A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry

1987
A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry
Author: Scott Ray McMichael
Publisher:
Total Pages: 258
Release: 1987
Genre: Infantry
ISBN:
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This study seeks to clarify the nature of light infantry. General characteristics of light infantry forces are identified, and an analysis of how light forces operate tactically and how they are supported is presented. In the process, the relationship of the light infantry ethic to its organization is evaluated, and the differences between light infantry and conventional infantry is illuminated. For the purpose of this study, the term conventional infantry refers to modern-day motorized and mechanized infantry and to the large dismounted infantry forces typical of the standard infantry divisions of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The study concludes that light infantry is unique and distinct. A light infantry ethic exits and manifests itself in a distinctive tactical style, in a special attitude toward the environment, in a freedom from dependence on fixed lines of communication, and in a strong propensity for self-reliance. The study is based on a historical analysis of 4 light infantry forces employed during and since World War II: The Chindits, in the 1944 Burma campaign against the Japanese; The Chinese communist Forces during the Korean War; British operations in Malaya and Borneo 1948-66; and the First Special Service Force in the mountains of Italy 1942-44. -- Page [2] of cover.

A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry

1987
A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry
Author: Scott Ray McMichael
Publisher:
Total Pages: 264
Release: 1987
Genre: Infantry
ISBN:
GET BOOK

This study seeks to clarify the nature of light infantry. General characteristics of light infantry forces are identified, and an analysis of how light forces operate tactically and how they are supported is presented. In the process, the relationship of the light infantry ethic to its organization is evaluated, and the differences between light infantry and conventional infantry is illuminated. For the purpose of this study, the term conventional infantry refers to modern-day motorized and mechanized infantry and to the large dismounted infantry forces typical of the standard infantry divisions of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The study concludes that light infantry is unique and distinct. A light infantry ethic exits and manifests itself in a distinctive tactical style, in a special attitude toward the environment, in a freedom from dependence on fixed lines of communication, and in a strong propensity for self-reliance. The study is based on a historical analysis of 4 light infantry forces employed during and since World War II: The Chindits, in the 1944 Burma campaign against the Japanese; The Chinese communist Forces during the Korean War; British operations in Malaya and Borneo 1948-66; and the First Special Service Force in the mountains of Italy 1942-44. -- p. [2] of cover.

A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry

2010-12-01
A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry
Author: Scott R. McMichael
Publisher: www.Militarybookshop.CompanyUK
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2010-12-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781780390048
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The real nature of the term "light infantry" has been subject to much debate. Is it mainly a function of its organization, operating without organic, heavy equipment and, except for its resultant mobility, equivalent to conventional infantry? Or is light infantry a matter of attitude and style, viewing itself as uniquely fleet, nimble, and resourceful and using tactics based on this perception? "A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry" views light infantry as unique and distinct, with its own ethic and tactical style. Yet because no standard light infantry force exists, the book takes a case study approach, with the examples chosen to reflect diversity of size, organization, and purpose. The case studies include: The Chindits of World War II and their exploits behind Japanese lines in Burma; Chinese Communist Forces in the Korean war, using the philosophy of "man over weapons"; British operations in Malaya and Borneo from 1948 to 1966; The First Special Service Force (FSSF), an elite force trained in amphibious and mounted warfare and used in Italy during World War II. This study brings into greater focus the ethic of light infantry forces; the principles that govern its organization, training, deployment, tactics, support, logistics, and leadership; and the role of technology. It also highlights the problems and vulnerabilities of such troops. Strategists, historians, and military history buffs alike can benefit from the examples and analyses in "A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry." Originally published in 1987. 258 pages. ill.

Infantry in Battle

1934
Infantry in Battle
Author: Infantry School (U.S.)
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
Total Pages: 428
Release: 1934
Genre: Infantry drill and tactics
ISBN: 1428916911
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The Light Infantry Ball

1959
The Light Infantry Ball
Author: Hamilton Basso
Publisher: Garden City, N.Y. Doubleday 1959.
Total Pages: 488
Release: 1959
Genre: Confederate States of America
ISBN:
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Influential family of Pompey's Head during the critical years of the Secession and the fall of the South.

Light Infantry

2010-06
Light Infantry
Author: Scott R. McMichael
Publisher: Nimble Books
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2010-06
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781608880713
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The U.S. Army's commitment to light divisions is testimony to the importance of light infantry in modern war. The continuing usefulness of light forces goes beyond their ease of deployment. Light infantry exemplifies a state of mind that reveals itself in a unique tactical style, versatility, and elan that are so vital in battle. While the structure of light infantry makes it admirably equipped to fight in restricted terrain, it operates at considerable disadvantage in areas more suited to heavy forces. As with any military organization, commanders must consider both the capabilities and limitations of light infantry before committing it to battle. Major Scott R, McMichael provides a valuable historical perspective for understanding the characteristics, organization, and operations of light infantry forces. Major McMichael's Research Survey examines four light infantry forces operating in varying settings: the Chindits in the 1944 Burma campaign against the Japanese: the Chinese Communist Forces during the Korean War; British operations in Malaya and Borneo from 1948 to 1966: and the First Special Service Force in its battles in the mountains of Itali during World War II. These examples are diverse in terms of time, areas of operations, and opposing forces, yet they reveal common characteristics of light forces and their operations. A Historical Perspective on Light Infantry is based on extensive research in primary and secondary historical sources. The author has uncovered numerous doctrinal and operational manuals and reports and has gone beyond them to explore the more personal side of light infantry operations. This study is both fascinating reading and a valuable historica, analysis of the capabilities and limitations of light infantry when faced with the test of battle.

The Evolution of US Army Tactical Doctrine, 1946-76

1979
The Evolution of US Army Tactical Doctrine, 1946-76
Author: Robert A. Doughty
Publisher:
Total Pages: 68
Release: 1979
Genre: Military art and science
ISBN:
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This paper focuses on the formulation of doctrine since World War II. In no comparable period in history have the dimensions of the battlefield been so altered by rapid technological changes. The need for the tactical doctrines of the Army to remain correspondingly abreast of these changes is thus more pressing than ever before. Future conflicts are not likely to develop in the leisurely fashions of the past where tactical doctrines could be refined on the battlefield itself. It is, therefore, imperative that we apprehend future problems with as much accuracy as possible. One means of doing so is to pay particular attention to the business of how the Army's doctrine has developed historically, with a view to improving methods of future development.

The Other End of the Spear

2011-09-16
The Other End of the Spear
Author: John J. Mcgrath
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 121
Release: 2011-09-16
Genre: History
ISBN: 1105056155
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This book looks at several troop categories based on primary function and analyzes the ratio between these categories to develop a general historical ratio. This ratio is called the Tooth-to-Tail Ratio. McGrath's study finds that this ratio, among types of deployed US forces, has steadily declined since World War II, just as the nature of warfare itself has changed. At the same time, the percentage of deployed forces devoted to logistics functions and to base and life support functions have increased, especially with the advent of the large-scale of use of civilian contractors. This work provides a unique analysis of the size and composition of military forces as found in historical patterns. Extensively illustrated with charts, diagrams, and tables. (Originally published by the Combat Studies Institute Press)