Date Updated: 03 April 2005

INFANTRY OPERATIONS

CHARACTERISTICS

The Infantry Battalion (Light) is the light infantry division's dose combat
maneuver force. It is composed of foot mobile fighters, who are organized,
equipped and trained to conduct effective combat actions against light enemy
forces, however, it also has the capability of defeating heavy forces in close
terrain especially when augmented with additional anti armor weapons. The
Battalion is designed for employment at all intensity levels of conflict, in all
types o1 local weather and terrain and in any visibility condition.
The battalion is rapidly deployable. It is light enough to enable it to
respond quickly to situations anywhere in the country. The personnel and
equipment of one (1) company can be airlifted by one (1) C-130 aircraft.
The Infantry Battalion (Light) has limited tactical mobility due to its limited
organic vehicles. The battalion has light vehicles only and relies on the Brigade'
and Division Headquarters for medium and heavy lift transportation. It has no
logistical base for extended self-sustenance.
The battalion has a high foxhole strength. It also has a high leader to led
ratio that greatly increases small unit combat effectiveness. The battalion will
still function effectively even if 20% of its personnel strength are ineffective.
The Infantry Battalion (Light) has a Headquarters and Headquarters
Company (HHC) and three rifle companies The HHC contains the command
and control, combat service support and combat support elements.

MISSION
To close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver to destroy or
capture him or repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack, to
conduct stability operations in an internal defense and internal development
environment.

CAPABILITIES

A. The Infantry Battalion (Light) can:

1. Provide a base of fire and maneuver elements.

2. Seize and hold terrain
3. Conduct independent operations,
4. Provide limited heavy anti-tank fire support.
5. Provide mortar fire support for organic and attached units.
6. Conduct long range patrols,
7. Operate in conjunction with heavy forces.
8. Participate in air assault operation.
9. Participate in amphibious operations
10. Maneuver in all types of terrain and weather condition.

348
 11. Participate in counterinsurgency operations
12. Provide unit level health service support for battalion and
attached unit.
13. Provide unit level maintenance of organic equipment

B. The Infantry Battalion (Light) depends on the Brigade/Division

Headquarters for:

1. Heavy lift transportation.

2. Artillery fire support.
3. Engineer support.
4. Higher level maintenance of equipment.
5. Dental services.

ASSIGNMENT:

Organic to Infantry Division

(Light)

CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT

The Infantry Battalion (Light) is designed for rapid deployment

missions. It can be deployed to any part of the country in response to any
contingency.

The Battalion may be employed with minimal external

support in a variety of scenarios. However, it will usually be deployed as
part of Brigade with the attendant of combat support and combat service
support from Brigade/Division support units.
The Infantry Battalion (Light) is normally employed against
light forces. However, it can also be used to confront heavy forces in
certain situations. The Battalion is extremely effective when operating in
areas that would be unfavorable to heavy forces where the advantages
of enemy armor and vehicular mobility are diminished. The Battalion's
strength is in fighting in rough, restrictive terrain such as forests, jungles
and urban areas.
When deployed in a hostile environment, the Infantry Battalion
(Light) may require additional artillery, and air defense support. The
Battalion relies only on small arms air defense and passive protective
measure to protect itself from hostile aircraft. Normally, it would require
that local air superiority be established. It is also vulnerable to attack by
heavy forces and to indirect fires.

STRENGTH

1. Trench fighting -
2. Close quarter combat
3. Infiltration
4. Fight with 20% casualty
 HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
The Headquarters and Headquarters company (HHC) provides
command and control, combat support and combat service support to the
battalion It contains the battalion headquarters, mortar platoon, ant armor
platoon, scout platoon, communications platoon, intelligence platoon,
support and medical platoon.
The battalion headquarters is the unit that provides command
and control to the battalion. It consists of the command section and the
battalion staff. Radio-telephone operators and drivers for the battalion
headquarters are furnished by the communications platoon and the
support platoon respectively.

Combat Support.
The combat support elements include the mortar platoon, anti-
armor platoon, scout platoon. Communication platoon and intelligence
platoon.
The battalion mortar platoon has four 81mm mortars. They
provide close and immediate fire support to the maneuver units. They may
be employed as a platoon, by section or by squad. The platoon may be
placed under battalion control. However, the platoon or any of its sub-
elements may also be attached to a supported unit. Four of the battalion's
cargo/troop carriers ere dedicated for the use of the mortar platoon.
The anti-armor platoon has four heavy anti-tank weapons. The
provide long-range ant-armor fire support to the battalion. The weapons
may be mounted on four armament carriers dedicated for that purpose.
The platoon is designed to operate as two sections. It can be placed under
battalion control but the platoon or its sub-element can also be to a
supported unit.

The scout platoon is the reconnaissance and security element

the battalion. The platoon is extremely light and primarily foot mobile. It
has no crew-serve weapons. Its personnel are scout ranger qualified. The
platoon normally operates under Bn control.

The intelligence platoon provides both human and signal

intelligence to the battalion. It has a Sigint Team for Communications
Intercept, an Interrogation Team for Enemy Prisoner of War (EPW)
interrogation and document exploitation, and a CI Team for Human
Intelligence as well as liaison and OPSEC activities. The Bn 82 exercises
supervision over the intelligence platoon.
The communication platoon provides the communication
requirement of the battalion. It consists of a platoon headquarters, radio
section and a wire section. The platoon headquarters operates the
battalion message center. The battalion communication/signal officer is
the concurrent communications platoon leader.
Combat Service Support
The combat service support elements of the battalion include the
support platoon and medical platoon.
The support platoon provides supply and transportation support to
the battalion. The battalion's transportation assets are centralized in the
support platoon. However, one (1) 1/4 ton utility truck and two (2) 1 1/4 ton
•trucks (cargo/troop carrier) are dedicated to support each rifle company,
four (4) 1 1/4 ton trucks (cargo/troop carrier) are dedicated to support the
mortar platoon and four (4) 11/4 ton trucks (armaments carrier) are
dedicated to support the anti-armor platoon. The support platoon can also
provide unit level maintenance of organic equipment.

The 'medical platoon provides health services support to the

Battalion. It is organized into a platoon headquarters, an evacuation
section, a combat medic section and a treatment section. The evacuation
section has two ambulances for casualty evacuation. The combat medic
section has combat medics who can be attached to the rifle platoons. The
Battalion Surgeon serves as the emergency physician at the treatment
section.

MISSION
To provide command, control and supervision, combat support and
combat service support to the infantry battalion (light) and attached units.

CAPABILITIES

A. The HHC can:

1. Provide command, control and supervision of the
operations of organic and attached elements of the
infantry battalion (light).
2. Provide mortar fire support to the battalion and attached
units.
3. Provide heavy anti-armor for support to the battalion and
attached units.
4. Provide reconnaissance and security support to the
battalion.
5. Provide /communication support to include centralized
unit level maintenance of communications equipment.
6. Provide intelligence support to the battalion.
7. Provide limited battalion supply/re-supply support.
8. Provide unit level medical support.
 9. Provide unit level administrative support to assigned and
attached units.

B. The HHC depends on brigade/division for:

1. Unit level maintenance.
2. Heavy/medium lift transportation.
3. Personnel and administrative services.

ASSIGNMENT
Organic to Infantry Battalion (Light).

EQUIPMENT

Shoot Qty

HAW 4
81 MM. Mortar 4
GPMG 4
SAW 3
GL 6
Assault Rifle 182
SMG/Carbine 19
Snipers Rifle 3

MOVE
Truck, 1 1/4 Ton, Utility 7
Truck, 1 1/4 Ton, Cargo/Troop Carrier 14
Truck, 11/4 Ton, Armament (HAW) Carrier 4
Truck, 1 1/4 Ton, CommoVan 1
Truck, 1 1/4 Ton, Ambulance 2
Trailer, 1 1/4 Ton Trailer, 1 1/4 ton Water Trailer 14
Motorcycle 8
Compass 22

Communicate
Radio, VHF, 5W, Manpack 15
Radio, VHF, 1-2W, Hanheld 9
Radio, HF/SSB, 20W 6
Radio, Repeater/Retrans 1
Switchboards 1
Field Telephone 22

See
Binocular 12
NVG 8
Radio Scanner Base 1
Radio Scanner Handheld 4
Troop support
Generator Set 1
Typewriter 12
Computer 1
Platoon Tent 20
Squad Tent 2
Tool Set, Automotive (Level 2) 1
Medical Cot Bed 10
Still Camera 1

PERSONNEL
DESIGNATION RANK STRENGTH
HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS

Command Section
1. Bn Commander 06 1
2. Bn Ex-O 05 1
3. Bn Sgt Maj E7 1
4. Scty/Admin Asst E3 4
5. RTO E3 (2)
TOTAL 7

S1 and Adjutant Section

1. Bn S1/Adj O4 1
2. Per NCO E6 1
3. Bn Sgt Maj E5 1
4. Pers Mngmt E5 1
5. Svc Record Clerk E4 1
6. Clerk/Typist E3 1
TOTAL 6

S2 Section
1. Bn S2 O4 1
2. Intel NCO E6 1
3. Asst Intel NCO E5 1
4. Clerk Typist E3 1
TOTAL 4

S3 Section
1. Bn S3 O4 1
2. Asst S3 O3 1
3. Opns NCO E6 1
4. Tng NCO E5 1
5. Asst Opns NCO E5 1
6. Draftsman E3 1
7. RTO E3 (3)
8. Clerk/Typist E3 1
TOTAL 7
S4 Section
1. Bn S4 O4 1
2. Asst S4/Lsn Offr O3 1
3. Logistic NCO E6 1
4. Asst Log NCO E5 1
5. Lsn NCO E3 1
6. Clerk/Typist E3 1
TOTAL 6

S7 Section
1. Bn S7 O4 1
2. Civil Affair NCO E6 1
3. Psyops E5 1
4. Clerk Typist E3 1
TOTAL 4
Commo/Signal
1. Bn Commo Signal Officer O3 1
TOTAL 4

SURGEON/MEDICAL
1. Bn Surgeon/Med Offr O3 1
TOTAL 4
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS
1. Coy Cmndr O4 1
2. Coy Ex-O/RSO/AMO O3 1
3. Coy F/Sgt E7 1
4. Pers/Adm NCO E6 1
5. Mess Sgt E5 1
6. Fin Sgt E5 1
7. Gen Clerk/Typist E3 1
8. Cook E2 2
TOTAL 9
SUPPORT PLATOON
Platoon Hqs
1. Pltn Ldr O2 1
2. Pltn Sgt E6 1
TOTAL 2

Supply Section
1. Unit Sup Sgt E6 1
2. Armorer E4 1
3. Supply Clerk E4 1
4. Ammo Handler E2 3
TOTAL 6

Transportation Section
1. Main and Trans NCO E6 1
2. Chief Mech E6 1
3. Wheel Veh Mech/Driver E5 2
4. Wheel Veh Mech Helper/Driver E4 2
5. Light Trk Driver E3 25
TOTAL 31
MEDICAL PLATOON

Platoon Headquarters

1. Pltn Ldr/Field Med Asst O2 1

2. Pltn Sgt/Med Sup Sgt E6 1
3. Gen Clerk E3 1
TOTAL 3

Treatment Section
1. Emergency Physician O3 (1)
2. Sr Emer Sr Treatment NCO E6 1
3. Emer Treatment NCO E5 2
4. Med Attendant E3 4
TOTAL 7

Evacuation Section
1. Emer Treatment NCO E5 2
2. Ambulance Driver NCO/RTO E3 2
3. Litter NCO. E2 4
TOTAL 8

Combat Medical Section

1. Med Aidman E4 9
TOTAL 9

COMMUNICATION PLATOON

Platoon Headquarters
1. Commo Officer Platoon Ldr O3 (1)
2. Commo Chief/Pltn Sgt/Sup Sgt E6 1
3. Signal Message Clerk E4 1
4. Light Trk driver Messenger E3 1
TOTAL 3
Radio Section
1. Sec Chief E5 1
2. Field Rad Repairman E4 2
3. Radio Optr E3 6
TOTAL 9

Wire Section
1. Field Wire Chief E5 1
2. Field SB Optr/Lineman E3 2
TOTAL 3

INTEL PLATOON

Intel HQs
1. Pltn Ldr O3 1
2. Intel Pltn Sgt E6 1
3. Clerk/typist E3 1
4. Lt Trk driver E3 (1)
 TOTAL 3

Interrogation Section
1. Tm Ldr E5 1
2. Interrogator E4 1
3. Document Analysis E4 1
TOTAL 3

CI Team
1. Tm Ldr E5 1
2. Asst TL E4 1
3. CI Operatives E3 4
TOTAL 6

Signal Intel Team

1. Tm Ldr E5 1
2. Crypto Analysis E4 1
3. Traffic Analysis E4 1
4. Rad Intercept Optr E3 1
TOTAL 4

MORTAR PLATOON

Platoon Headquarters
1. Pltn Ldr O2 1
2. Pltn Sgt E6 1
3. Computer E5 2
4. Mortar FO/RTO E4 2
TOTAL 6

Mortar Squad (x4)

1. Sqd Ldr E5 1
2. Gunner E4 1
3. Asst Gunner E3 1
4. Light Trk driver E3 (1)
5. Ammo Bearer E3 1
TOTAL 4
ANTI ARMOR PLATOON

Platoon Headquarters
1. Pltn Ldr O2 1
2. Pltn Sgt E6 1
3. RTO E3 2
TOTAL 4
Anti Squad (x4)
1. Sqd Ldr E5 1
2. Gunner E4 1
3. Asst Gunner E3 1
4. Light Trk Driver E3 (1)
TOTAL 3
SCOUT PLATOON
Platoon
1. Pltn Ldr O2 1
2. Pltn Sgt E6 1
3. RTO E3 1
TOTAL 3

Scout TM (x3)
1. Tm Ldr E5
1
2. Guide/Grenadier E4
1
3. radioman E3
1
4. contact Man/LAW Gunner E3
1
5. Asst Radman/Auto Weapon E2
1
6. Lead Scout E2
1
7. Tail Scout/Med Aidman E2
1
TOTAL 7
RECAPITULATION BY RANK
OFFICER O6 1
O5 1
O4 6
O3 6
O2 5
SUB TOTAL - - - 19

Enlisted Personnel E7 2
E6 17
E5 34
E4 35
E3 75
E2 22
Sub – Total - - 185

AGGREGATE TOTAL - - - 204

 INFANTRY COMPANY (LIGHT)
CHARACTERISTICS
The Infantry rifle Company (Light) is a soldier-powered organization
that can be deployed rapidly. It has no organic vehicle and is foot mobile.
It has austere combat support and relies more on professionally trained
and discipline soldiers under superb leadership. All fighters are trained in
day and night combat operations. The entire company can be transported
in a single C-130 aircraft. All its weapons are man, portable. The
company requires minimal support.
ORGANIZATION
The Infantry Company (Lights) has a Headquarters platoon and
three rifle platoons organized as follows:
Headquarters Platoon
The headquarters platoon contains the command section, ant
armor section and mortar section.
The company commander and H is Staff composed the command
section. This section provides command and control of tactical operations
and coordinates resupply and evacuation of wounded personnel and
equipment. It can also provide limited equipment repair of organic
equipment.
The Anti Armor section has two manportable medium antitank
weapons (MAW_. This section can provides medium-range anti-armor fire
support to the company. When there is no armor threat, the anti-armor
section can fight as infantry.
Rifle Platoons
The rifle platoons each has a platoon headquarters and three rifle
squads. With the platoon headquarters are the platoon ldr, pltn Sgt,
radio/telephone operator (RTO) and machine gun crew. It has two general
purpose machineguns (GPMG) each operated by a crew of two. These
GPMGs provide sustained fire at longer ranges and with better penetration
that any of the platoons weapons.
Rifle Squad
The three rifle squads have nine man each. The nine composition
of the squad is ideal and affords flexibility and effectiveness. It can
operate even 20% of it strength is ineffective.
The rifle squad is broken down into two fire teams. Each team has
four men composed of the team leader, grenadier, automatic rifleman and
the rifleman. The two fire team leaders double as anti-armor gunners.
The two riflemen also serve as medical aidman.
Each squad has two 40mm grenade launcher (GL), which are
attached to the assault trifle, and two squad automatic weapons (SAW).
The WAS provides sustained automatic rifle for the quad. It is light
enough to be operated by one man moving with the rest of the squad in
assault. Its range, penetration and sustained rate of fire are lesser than
that of the platoon GPMG. The rest of the squad is armed with individual
assault rifle. The two fire team leaders are also armed with light anti-tank
weapons (LAW). The LAW provides short range anti armor capability to
rifle platoons.
MISSION
To close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver to destroy
or capture him or repel his assault by fire, close combat and counterattack.

CAPABILITIES
A. The Infantry Company (Light) can:
1. Provide a base of fire and maneuver.
2. Close with the enemy to destroy or capture him
3. Repel enemy assault by fire, closed combat and
counterattack.
4. Seize and hold terrain
5. Maneuver in all type of local weather and terrain
6. Provide light anti-tank protection.
7. Conduct combat operations under limited visibility
8. participate in air operations
9. participate in amphibious/waterborne operations.
10.

B. The Infantry Company depends on the HHC for:

1. Unit level administration.
2. Supply
3. Unit level maintenance of communication equipment
4. Transportation
5. Medical Support
6. Heavy Anti-Armor and mortar support.

ASSIGNMENT

Organic to Infantry Battalion (Light)

CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT
The Infantry Company (Light) can be employed in a variety
of scenarios. It is suited for economy of force and contingency operations.
It is also ideally suited doe air assault operations and its strategically
mobile. The company is usually deployed as part of the Battalion from
whom it depends on combat support and service support.
The company is extremely effective when operating in area
that would be unfavorable to heavy forces. Its strength includes the ability
to move in restricted terrain; infiltrate through or around the enemy
unobserved; employ accurate, intense, small arms fire for short duration;
use the environment to protect the force from enemy fire and maneuver;
and withstand the extremes of weather and terrain.
There are inherent weaknesses of Light Infantry Rifle
Company. It is not as mobile as mounted forces in terrain favorable to
vehicular movement. Against a heavy enemy, it may not have sufficient
density of artillery or anti-armor weapons to sustain a high volume of fire
for a prolonged period. It is vulnerable to all classes of fire, including
CAS, one observed by the enemy.

EQUIPMENT
Rifle Pltn (x3) Hq Pltn Rifle Co

Shoot

MAW 2 2
LAW 6 18
60MM Mortar 2 2
GPMG 2 2
SAW 6 1 19
40MM GL 6 1 19
Assault Rifle 25 25 100
SMG/Carbine 1 2 5
Pistol 1 2 5

Move

Compass 5 5 20

Communicate

Rad, HF/SSB,20W 2 2
Rad, VHF, 5W, MP 1 3 6
Rad, VHF, 2W, HH 4 2 14

See

NVG 4 2 14
Binocular 1 4 7

PERSONNEL

DESIGNATION RANK STRENGTH

RIFLE COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS PLATOON

Headquarters Section

1. Coy Commander O3 1
2. Coy Ex-O O3 1
 3. Coy F/Sgt E7 1
4. Opns/Intel NCO E6 1
5. Pers Sgt E5 1
6. Commo Chief E5 1
7. Supply Sgt E5 1
8. Mess Sgt E4 1
9. Fin Sgt E4 1
10. Armorer E4 1
11. RTO E3 2
12. Clerk E3 1
13. Cook E2 1
Total

Anti Armor Section

1. Section Leader E5 1
2. Gunner E4 2
3. Ammo Bearer E3 2
4. Asst Ammo Bearer E2 2
Total 7

RIFLE PLATOON (X3)

Platoon Headquarters
1. Platoon Leader 02 1
2. Pltn Sgt E6 1
3. RTO E3 1
4. Gunner (MG) E3 1
5. Asst Gunner E2 2
Total 6

Rifle Squad (x3)

1. Squad Leader E5 1
2. Team Leader E4 2
3. Grenadier E3 2
4. Auto rifleman E2 2
5. Rifleman/Airman E2 2
Total 9

RECAPITULATION

OFFICER 03 1
02 4
Sub Total - - - 5

Enlisted Personnel E7 1
E6 4
E5 14
E4 25
E3 34
E2 47
Sub Total - - - 125

AGGREGATE TOTAL 130