Force Structure
There are two types of forces: heavy forces and light forces. Heavy forces
refer to the armored and mechanized divisions in the field.
Light forces
include airborne, air assault, and H-series light infantry divisions in the
field.
Today's Army of Excellence is striving toward a greater degree of
flexibility for our forces in the field. There are legitimate requirements
for both heavy and light forces. The Army of Excellence must orient toward
a balance of these forces in order to meet strategic requirements.
US Army Corps
The corps is the US Army's largest maneuver unit.
It is organized to
perform major operational and tactical tasks. The corps will take an active
part in directing campaigns and fighting battles.
However, the corps
involvement
in
directing
campaigns
only
occurs
if
it's
deployed
independently as the senior brigade in a theater of operations. Depending
on its mission, the corps is assigned varying numbers and types of divisions
and other combat, combat support, and combat service support units.
As a general rule, a US Army corps will fight the AirLand Battle as a part
of a larger Army force, a combined force, or a joint task force. However,
the corps may also be employed independently.
Key Terms. Before discussing the corps, we need to define a few terms that
will help us understand its functions. We will define engagements, battles,
and campaigns.
Engagements:
Engagements are a matter of tactics.
Engagements
are
fought between divisions and smaller units.
Battles:
Battles are a matter of the tactical and operational level
of warfare. Battles are the synchronization of engagements
in time and space to create conditions favorable for
success. Battles may extend in time for days or weeks.
Campaigns:
Campaigns are a matter of operational and strategic levels
of warfare.
Campaigns are associated with corps, armies,
and
echelons
above
armies.
They
involve
the
synchronization of simultaneous and successive battles.
They also involve multiservice forces to achieve the higher
goals of strategic policy.
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IS7003
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