Light Infantry in Airland Battle Future: Organizing for Success

Abstract

Abstract : This monograph proposes an appropriate organizational structure for light infantry brigades in support of the operational concept derived for AirLand Battle Future. The monograph first examines the current light infantry structure to discover insights to its organizational development and to provide a basis for later structural comparisons. Next, a short discussion of the significant world and national political and military trends sets the stage for an analysis of the AirLand Battle Future operational concept. AirLand Battle Future is presented as an operational concept and analyzed to determine future roles for the light infantry within that operational concept. A theoretically based set of criteria is then developed to evaluate alternative brigade force designs. This criteria is tested in an analysis of the current light brigade structure. Several alternative light brigade structures are evaluated using the criteria. The Light Regimental Combat Team is the proposed structure and answers the research question by suggesting an appropriate brigade structure for successful employment on the AirLand Battle Future battlefield.