Soldier Load:The Art and Science of ‘Fighting Light’

This article examines the critical issue of excessive soldier load in Army infantry units, arguing that overloaded soldiers face increased risks to force and mission effectiveness. The authors propose a 'fighting light' approach through disciplined load management, efficient resupply operations, and leadership accountability to maintain tactical mobility and lethality.

A silhouette photograph of three soldiers against a bright sunset or sunrise sky. The soldiers are carrying heavy packs and equipment, creating dramatic black silhouettes against the golden light. The image conveys the weight and burden of military gear during field operations

photo of Soldiers from across the 10th Mountain Division competing in the second D-Series XXIV on 19 January 2024 at Fort Drum, NY.

Read Time: < 17 mins

Move Further, Mask Emissions, Make Explosions

The article emphasizes the need for light infantry to adapt through mindset and cultural shifts, focusing on moving further, masking emissions, and making explosions to enhance lethality in future warfare.

By CPT LTC D. Max Ferguson

Photo of Soldiers from the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) maneuver their Infantry Squad Vehicle at Fort Johnson, LA, on 16 August 2024. (Photo by SSG Joshua Joyner)

Read Time: < 10 mins

Is a Mobile Defense a Viable Option for a BCT?

The article explores the viability of conducting a mobile defense at the brigade level, a tactic traditionally reserved for larger formations, made possible by the innovative use of Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) within a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT).

By LTC Jon Anderson

Photo of a painting by Edwin Austin Abbey depicts Baron von Steuben drilling American recruits at Valley Forge in 1778.

Read Time: < 5 mins

14 June 1775: 250th Anniversary of the Infantry and the U.S. Army

The article commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army Infantry, tracing its origins to the formation of the Corps of Riflemen on June 14, 1775, by the Continental Congress.

By DR. David S. Stieghan

Military off-road vehicles navigate a rugged detour around a collapsed mountain road, with orange construction barrels marking the damaged area. The vehicles, carrying soldiers, move cautiously along the dirt path cut into the hillside, surrounded by dense forest and rocky terrain.

Read Time: < 10 mins

Task Force Falcon: Rapid Response to Hurricane Helene Relief Aid in Western North Carolina

This article details Task Force Falcon's rapid deployment of over 500 Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division to western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. It chronicles their timeline, task organization, air movement planning, civil partner integration, logistics challenges, and command and control adaptations while demonstrating how mobile brigade combat team capabilities proved effective in humanitarian operations.

By LTC Walter C. Gray II, MAJ Paul Bingham, and CPT Matt Kenny