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The threat to the heavy/light division (2d Infantry Division) relies on massive firepower, large numbers in multiple echelons, and high maneuverability. It may attack with very little warning. The US and its allies must defend against the initial attack, then seize the initiative while using the terrain to maximum advantage.

The US division designed to oppose the threat is a mix of heavy and light forces along with aviation assets. The heavy forces are to be used along roads and in open areas. Aviation assets will be used to insert infantry forces into overwatch positions. The division has only a limited capability of self-sustainment. It is designed to fight as part of a combined command, not a US corps. FM 71-100 describes the operations of the heavy/light division.

The DISCOM structure for this division is designed to support a heavy night mix without some support normally provided by a corps to a division. The DISCOM is a modified heavy DISCOM with attachments. The MSB has maintenance teams to provide or supplement repair capability for MLRS, Chapparal, tracked vehicles, artillery/turret/ fire control systems, and radios. Supply and missile maintenance capabilities have also been adjusted to meet the force requirements.

The DISCOM has three FSBs. Each is constructed differently to meet the needs of its supported force. The basic support concepts and considerations employed by each FSB are the same as those discussed in the previous chapters of this manual. The support requirements, however, will differ due to differences in terrain and mission, as mentioned above, and the people and equipment of the supported force. Each FSB is designed to support two battalions. One supports two tank battalions, one supports two mechanized infantry, and one supports two infantry. The HHD of each FSB is identical to that of the heavy division FSB HHD. Organizational differences are summarized in Table E-1. Figure E-1 shows the organization of the maintenance company.

The FSBs for the tank and mechanized infantry battalions can plan to support as do the FSBs of heavy divisions. The FSB for the infantry battalions will support a primarily dismounted force. The decreased mobility and less complex weapon systems reduce logistics requirements, particularly class III and V and maintenance. Like the units it supports, the FSB must use dispersion and relative mobility in close terrain. FM 7-30 has information on infantry brigade operations.

The infantry division operates in nearly all terrain, weather, and enemy situations. Since its maneuver elements consist primarily of dismounted infantry, the division is optimized to fight in terrain with restricted mobility. The division's tank and mechanized infantry battalions give the commander flexibility in tailoring the force, mixing heavy and light forces at the brigade level. Further discussion of infantry division and brigade operations is in FMs 71-100 and 7-30.

The DISCOM of the infantry division is structured the same as the heavy division DISCOM with an HHC/MMC, MSB, three FSBs, and an AMCO. However, these units, with the exception of the HHC/MMC have been modified to account for differences in the supported force.

As in the heavy/light division, each FSB is designed to support a different brigade structure. One FSB supports the two heavy battalions and one infantry battalion. It is structured like a heavy division FSB and operates much the same. It must constantly be prepared to task organize to support brigade task forces which include one or both of its supported brigade's heavy battalions.

The other two FSBs are designed to support brigades whose maneuver battalions are infantry. One is structured to support three battalions, and the other, four. Their HHDs are identical to those of heavy division FSBs. Their supply companies have a greater capability in the supply section for class I, II, IV, and VII supply than their counterparts in a heavy division. However, they have less than half the bulk fuel storage and distribution capability since they support dismounted infantry. The medical company ambulance platoons have no tracked ambulances. The maintenance companies are also structured like heavy division FSB companies except that capabilities in specific areas have been adjusted to correspond to the number and types of equipment in the supported force. An infantry SST is allocated for each battalion supported.

Like the heavy/light division FSB designed to support the two infantry battalions, the FSBs of the infantry division support a force built around dismounted infantry soldiers. Class III and V consumption is significally less than for a heavy brigade, and so is the maintenance requirement. Mobility is limited. FSBs must be prepared to support task-organized forces with heavy forces either from within the division or from without.