Counterair Operations in the Light Infantry Division

This study is an analysis of the air defense posture of the light infantry division under the constraints imposed by a two Vulcan/Stinger battery air defense battalion. The potential air threat facing the light infantry division is defined, and then British counterair operations during the Falkland Islands War of 1982 are examined to gain a recent historical perspective on air defense of a light force. Air defense lessons from that conflict are used with other historical examples to suggest a concept for counterair operations in the light infantry division. The study concludes that the light infantry division faces a formidable air threat across the conflict spectrum. The light infantry division can provide for an adequate air defense posture even though it has a more austere air defense artillery force structure than any other type of division. Counterair operations must be an integral part of division plans, and a combined arms responsibility. The air defense artillery battalion remains the focal point for the light infantry division's air defense. However, all the division's units must employ active and passive air defense measures to counter the enemy air threat.