The Light Infantry Division Regionally Focused for Low Intensity Conflict

Abstract : This study examines the utility of regionally focusing a light infantry division to maximize its effectiveness for low intensity conflict (LIC) . The light infantry divisions (LID) are the US Army's most strategically deployable divisions and train for contingencies worldwide. This study first explores why the light infantry division currently exists within the US force structure and its relationship to the spectrum of conflict, especially low intensity conflict. This study concludes that the light infantry division should be tied directly to CINCs who are involved in low intensity conflict. CINCs could ensure that mission essential training tasks for the specific region are the priority, conditions, and standards for training tailored to the region, and distractors that are not regionally LIC related are eliminated. The end result is a light infantry division that is better prepared to support complex political-military contingencies. Keywords: Division level organizations, Army operations, Counterinsurgency, Low intensity conflict, Military forces (United States), Light infantry, Light infantry division, Infantry, Low intensity conflict, Guerrilla warfare, Counterinsurgency, Revolutionary warfare, Contingency operations, Foreign internal defense, Joint strategic capabilities plan, Combatant commanders, Latin America. (rj)