A historical perspective on light infantry / by Scott R. McMichael.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

McMichael, Scott R. (Scott Ray), 1951-

Contributor:

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Series:

Research survey (Combat Studies Institute (U.S.)) ; no. 6.

Research survey / Combat Studies Institute ; no. 6

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Infantry drill and tactics.

Light infantry.

Military history, Modern--20th century.

Military history, Modern.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 239 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Fort Leavenworth, KS : U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, [1987]

Summary:

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.

Contents:

The Chindits

The Chinese communist forces in Korea

British operations in Malaya and Borneo, 1948-1966

The first special service force

The nature of light infantry.

Notes:

"September 1987."

Includes bibliographical references.

Print version record.

Electronic reproduction. [Place of publication not identified]: HathiTrust Digital Library. 2024.

Other Format:

Print version: McMichael, Scott R. (Scott Ray), 1951- Historical perspective on light infantry.

OCLC:

58436411

Access Restriction:

Use copy Restrictions unspecified