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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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 Brigade: A History, Its Organization and Employment in the US Army

2004
The Brigade: A History, Its Organization and Employment in the US Army
Author:
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
Total Pages: 251
Release: 2004
Genre:
ISBN: 1428910220
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This work provides an organizational history of the maneuver brigade and case studies of its employment throughout the various wars. Apart from the text, the appendices at the end of the work provide a ready reference to all brigade organizations used in the Army since 1917 and the history of the brigade colors.

British Light Infantry in the American Revolution

2021-02-18
British Light Infantry in the American Revolution
Author: Robbie MacNiven
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 65
Release: 2021-02-18
Genre: History
ISBN: 1472842502
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During the Seven Years' War (1755–63), a number of independent light-infantry outfits served under British command and dedicated light companies were added to the British Army's regular infantry battalions. The light companies were disbanded after the war but the prominent role played by light infantry was not forgotten, and in 1771–72 light-infantry companies were reinstated in every regiment in the British Isles. Although William Howe formed a training camp at Salisbury in 1774 specifically to practise light-infantry doctrine, the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775 found the British Army wanting, and the light companies were no different. After evacuating Boston in March 1776, Howe began to remodel and drill his army at Halifax, standardizing lighter uniform and emphasizing more open-order tactics. He also brigaded his light companies together into composite battalions, which went on to fight in almost every major engagement during the American Revolution. They spearheaded British assaults, using night-time surprise and relying upon the bayonet in engagements such as Paoli and Old Tappan. They also matched their regular and irregular opponents in bush-fighting, and at times fought in far-flung detachments alongside Native American and Loyalist allies on the frontier. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the formation, uniform, equipment, doctrines and tactics of these elite light infantry companies and battalions, and considers how, over the course of the war they developed a fearsome reputation, and exemplified the psychological characteristics exhibited by crack military units across history.