The purpose of this paper is to examine the ability of the light forward support battalion (FSB) to support a task organized light-heavy brigade. The idea of mixing light and heavy forces at the brigade level is not new, but little has been written about the support needs of a mixed force. This paper begins with a discussion of the history of the 10th Mountain Division (Light) in World War II and moves forward to the same division during exercise Return of Forces to Germany (REFORGER), January, 1990. REFORGER 90 served as a test for mixing light and heavy forces at the division level and was followed by National Training Center (NTC) rotation 90-8 (April-May, 1990) which assessed the mixing of light and heavy forces at the brigade level. The lessons of NTC rotation 90-8 and REFORGER 90 are examined to identify common ground. The link between the two exercises was the need for a change in light division sustainment structure. In August 1990, the Army Chief of Staff directed light division support command conversion to the FSB structure. Doctrine for the use of the light FSB is still in draft stages. The analysis portion of this paper attempts to quantify the needs of the light-heavy brigade and the ability of the light FSB to support it. The analysis indicates that by itself the light FSB is not capable of supporting the light-heavy brigade. However, if properly augmented with support assets from a heavy division, the light FSB is more than capable of meeting the brigade's needs. The study concludes by examining draft doctrine and recommending the support structure outlined in appendix K as one method for light and heavy planners to employ when sustaining the light-heavy brigade.

ADA 258096 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)