History provides many examples that can help define contem-

porary concept$. Here is an attempt to define the ‘‘generic” light

infantry and suggest possible training tasks.

Proverbs
ofthe
Ligh$ Infantry
Major Scott R. McMichael, US Army

W HAT exactly does the Army mean
by the term “light infantry”?
What is the difference between light in-
fantry and reg-dar infantry? Is light in-
fantry merely regular infantry made light
by stripping away its heavy equipment
andvebicles, or is it sometbingquitedlf-
ferent in terms of tacticrd style, attitudes
and utility?
Surveying the official literature on the
light division, one is hard put to avoid the
conclusion that our Army leadership is
takhg the view that light infantry is
notbing more than regular infantry made
light for the overriding purpose of
strategic mobility. A number of facts sup-
port thfs conclusion. First, theinitial de-
sign parameters for the division focused
on restrictions on size, not operational
employment. The force designers of the
new light division labored under three
basic 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 aleo
reflected in tbe decision to eventually field
a totrd of five divieions (including Na-
tional Guard/Reserve) and in the draft
doctrine tentatively approved for its
employment. Field Circuler 71-10 l, Light
Infantry Division Operations, specifies
tactical missions for the light division at
all three levels of warfare (low, mid and
high-intensity).
In addition, most of the recent articles
on the tactical usee of the light division
concern its commitment to the North
Atlantic ‘heaty Organization as part of a
corps which includes heavy divisions.
Furthermore, a statement etill heard fre-
quently regarding the utility of the light
division is that it is not being asked to do
LIGHT INFANTRY
anything that a regular infantry force is
not already supposed to be ready and able
to do. All of tbesedevelopments point to
the division as a multipurpose force, the
most notable characteristic of which ie its
strategic mobility, not its tactical utility.
Certainly, the Army has not i~ored the
peculirw tactical characteristics of the
division. It has, after all, developed the
Light Leaders Course end undertaken a
muItitude of tests and studiee to deter-
mine how to fight the division. But the
hallmark of the division rimains its
strategic lightness, not ite tactical
lightness. This is an imbalance not
dismissed lightly (not a pun), for I believe
that it shows a lack of appreciation for the
reel meaning of light infantry.
In contrast to the general American use
of the term light infantry as regukm infan-
try made light, there existe another inter-
pretation, meetly European in its context
and origins, which is not tied to force
structure or strategic mobility nearl~ so
rigidly as it is in the United States. This
article sheds light on this opposing con-
cept and cites a Iiet of proverbs which
characterizes operations by what could be
referred to as “classic” light infantry.
There are three primary characteristics
of claseic light infantry which distinguish
it 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 cohesion
and a never-say-die approach to problems.
It pi-esupposes the possession of highly
developed individual skills not usually
found in the regular infantry soldier.
Light infantrymen know that, no mat-
23
MILITARY REVIEW

ter what the situation, they can make do
by 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 use
the enemy’s supplies and weapons if
necessary. Self-reliance transcends tin-
favorable circumstances and finds a way
to 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 to
tactical problems. Instead, light infantry
seeks to respond quickly to then.ga turn-,
ing its strengths against the enemy’s
weaknesses in ways that the enemy does
not expect. The light infantry leader im-
provieee to accomplish his mission by
changing his tactics and organization
whenever necessary. Old equipment is
used in new ways, and new methods are
developed to meet a changing eituation.

LIGHT INFANTRY OPERATIONS

There exists a “light infantry attitude” whichcan be describedin
a few characteristic words offensiveness. initiative, surprise,im-
provisation and total self-reliance.
Light forces are undauntedby terrain. Terrain is viewed as a; al-
ly, a combat multiplier for the light infantryman. Light forces me
terrain-oriented.Very little terrain is impassableto true light infsn-
tw.
Light infantry does best when it lives on, in and off the land. It
must 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 national
level to the use of local inhabitants,reconnaissanceand patrolling.
Conventions tactics axeno good for light forces.
Historically, light infantry operations are mounted at battafion
level and lower. Light infantry operationsare highly dependenton
squad, platoon and company-levelactions.
Light forces need high-quality communication to coordinate
decentralized efforts into a coherent whole.
Due to a general shortageof combat support,light forces mustdo
an excellentjob of combining arms when they have a chance.
Light infantry forcee must be masters of improvisation, familim
with all kinds of weapons, vehicles, landing craft, and so forth.
Light infantry forces make useof whatever is at hand to improve
their combat capabilities.
Native irregukmforces are often used in support of the lig$t in-
fantry.
Light infantry must remain flexible in mind and action, capable
of reacting quickly.
When a light infantryman rises from Kle eleep, he is ready to
fight.
Light infantrymen reIy on camouflage.
Against heavy enemy forces, the light infantry always requiresa
great deal of augmentation.

September

,:
 LIGHTINFANTRY

Li=ht infantrv is light of foot, so to sDeak.
an’d light andquic~of mind as wel~The
light infantry uses improvisation and
flexibility as a combat multiplier, thereby
frequently 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 unique
tacticrd style. the key features of which
are surpn”se, stealth, shock and offen-
siueness. Tbe light infantry rdwaye seeks
toretein theinitiative to keep the enemy
off-balance. Light infantry operates most
frequently at night and uses tbe terrain at
hand to full advantage. Light infantry is
terrain-oriented and is able to switch oper,
ations from one t ype of terrain to enother
without 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 must be able marksmen,proficient in the use
arrdmaintenanceof many weapons.
Light forces rely on pioneerskills at all levels, beginning with the
squad, to properly exploit terrain.
Ranger standards of land navigation area must for light forces.
Light infantry rarely uses roads or trails
Light infsntry forces left in combat theaters for long inevitably
become bsavier due to the acquisitionof heavier weapons,PIUSan
increasedlogistics structure,
Light infantry appreciatesheavy fire supportwhen it is available
but is not dependent on it.
Physical conditioning and mental strength we absolutemusts.
THE OFFENSE
Light forces may be deployed at the operationallevel of war, but
they always fight at the tacticallevel. Light forces think at the tac- %. i
tical level.
True light infantry loves the night. Light forces fight at night
and h]de during the day. ‘7
Light infantry attacks violently and suddenly on two or,more 1
axes, seeking the flanks and rear of the enemy.
Attacks are conducted fiercely and tenaciously against enemy f
weaknesses,not strengthe.
-1
.T-
Light forces attack, stripped for action.
Lizht infantry creates a shock effect by the euddenneseand
fierc&ess of their attacks.
Attacks are closely synchronized.
Light infantry always relies on surprise achieved through 93
stealth, deception, silenceand maneuver on foot.
Light infantry always seeks to retain the initiative.
~.~:i:.:,
Light forces practicerigorous fire dkcipline but, when necessary,
- ---
1985

the surface of the issue. It does. however,
capture the essence of classic light infan-
try. The proverbs which are listed here go
into more detaif and, hopefully, clarify the
picture somewhat further. They have
been gleaned from the close study of sev-
end excelfent light infantry forces of the
recent past. These include the Chindite of
Burma the US unit in Burma in World
War II known as Galsbad: the Chinese
Communist Forces in the Korean Wan
the British expeditionary forces which
.
fought in Borneo, Malaya and the Fafk- I
lands; and, to a lesser extent, the German
airborne and mountain troops in World
War II. Although many of these proverbs
apply equsfly well to regular infantry, as a
group, they do a fair job of embodying the
nature of classic light infantry as distinct
from regular infantry.
In conclusion, even though many of
these proverbs should he embraced by all
infantries, not just light infantry, history
has demonstrated the difficulty of incul.

they deliver intense fires on short duration to overwhehn the

enemy.
Light infentty turns the enemy’s weapons against him.
Light infantry forces conduct relentless pursuit of enemy light
forces and irreguhmforces to destroy them in detail.
Light infantry offensive operations are characterized by a high
degree of decentralization.
Light infant~ patrols relentlessly and aggressively ambushes
the enemy.
Light infantry sometimesdouble-timesinto battle.
The light infantry tracks, listens,locates,cuts off, raids and am-
bushesthe enemy.
The enemy never knows where the light infantry is or when he
will attack.
Standing operating proceduresare usedwidely by light forcesfor
quick, silent action.
Rehearsals, training. precombat briefings and shering of infor-
mation to the lowest levels ars more common among light forces.
The infiltrating of Largeunits of light infant~ is possiblein close
terrain end ie neceseary for successin major operations. Under
these conditions, light forces infiltrate to attack the rear, to
establishblocking positionsand to create obstaclesin tbe path of a
retreating 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 much am-
munitionand develop rigidity of mind.These are the dangers of the
defense for tbe light infantry.
Light forces muet be able to disappearinto the ground rapidly for
defense.
Light infantrymen must be good diggere and fact.

September
 LIGHT INFANTRY

eating the light infantry virtue or style ex-
cept in small segments (usually elite ele-
rhents) of national armies. The US Army
particularly has a history of being tied to
its logistic chain and has relied more on
firepower than on military art for its vic-
tories.
Let us aeeume that the new light divi-
sions should be trained in the classic light
infantry style. The Army may find it diffi-
cult to do so since it is a style with which
we are baeically unfamilim except for our
specialty forces, particularly the Ranger
battaliona. The first step, however, is for
the Army to decide what it means by light
infantry. Isitmerely light infantry made
light by the absence of heavy equipment,
or is it something more like what has been
described here? This is a queetion which
sbould be answered quickly, for it has a
significant bearing on the training strat-
egy and leadership of our new light divi-
sions.

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 armored
vehicles, even in close terrain.
Light infantry counterattacksimmediately to retake lost key tsr-
rsin or to hit the enemy’s rear and flank while he is attackkg.
The light infantryman is invisible and silent in the defenseby day
or by night.
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
True light infantrv is not tied to a supply hne. Light infantrymen
disdain logistics as an important planning factor–thev can always
“make do “
Light forces can operate separated from their lines of com-
municationshy depending on enemy and indigenous supplies.
Light infantrymen can live off the land.
Light forces make maximumuseof the indigenouspopulationfor
bearers, handlers, sorters, loaders, and so forth.
Light infantry frequently resuppliesat night.
The use of hehcopters,amphibiouscraft and like craft is vitsf to
the resupply of the light infantry.
Improvisation is a constant feature of light infantry logistics.
TECHNOLOGY
Weapons used by light forces must not impose a logistical
burden.
1f equipment cannot be manpacked or muleldonkey-packed,the
light infantry generally bas little use for it.
The helicopter is almost revolutionary in its effects on light force
mobility and logistical support.
The delivery of light infantrymen to the area of operations has -
changed over time, but actions on the ground have changed tittle. “--’-%$- m

~-”
19s5

*
MILITARY REVIEW
.
Historicalfv, advantages in technolosw have not been the
deciding fac~orin light i; fantry operatiori;.
THEPOLITICAL
ARENA
PoLiticalaction is often needed to support light infantr< opera-
tions.
Light infantry pr~fits from a psychological operationsedge and
must be prepared to use this advantage.
Cooperation between a light infantry security force and the Iocnl
police and intelligence structureis essentialto success
The “hearts and minds” role in low-intensity conflict is one to
which the fight infantry normaUyis very sensitive.
LEADERSHIP
Light infantry leaders are generallv of a higher qualitv than con-
ventional infantrv leaders
Light infantry leader traits are imagination, flexibility. har-
diness, endurance,confidence,improvisation, discipline.technical
expertise, perseverance,and so forth.
Light leaders lead from the front. Consequently, they suffer a
higher ratio of casualtiesthan normal
Juniorofficers and noncommissionedofficers must possessskdls
above and beyond thoseof the regularinfantry. These skillsinclude
demolitions, artillery cnlk for fire, the use nf close air support and
familiarity with foreign weapons and foreign languages.
Teamwork and confidencein eachother me vital to light infantry
operations.
Courage without teamwork is of little vnlue.
Mnrale,esprit and spiritualpower are of high vafue to light infan.
try operations.
Light infantrymen usuallyleave no casualtim on the battlefield.
Light infantrymen look to their leaders for clear voice instru-
ctionsnnd thrive on the motivation of visually observing their
leaders in action.
A light infantry leader can dn everything a soldier can do and

Major Scott R McMzchae/ zs a resmrck fellow

at the Combat Studies Instzru t.. USA CGSC,
Fort Leavenworth. Kansas He recett,ed a B A
fmm Davidson College and an M A from the ;! .a
Uniuers~tv of Chzcwgo He sewed as S3, 1st Bat-
talion, 22d Field Artdlerv. and dwzston rendiness
office,and G3 Ope?atzons officer. Hmdquart.rs.
Ist Ammr@dD&um on, Ansbach, West Ge~manv, &
H,. artzcle “The Battle of JaMv-Ktsb Erie,,” up. x
peared m the Jui,v 1985 \filitary Review

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