Not Light Enough to Get There Not Heavy Enough to Win

<p>The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the concept for employment of our light infantry forces. Since 1979 there have been numerous articles and studies written on this subject. There is little agreement however as the how the light forces should be employed across the spectrum of conflict. Their primary orientation is toward low intensity conflict but in fact the emphasis is on the mid to high intensity spectrum. This paper begins with a discussion of previous efforts to create light infantry divisions. It then addresses our ability to deploy light forces their augmentation tactical employment and training. Once these points are established an analysis is made of the decision logic which added light infantry divisions to the force structure. The conclusion of the paper is that our light infantry divisions were not designed to fulfill an operational requirement which in turn explains the resulting confusion over their proper employment. It appears that political concerns and budgetary constraints influenced the decision to create our light forces. What we now have is a force that is neither small enough to be strategically deployable nor heavy enough even if properly augmented to fight and win in the mid to high intensity spectrum. Our light division appears to be regarded as a general purpose force. This role requires a force that can survive in a wide range of environments. It should have the organic components of combat power mobility survivability firepower and the sustainability to allow it to get there and win. We need to recognize the rationale that led to the design of the light division and view the present organization as the planning base for an evolutionary process of change.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>