Line infantry force types

Line Infantry force types represent the default ground combat elements available to a Field Leader when specialist insertion methods (e.g. airborne or amphibious) are not required. These force types differ primarily in mobility, protection, and organic firepower.

Selection should be based on:

• Terrain and environment (urban, woodland, open ground)
• Threat level (presence of AT, armour, artillery)
• Operational tempo (speed vs stealth)
• Available support (MBTs, artillery, logistics)

Light Infantry operate primarily on foot without organic vehicle transport. Despite the name, they typically carry the heaviest individual loads.

Advantages:

• High self-sustainment (with resupply)
• Low visual and thermal signature
• Strong stealth and reconnaissance capability
• Reduced vulnerability to heavy weapons and artillery

Disadvantages:

• Slow operational movement
• Limited organic heavy firepower
• Can fall behind mounted elements

Best Employment:

• Dense terrain (woodland, jungle, mountainous)
• Urban environments with ambush risk
• Short-range operations
• Operations supported by external fire support (e.g. mortars, MBTs)

Infantry transported in soft-skinned vehicles (e.g. trucks, light utility vehicles).

Advantages:

• High mobility over long distances
• Strong logistical carrying capacity
• Ability to transport crew-served weapons

Disadvantages:

• Extremely vulnerable to ambush and direct fire
• Minimal protection against any threat

Best Employment:

• Rear-area movement
• Rapid deployment to defensive positions
• Logistical transport of personnel and equipment
• Low-threat environments or when no alternatives exist

Infantry mounted in MRAP-class vehicles, offering increased protection over motorised forces but less than mechanised.

Advantages:

• Improved survivability vs small arms and IEDs
• Maintains speed and logistical capacity
• Supports crew-served weapons

Disadvantages:

• Vulnerable to anti-vehicle weapons
• Large vehicle profile increases detectability

Best Employment:

• COIN environments with limited AT threat
• Long-distance movement in contested areas

Infantry mounted in APCs, integrated with vehicle crews. Vehicles support and operate alongside dismounted troops.

Advantages:

• Increased survivability for infantry
• Organic heavy weapons (HMGs, GMGs)
• Good mobility across varied terrain
• Organic resupply capability

Disadvantages:

• Vulnerable to AT weapons
• Risk of mass casualties if vehicle destroyed
• Detectable and targetable by heavy assets

Best Employment:

• Combined arms operations with MBT support
• Crossing open terrain under protection
• COIN or conventional environments with moderate AT threat

Infantry mounted in IFVs with heavy weapon systems (e.g. autocannons, ATGMs). Smaller squad sizes offset by vehicle firepower.

Advantages:

• Highest protection among infantry carriers
• Significant firepower multiplier
• Effective in offensive manoeuvre

Disadvantages:

• High logistical demand (ammo, maintenance)
• Reduced infantry numbers increase casualty impact
• Vulnerable to heavy threats (MBTs, air, artillery)

Best Employment:

• Assaulting across open terrain
• Exploiting breakthroughs
• Urban operations (vehicle overwatch; avoid overextension beyond cleared areas)