How is the light infantry commanders plan affected by the addition of a tank platoon or section?
Discussion: Rarely do light infantry and tanks operate in unison. This creates gaps in knowledge of how to employ tanks in with the light infantry. Tanks provide the light infantry commander with capabilities that he normally does not possess. To maximize the integration of these capabilities, the light infantry commander must understand them. In addition to considering mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (METT-T), he must adjust his perspective to consider how the addition of tanks to his force may influence execution. Failure to do so in the planning process almost certainly leads to failure in execution. EXAMPLE: Tanks play a major role in the light infantry commander’s observation plan. The gunner’s primary sight reads heat signatures out to 4,000 meters. The planner considers the best employment of his tank platoon/section. The armor asset can fulfill the roles of finders or finishers. The armor can execute its counter-reconnaissance role from a fixed site or by ma
