Light forcespracticerigorous fire dkcipline but,whennecessary,

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1985

.the surface of the issue. It does. however, fought in Borneo, Malaya and the Fafk- I

capture the essence of classic light infan- lands; and, to a lesser extent, the German

try. The proverbs which are listed here go airborne and mountain troops in World

into more detaif and, hopefully, clarify the War II. Although many of these proverbspicture somewhat further. They have apply equsfly well to regular infantry, as abeen gleaned from the close study of sev- group, they do a fair job of embodying the

end excelfent light infantry forces of the nature of classic light infantry as distinctrecent past. These include the Chindite of from regular infantry.Burma the US unit in Burma in World In conclusion, even though many ofWar II known as Galsbad: the Chinese these proverbs should he embraced by allCommunist Forces in the Korean Wan infantries, not just light infantry, historythe British expeditionary forces which has demonstrated the difficulty of incul.

they deliver intense fires on short duration to overwhehn theenemy.

Light infentty turns the enemy’s weaponsagainst him.

Light infantry forces conductrelentlesspursuit of enemy lightforces and irreguhmforces to destroy them in detail.

Light infantry offensive operations are characterizedby a highdegree of decentralization.

Light infant~ patrols relentlessly and aggressively ambushesthe enemy.

Light infantry sometimesdouble-timesinto battle.

The light infantry tracks, listens,locates,cuts off, raids andam-bushesthe enemy.

The enemy never knows where the light infantry is or when hewill attack.

Standing operatingproceduresareusedwidely by light forcesforquick, silent action.

Rehearsals, training. precombat briefings and shering of infor-mation to the lowest levels ars more commonamong light forces.

The infiltrating of Largeunitsof light infant~ is possiblein closeterrain end ie neceseary for successin major operations. Underthese conditions, light forces infiltrate to attack the rear, toestablishblockingpositionsandto createobstaclesin tbe path of aretreating enemy.

Hemd-to-handcombat i$ a required skill for tbe light infantry.

THE DEFENSE

Light forces can defend.but they are more suited to the offense.Defense can immobilize the light infantry, consumetoo mucham-munitionanddevelop rigidity of mind.These arethedangersof thedefense for tbe light infantry.

Light forcesmuetbe ableto disappearinto thegroundrapidly fordefense.

Light infantrymen must be good diggere and fact.

September

LIGHT INFANTRY

eating the light infantry virtue or style ex- specialty forces, particularly the Rangercept in small segments (usually elite ele- battaliona. The first step, however, is forrhents) of national armies. The US Army the Army to decide what it means by lightparticularly has a history of being tied to infantry. Isitmerely light infantry madeits logistic chain and has relied more on light by the absence of heavy equipment,firepower than on military art for its vic- or is it something more like what has beentories. described here? This is a queetion which

Let us aeeume that the new light divi- sbould be answered quickly, for it has asions should be trained in the classic light significant bearing on the training strat-infantry style. The Army may find it diffi- egy and leadership of our new light divi-cult to do so since it is a style with which sions.we are baeically unfamilim except for our

Light infantrymen must be masters of fortifications.

Light forces defend cmthe reverse slope.

Spoiling attacks are a frequsnt tactic of light forces.

Normally, light forces are ill-armed to defend against armoredvehicles, even in close terrain.

Light infantry counterattacksimmediately to retakelost key tsr-rsin or to hit the enemy’s rear and flank while he is attackkg.

The light infantryman is invisible andsilent in thedefenseby dayor by night.

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

True light infantrv is not tied to asupplyhne.Light infantrymendisdain logistics as animportant planning factor–thev canalways“make do “

Light forces can operate separated from their lines of com-municationshy depending on enemy and indigenoussupplies.

Light infantrymen can live off the land.

Light forces makemaximumuseof the indigenouspopulationforbearers,handlers,sorters, loaders, and so forth.

Light infantry frequently resuppliesat night.

The use of hehcopters,amphibiouscraft and like craft is vitsf tothe resupply of the light infantry.

Improvisation is a constant feature of light infantry logistics.

TECHNOLOGY

Weapons used by light forces must not impose a logisticalburden.

1f equipment cannot be manpackedor muleldonkey-packed,thelight infantry generally bas little use for it.

The helicopter is almost revolutionary in its effects on light forcemobility and logistical support.

The delivery of lightchanged over time, but

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infantrymen to the area of operations has -actions on the ground have changed tittle. “--’-%$- m

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MILITARY REVIEW

.Historicalfv, advantages in technolosw have not been the

deciding fac~orin light i; fantry operatiori;.

THEPOLITICALARENA

PoLiticalaction is often needed to support light infantr< opera-tions.

Light infantry pr~fits from a psychologicaloperationsedge andmust be prepared to use this advantage.

Cooperationbetween a light infantry security force and the Iocnlpolice and intelligence structureis essentialto success

The “hearts and minds” role in low-intensity conflict is one towhich the fight infantry normaUyis very sensitive.

LEADERSHIPLight infantry leadersaregenerallv of a higherqualitv thancon-

ventional infantrv leaders

Light infantry leader traits are imagination, flexibility. har-diness,endurance,confidence,improvisation, discipline.technicalexpertise, perseverance,and so forth.

Light leaders lead from the front. Consequently, they suffer ahigher ratio of casualtiesthan normal

Juniorofficers andnoncommissionedofficers mustpossessskdlsabove andbeyond thoseof the regularinfantry. These skillsincludedemolitions,artillery cnlk for fire, the usenf close air support andfamiliarity with foreign weaponsand foreign languages.

Teamwork andconfidenceineachotherme vital to light infantryoperations.

Courage without teamwork is of little vnlue.

Mnrale,esprit andspiritualpower areof highvafue to light infan.try operations.

Light infantrymen usuallyleave no casualtimon the battlefield.

Light infantrymen look to their leaders for clear voice instru-ctionsnnd thrive on the motivation of visually observing theirleaders in action.

A light infantry leader can dn everything a soldier can do and

Major Scott R McMzchae/ zs a resmrck fellowat the Combat Studies Instzru t.. USA CGSC,Fort Leavenworth. Kansas He recett,ed a B Afmm Davidson College and an M A from the

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;! .aUniuers~tv of Chzcwgo He sewed as S3, 1st Bat-talion, 22d Field Artdlerv. and dwzston rendinessoffice,and G3 Ope?atzons officer. Hmdquart.rs.Ist Ammr@dD&umon, Ansbach, West Ge~manv,H,. artzcle “The Battle of JaMv-Ktsb Erie,,” up.

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peared m the Jui,v 1985 \filitary Review

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