Are Motorized Infantry Forces Essential to the United States Army?

The purpose of this monograph is to determine whether the need exists for a motorized infantry force. In 1980, a shortfall existed on our ground force projection capability. Our heavy forces lacked deployability and our light forces, although deployable, lacked tactical mobility and firepower. The Army Chief of Staff directed that a new force be developed to fill the gap between heavy and light force. The question remains whether motorized infantry forces are essential to the Army.