Mountain Infantry - Is There a Need?

This study uses the past as a basis for establishing the need for mountain infantry units by comparing the combat operations of the 88th Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division during World War II on the Italian peninsula. An analysis of current world wide mountainous deployment areas reinforces the need for a credible mountain unit in the 1990s. The organization, mission, and training philosophy of the French, Italian and German mountain infantry units is discussed which leads into a comparison of the German mountain unit with the United States light infantry battalion and the United States Army National Guard 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry, (Mountain). The light infantry battalion and the 3-172d Infantry (Mountain) are the only units tasked in the United States Army force structure to fight a conventional war in the mountains. Both units mission, organization, capabilities, limitations and training are contrasted thus showing the United States Army's current capability to fight in the mountains. The study conclusively demonstrates that the United States Army must organize and train a mountain infantry force which can meet the challenges of mountain operations and counter the possible threat in the numerous mountainous regions throughout the world.