Thoughts on "Patrol Base Infantry"

[William F. Owen]

I fundamentally disagree with this point. .

I also disagree with the explicit point that light infantry are the only ones who can "confront all possible adversaries." This statement by itself is factually incorrect; a light infantryman is at a huge disadvantage staring down the main guns

I agree and I wrote it! As always language is a problem, and this was written for a UK audience.

A more useful statement would have been "Skill in dismounted infantry operations, and patrolling in particular, is largely relevant across the spectrum of conflict." I could go on to emphasise why, but I think everyone here has good take on military history.

I can't see any good reason why you would not want your infantry skilled in these areas.

[Gian P Gentile]

I agree and I wrote it! As always language is a problem, and this was written for a UK audience.

A more useful statement would have been "Skill in dismounted infantry operations, and patrolling in particular, is largely relevant across the spectrum of conflict." I could go on to emphasise why, but I think everyone here has good take on military history.

I can't see any good reason why you would not want your infantry skilled in these areas.

Agree and you are absolutely right and i did acknowledge this point that of course infantry must be skilled at dismounted patrolling and when need be conducting patrol base operations. But these should be skills that are a part of, and not the base of, a larger capability of infantry to fight across a broad spectrum. As I stated in my post, I am worried about the American Army and where our fetish with Coin is taking us.

I appreciate the fact that you wrote it for a Brittish audience. My concern, as I have stated, is with the American audience hence my posting.

I should also repeat what i said in the previous post about the value of this article and its very well written nature.

good to be in touch with you

gian

[Norfolk]

I agree and I wrote it! As always language is a problem, and this was written for a UK audience.

A more useful statement would have been "Skill in dismounted infantry operations, and patrolling in particular, is largely relevant across the spectrum of conflict." I could go on to emphasise why, but I think everyone here has good take on military history.

I can't see any good reason why you would not want your infantry skilled in these areas.

Wilf,

Just what were you proposing in PBID: a revival of classic light infantry, or the revival of classic light infantry skills amongst line infantry?

[William F. Owen]

Wilf,

Just what were you proposing in PBID: a revival of classic light infantry, or the revival of classic light infantry skills amongst line infantry?

The proposal wasn't that complicated. It was/is about emphasising the need to be proficient at dismounted operations as a basis for all infantry doctrine. This offers the possibility to make everything simpler and more effective.

Once you are on foot, Infantry is Infantry or should be.

[slapout9]

Wilf, I very much agree infantry is infantry. Stalking, sniper/marksmanship/solving problems with a range of options not just one/TTP's being written at the unit level/milling we call this street fightin in america all are BASIC infantry skills nothing advanced about it. Also believe that NCO's are capable of writing manuals not just officers.

[Stan]

Hey Slap !

Also believe that NCO's are capable of writing manuals not just officers.

Well, that pretty much says it all. BTW, don't ask Tom

[Tom Odom]

Hey Slap !



Well, that pretty much says it all. BTW, don't ask Tom

Hmmm in the past 7.5 years I have put together 40 plus newsletters and handbooks. Many, not all, were NCO-authored, either in part or in total. I edited; I even ghost-wrote when necessay. But the ideas were from NCOs....

So my hyper-drive, human version of the Ever Ready Rabbit, whom I always listened to and most often accepted cogent advice from, exactly what are you trying to say?

Tom

[slapout9]

So my hyper-drive, human version of the Ever Ready Rabbit, whom I always listened to and most often accepted cogent advice from, exactly what are you trying to say?

Tom

Hmmm.... listening to hyper drive bunnies . Tom it actually goes back to part of the article that Wilf wrote that I was referencing, which obviously I did not do very well.