Line infantry force types - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G377 - Line infantry force types

Guide

FM/BG-1711 - Overview of line infantry force types

Guide

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)

Guide

FM/BG-1712 - Light infantry

Guide

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)

Guide

FM/BG-1713 - Motorised infantry

Guide

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

Guide

FM/BG-1714 - Protected mobility infantry

Guide

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

Guide

FM/BG-1715 - Mechanised infantry

Guide

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

Guide

FM/BG-1716 - Armoured infantry

Guide

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)