Explain Light Commando Batallions (LCB)

[Quwa]

I am writing an article about Pakistan's transition to COIN and I am trying to acquire an understanding of what LCB are in terms of the following:

(1) their role in the Army, particularly in terms of the infantry,

(2) how they are different from general infantry,

(3) what their relevance is to air assault missions and

(4) their future, i.e. what is the current proportion (rough estimate) and to what extent this will increase.

A background in terms of where they actually come from would also be helpful. What I am guessing (based on the information available) is that they're drawn from general infantry and given specialized training, but the certification requirements are not as stringent as SSG.

I am also wondering if the increased presence of LCB in the future would render massive operations (such as Zarb-e-Azb and those before it) to be exceptionally rare. In other words, would Pakistan's COIN doctrine shift to something similar to NATO where we accept the low intensity conflict environment, and then shift to engaging in very specific missions using a few assets on a regular basis over a span of years. IF this is the case, then can we expect LCBs to form a noticeably large proportion of our infantry?

 

[Zarvan]

I am writing an article about Pakistan's transition to COIN and I am trying to acquire an understanding of what LCB are in terms of the following:

(1) their role in the Army, particularly in terms of the infantry,

(2) how they are different from general infantry,

(3) what their relevance is to air assault missions and

(4) their future, i.e. what is the current proportion (rough estimate) and to what extent this will increase.

A background in terms of where they actually come from would also be helpful. What I am guessing (based on the information available) is that they're drawn from general infantry and given specialized training, but the certification requirements are not as stringent as SSG.

I am also wondering if the increased presence of LCB in the future would render massive operations (such as Zarb-e-Azb and those before it) to be exceptionally rare. In other words, would Pakistan's COIN doctrine shift to something similar to NATO where we accept the low intensity conflict environment, and then shift to engaging in very specific missions using a few assets on a regular basis over a span of years. IF this is the case, then can we expect LCBs to form a noticeably large proportion of our infantry?

Nice questions @Irfan Baloch and @Oscar @Horus can answer

 

[Maarkhoor]

I am writing an article about Pakistan's transition to COIN and I am trying to acquire an understanding of what LCB are in terms of the following:

(1) their role in the Army, particularly in terms of the infantry,

(2) how they are different from general infantry,

(3) what their relevance is to air assault missions and

(4) their future, i.e. what is the current proportion (rough estimate) and to what extent this will increase.

A background in terms of where they actually come from would also be helpful. What I am guessing (based on the information available) is that they're drawn from general infantry and given specialized training, but the certification requirements are not as stringent as SSG.

I am also wondering if the increased presence of LCB in the future would render massive operations (such as Zarb-e-Azb and those before it) to be exceptionally rare. In other words, would Pakistan's COIN doctrine shift to something similar to NATO where we accept the low intensity conflict environment, and then shift to engaging in very specific missions using a few assets on a regular basis over a span of years. IF this is the case, then can we expect LCBs to form a noticeably large proportion of our infantry?

Sincerely i have nothing special to answer you just heard from my Uncle Army Officer in future most of the infantry troops train on SSG or semi SSG level because despite infantry bravery their standards to engage gorilla warfare very poor they fail miserably against Taliban, Army have to use SSG most of the time this change our concepts.
regards,

 

[Aamir Hussain]

I have had some experience of working in Air Assault operations. My experience has been with US operating structure so my answers would be in US terms. There might have been some changes in unit structure since my time with them (90') but the basic doctrine and structure remains the same.

A typical Air Assault Battalion mission would be:

Locates the enemy and destroy his fighting capability using all available means. Closing as necessary with the enemy of fire and maneuver to destroy or capture him, or to repel his assault by the use of all available means of fire and counter attack.

To start with a battalion requires a min of 30 a/c (UH-60L -- 14 seats x 24 = 336 personnel in a single lift. 80% a/c availability is the min. standard required to go into combat operations) for air assault and air movement operations. The Aviation element is organic to the battalion or a company. It can not be a subordinated function as the above mission requires follow on waves of organic combat support functions to be transported in to the mission area.

The above figure is to lift the actual Air Assault companies. Battalion HQ would require a further 8 UH-60's for lifting the HQ element.

The battalion is equipped with it own Anti Armor element consisting of 10 TOW firing units, 3 x 6 60mm mortars. It can have access to 120mm Brigade mortars if they are in the theater. But does not have organic mobility element once on the ground.

A typical Air Assault Company requires 7,153 Lbs of equipment to be air lifted in one go.

Typically the Air Assault battalion is supported by OH-58D (4 x 8), AH-64 (3 x 8) arranged in Air Recon Troop, and Attack Company respectively. But both these elements are under the brigade and are air tasked on the request of the battalion. 3 x 16 CH-47 provide heavy lift capability for the brigade (i.e. 16 per battalion in the brigade)

There are other numerous elements including 3 EH-60 helos for Electronic Warfare. And 12 Avenger MANPADS (Stinger) for each Battalion.

I hope this helps. I will try to dig out my old Field Manual for more info.

As far as the training is concerned, Air Assault troops do a lot more physical training then the average troops. Their Assault course is longer and has a lot more obstacles than a standard obstacle course.

They are required to clear repelling, fast rope, embarking and disembarking operations, more time on map reading and orientation, door gunner ops. landing zone setup. etc.

 

[Gauss]

Any formation designated 'Light' carry light weapons, making it more mobile. They are used separately in situations where heavy weapons are not required like jungle and urban warfare. Or are used in combination with other heavy formations.

 

[abbasniazi]

I have had some experience of working in Air Assault operations. My experience has been with US operating structure so my answers would be in US terms. There might have been some changes in unit structure since my time with them (90') but the basic doctrine and structure remains the same.

A typical Air Assault Battalion mission would be:

Locates the enemy and destroy his fighting capability using all available means. Closing as necessary with the enemy of fire and maneuver to destroy or capture him, or to repel his assault by the use of all available means of fire and counter attack.

To start with a battalion requires a min of 30 a/c (UH-60L -- 14 seats x 24 = 336 personnel in a single lift. 80% a/c availability is the min. standard required to go into combat operations) for air assault and air movement operations. The Aviation element is organic to the battalion or a company. It can not be a subordinated function as the above mission requires follow on waves of organic combat support functions to be transported in to the mission area.

The above figure is to lift the actual Air Assault companies. Battalion HQ would require a further 8 UH-60's for lifting the HQ element.

The battalion is equipped with it own Anti Armor element consisting of 10 TOW firing units, 3 x 6 60mm mortars. It can have access to 120mm Brigade mortars if they are in the theater. But does not have organic mobility element once on the ground.

A typical Air Assault Company requires 7,153 Lbs of equipment to be air lifted in one go.

Typically the Air Assault battalion is supported by OH-58D (4 x 8), AH-64 (3 x 8) arranged in Air Recon Troop, and Attack Company respectively. But both these elements are under the brigade and are air tasked on the request of the battalion. 3 x 16 CH-47 provide heavy lift capability for the brigade (i.e. 16 per battalion in the brigade)

There are other numerous elements including 3 EH-60 helos for Electronic Warfare. And 12 Avenger MANPADS (Stinger) for each Battalion.

I hope this helps. I will try to dig out my old Field Manual for more info.

As far as the training is concerned, Air Assault troops do a lot more physical training then the average troops. Their Assault course is longer and has a lot more obstacles than a standard obstacle course.

They are required to clear repelling, fast rope, embarking and disembarking operations, more time on map reading and orientation, door gunner ops. landing zone setup. etc.

Very informative for a civilian like me...

 

[Maarkhoor]

Any formation designated 'Light' carry light weapons, making it more mobile. They are used separately in situations where heavy weapons are not required like jungle and urban warfare. Or are used in combination with other heavy formations.

According to mission they will choose weapons but most probably same as SSG with lot of gunships specially MI-35 type.

 

[django]

According to mission they will choose weapons but most probably same as SSG with lot of gunships specially MI-35 type.

From what i can tell they are modeled on US army rangers, are they trained to similar standards?

 

[Kompromat]

LCB = US ARMY RANGERS

They were created because of the gap in training, tactics and doctrine between an SSG & an Infantry Soldier who were all of a sudden expected to fight together.

SSGs like to fight with SSGs because infantry soldiers are trained under a different doctrine for a different purpose.

LCB are an infantry/SOF hybrid who are trained to fight with SSGs or operate on their own in asymmetric theater of operations.

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

From what i can tell they are modeled on US army rangers, are they trained to similar standards?

Pretty much explains the whole thing..

Raised by every Corps... Trained on the SSG patern .. Not "really" special forces.. But a highly trained .. Very much the Pak eqvilent of US Rangers... Being used in anti terrorist ops.. And getting alot of "global" exposure at foriegn SF ex's! Like "Eager Lion multinational SF ex",Multinational ex at King Abdullah SF training center,Jordan,training ex with allied nations (Muslim states,USA,China,Turkey etc)..

 

[Aamir Hussain]

I would suggest to read FM 7-85, Ranger Unit Operations Manual. It is available on the net:

http://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/fm7-85(87).pdf

After scanning through it you will get a fair bit of idea on the tasking and operations of a ranger Battalion. Rangers are part of the US SOF.

IMHO Pakistani LCB is more of a Rapid Response Force tasked primarily for Anti Terr. Ops. It is an evolving concept in PA. And I think in future it will evolve into and Air Assault type of unit tasked with rapid response and heavily biased towards an anti armor role.

 

[Quwa]

Can we expect LCB to grow and become a relatively big portion of the infantry? I know SOF numbers are generally low, but LCB seems to be taking on an increasingly heavy amount of the heavy fighting in COIN. Do they offer additional value (via enhanced survivability and autonomy) in the state on state war? Could LCB form like 1/10 or 1/15 of infantry?

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Can we expect LCB to grow and become a relatively big portion of the infantry? I know SOF numbers are generally low, but LCB seems to be taking on an increasingly heavy amount of the heavy fighting in COIN. Do they offer additional value (via enhanced survivability and autonomy) in the state on state war? Could LCB form like 1/10 or 1/15 of infantry?

There is 1 LCB raised by every Corps.. Count the corps ... You know the strength.. Or the number of overall battalions..

I would suggest to read FM 7-85, Ranger Unit Operations Manual. It is available on the net:

http://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/fm7-85(87).pdf

After scanning through it you will get a fair bit of idea on the tasking and operations of a ranger Battalion. Rangers are part of the US SOF.

IMHO Pakistani LCB is more of a Rapid Response Force tasked primarily for Anti Terr. Ops. It is an evolving concept in PA. And I think in future it will evolve into and Air Assault type of unit tasked with rapid response and heavily biased towards an anti armor role.

True .. The basic "concept" came from QRF/GSF or "RRF"... Which was even used on brigade Aswell as regiment level... And obviously garrison level. After all th shyt hitting the fan ... The LCB came Into being...air assaults etc are also part of its training -- like SSG..

 

[Aamir Hussain]

What happens after the war on terror ramps down? What role is left for these units? I think eventually they will act as a fire brigade for the corps or a division to plug gaps created by armored thrust from the east.

PA by definition is not an offensive force so I don't see Air Assault units creating bridgeheads for following armored echelons.

Their role as I see it after the WoT is ramped down is that of a Air Lifted highly mobile anti armor group armed with TOW and All Terrain Vehicles.

 

[niaz]

“Light Commando” is something I never came across before. All commandos are supposed to rely on weapons which can be carried with the soldier when he makes the parachute jump, hence they are lightly equipped.

Light infantry on the other hand, as classified the British Army during WW2, was differentiated from the normal infantry that was transported in lorries to the front and carried heavy weapons such heavy machines guns and anti-tank bazookas etc. Battalions which did not use motorised transport due to terrain & supply problems, were equipped with light man- portable weaponry, basically rifles & light machine guns only. This included parachute infantry, mountain infantry and other special services groups.

In my view, main difference between Commando / Para battalions and the Light Infantry is that Paras normally work behind the enemy lines and dropped from the air; whereas if needed, Light Infantry would use helicopters for vertical insertion. Hence apart from training with the parachute; Light Infantry battalions would have about the same fighting prowess as the Commandos.

I would therefore agree that Light Commando battalions; if these are so called in Pak Army; would essentially be a quick response flexible all terrain force that can be used in a variety of situations.