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Infantry Divisions form the back bone of Pakistan Army, totalling 19 in number. These Infantry Divisions are deployed in all types of geographical areas of Pakistan; mountains, desert, plains as well as snow. They are an amalgamation of different regiments; Punjab, Frontier Force, Baluch, Sindh, Azad Kashmir and Northern Light Infantry. Capable of performing all types of Infantry operations ranging from attacking and counter attacking the enemy, defending and holding an area, supporting armoured operations and performing close combat operations in all types of environment.
The structure of PA Infantry Divisions may vary from each other depending on their area of responsibility and deployment. Strength of some Infantry Divisions are more than others e.g 12th Infantry Division holds 5-6 Brigades while most of the Infantry Divisions usually hold 3 brigades. Armour distribution may vary too, as formations deployed in mountains and snow don't operate MBT's.
I will put forth a standard PA Infantry Division which has common elements rather than a specialised Infantry Division (like deployed on LOC or FCNA) as later I may open threads on specific Infantry Divisions of PA and discuss them then. Also suggesting a few Desired revamps.
The Nucleus - Divisional HQ
Each Infantry Division is headed by a GOC (General Officer Commanding), the rank of a Major General (2 stars). His immediate subordinate is a Colonel ranked officer posted as Colonel Staff and then he may have GSO-1/2/3 (G-1 Ranked Lt Col) or/and AQ (Assistant Quarter Master Ranked Lt Col) and other ranks.
An Infantry Divisional HQ holds Infantry Brigades as well as directly holds Battalions (which are independent of Brigades) such as Anti-Tank, Supply and Transport, Engineers etc.
The Pivot - Infantry Brigades
Infantry Brigades are tactical formations of Infantry Divisions. They directly operate the bulk of Divisional troops in the form of battalions. A Brigadier heads all the formations of the Brigade as well as the Brigade HQ. He directly reports to the GOC of the Infantry Divisions. The break down is Easy, in an Infantry Division there are 3 Infantry Brigades -> 9 Infantry Battalions. Every Infantry Battalion has A,B,C,D companies with weapons support company and a HQ.
Sometimes Paramilitary units of National Guard (NG) like Janbaz and Mujahid battalions can be attached to these brigades to provide a depth in defence so that regular infantry battalions can be used for offensive roles only.
These are mostly foot infantry, although the battalions are motorised atleast to ferry the soldiers, equipment, weapons and ammunition to the front lines. There is no specialised Infantry fighting vehicle operated by these battalions. There is an commando platoon at some level in the formation which gives the necessary SF punch.
The use of LMG’s, RPG’s, Mortars, sniper rifles, Grenade launchers as well as ground movement detector radars give the infantry the required punch for a satisfying performance but a desired formation could be a mechanised Infantry Battalion (MIB), atleast in 1-2 Brigades so that the fire power and transport capability can be enhanced for the Infantry division, especially when operating with MBT’s of the Armour regiment.
The Armoured and mechanised content in PA formations is already less than required, especially in the Infantry divisions which are to support Armoured Divisions in battlefield like 37th/17th ID and 40th/ 14th ID for I and II Corps respectively.
I will also present a different formation idea with respect to armor operations when I discuss the Armour Regiment.
The Long Arm- Artillery Brigade
Every Infantry Division has an artillery outfit attached to it, usually a brigade, headed by a Brigadier. The Brigade may have three artillery regiments and sometimes more. These can be medium regiments, field regiments and mountain artillery regiments. Regiments using heavy calibre (200mm) also exist.
The 25 pounders are a major part of Pakistan Artillery though their use has declined rapidly although the 12km range and decent 88mm caliber can still be useful when required.
An artillery brigade may have a mix of regiments, each operating any of following caliber guns 105mm, 122mm, 130mm, 155mm and 200mm guns. There are three batteries in most Artillery regiments: Papa,Quebec and Romeo. A battery may have 4-6 guns. An Artillery regiment 12-18 guns.
Mortar units and batteries were detached from Artillery and now form part of Infantry battalions.
There was a talk of PA acquiring wheeled Artillery. The mobility of such a weapon system can be very useful in shoot and scoot tactics as well as counter battery fire in the plains areas. A useful weapon for maneuver role.
Another desirable weapon which can be included in most infantry Divisions is an MLRS battery, however MLRS is mostly seen operating with Armoured formations. The reason can be that it can cause maximum destruction to an assembly area filled with armoured vehicles, enemy fuel, weapon and field supply depots and field workshops which can cause a big blow to enemy Armoured operations. However, it must be kept in mind that an MLRS is a very effective against fortified structures like bunkers, strong points, trenches etc.
The Self-propelled regiments (Tracked) are not considered a part of infantry formations.
The Fist - Armour Regiment
The CO reports to GOC and provides the Infantry Division with Armour capability for offensive and defensive operations. The regiment has 44 MBT’s, divided in 3 squadrons of 14 each, and 2 MBT in Regimental HQ.
T-59 II and T-69 II are usually the MBT’s deployed in Armoured Regiments of an Infantry Division, armed with 105mm L-7 gun and upgraded to certain standards, these MBT’s are expected to give decent fire power in supporting infantry.
The engines of these MBT’s are smaller than AZ. T-80, T-85 and AK series of MBT’s so the mobility issue is there however this doesnt affect operations with advance of infantry formations. Still, the need of the hour is an advanced MBT similar to AK series for Infantry Divisions.
The independent armoured Brigade Group (2 Armoured regiments and 1 Mechanised infantry Battalion) of a Corps HQ is sometimes attached with an Infantry Division to conduct an operation giving superior firepower and mobility, another alternative could be to form an armoured brigade with-in an Infantry Division by adding an additional Armoured Regiment and Mechanised Infantry Battalion (an alternate to adding MIB’s in Infantry Brigades discussed in Infantry Brigade section)
This makes another Brigade (Armoured Brigade, instead of Armoured Regiment) and provides the Infantry Division with a decent armoured formation to conduct operations independent of assistance from Corps HQ.
Death from Below- Air Defence Regiment
An AD unit at least or more are attached to an Infantry Division. These were once part of Artillery Corps but later separated. Now they are Light AD, Medium AD, Missile AD and SP AD. The Corps HQ can also attach more AD units if required.
AD units usually operate 35mm, 40mm but 14.5mm, 23mm and bigger calibre like 55mm can also be in use. The Tube launched are Anza, Stinger, and RBS-70 (can work with GIRAFFE Radar). Every regiment has its own contingent of transport trucks for towing guns.
Tank Killers - LAT Regiment (Ex- Recon and Support, R&S)
The CO reports directly to GOC, Div HQ. The Recoilless Rifle (106mm RR’s) and HMG carrying M-151 Mutts and CJ-3/5/6/7 had the name of R&S battalions, these units have been given bigger and better weapons and transports now with a new name, LAT’s.
The Recon role may have been shifted to aerial assets like drones in early 2000’s, but the support role remains in the form of providing heavy firepower through maneuver with only a handful troops.
The LAT (Light Anti Tank) is half the strength of a normal infantry battalion but gives a massive punch with mobility to the Infantry Division. It usually has 24 launcher systems of ATGM’s and 24 HMG’s armed on light 4 x 4 like Land Rover Defenders, some accounts say 12 instead of 24 but 12 seems less.
Mobility R Us - Supply and Transport (S &T) Battalion
The CO reports to Div HQ and is tasked to provide the transport needs of the Infantry Division, whether its supplies in the form of ammunition and weapons or transporting MBT’s to the battlefield.This battalion is made up of transport trucks and sometimes other vehicles and buses too.
Though all the battalions have their own transports to a big extent, the S&T plays a major role in re-supplying the Infantry Division from the rear to the front lines. It brings in not only much needed ammunition, equipment and weaponry but also fresh troops in the form of reserves and reinforcements.
Loud and Clear - Signals Battalion
The CO (Lt Col) reports to GOC and commands the battalion which provides C3I/C4I tactical communication, provides lines of communications, maintains equipment for eaves-dropping on enemy and intercepting enemy communications, provides communication sets and equipment, operates electrical equipment like different of antennas, generators for power, rectifiers etc in the field. The unit is capable of repairing faulty equipment in the field and has the capability to fight the enemy like an infantry formation.
Builders - Engineers Regiment
The Engineer/Sapper Regiment comes directly under Div HQ and the Sappers CO reports to GOC.
The Sapper Regiment carries out the construction, demolishing, mining (anti-personnel/anti-tank) and de-mining, bridging, roads and rail work and is capable of fighting as regular infantry too. They also specialize in laying explosives, fortifying bunkers and other strongholds as well as building barriers against enemy MBT incursions ( e.g Dragon-tooth obstacles/ditches/traps etc) and road blocks.
Engineers can operate specialized vehicles for laying bridges and other tasks.
Justice is Served -Military Police Unit
It can be headed by a Major or a Lt Col who directly reports to Div HQ.
The MP unit maintains law and order, escorts and leads the formation convoys. They are also known as “pilots” when leading convoys. The unit also investigates crimes as well as gives sentry duty at strategic locations like Div HQ. Brigade HQ Etc. This unit is trained to handle POW’s.
007 - Field Intelligence Unit (FIU)
Headed usually by a Major, OC ( Officer Commanding) reports directly to GOC, Div HQ. The staff may include a junior officer, JCO’s, NCO’s and OR’s.
This unit is small contingent of specially trained soldiers who are given role of intelligence agents and carry out intelligence activities with in the area of responsibility of the Infantry Division as well as with in the Division to weed out enemy spies, make reports on activities of Officers and all other ranks and other happenings inside the Division.
FIU works closely with Signals Battalion.
Medic Reporting - Field Ambulance Unit
This medical unit is headed by a major who is a doctor and has other junior doctors and nursing staff under his command. The outfit provides medical treatment and facilities in the field and operates ambulances.
Desired - Aviation Detachment
Most western armies have a dedicated Aviation contingent as part of Infantry Division in the form of combat aviation brigade.
An aviation formation can provide observation , aerial recon (UAV) over the whole area of responsibility, transport, med evac and light attack capability, depending upon the type of helicopter used. Light and medium transport helicopters as well as UAVs permanently attached to an Infantry Division can help the GOC make timely decisions and give prompt orders getting full situational awareness.
Since PA is still short of Helicopters and replacing old ones, getting a dedicated aviation unit may not be suitable so a separate recon unit can also be raised.
Desired- The Recon Unit
After the R&S was allotted the Anti-Tank title, a specialized recon unit can be raised for Infantry Division which has stealth and mobility for conducting Recon Operations. This will lift the burden from the LAT from dual role. An armoured wheeled IFV with decent cannon, troop carrying capability and powerful engine suitable for hit and run tactics as well as superb mobility and easily camouflaged can fit the role.
Considering the recon role, an SF contingent on the lines of MRF (Marines recon Force) and also small drones can be included in this unit to enhance its capabilities.
The highlighted part shows changes.
Infantry Division Revamp 1:
A Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Mech Infantry Battalion
B Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Mech Infantry Battalion
C Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
Artillery Brigade: Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + MLRS Battery
Armoured Regiment
LAT Regiment
AD Regiment
Signals Battalion
Engineers Regiment
S&T Battalion
MP Unit
FIU
FAU
Aviation Det (4-8 Transport Helis + 4 UAV)
Recon Regiment ( Wheeled Armoured Vehicle)
Infantry Division Revamp 2:
A Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
B Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
C Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
Artillery Brigade: Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + MLRS Battery
Armoured Brigade: Armoured Regiment + Armoured Regiment + Mechanised Infantry Battalion
LAT Regiment
AD Regiment
Signals Battalion
Engineers Regiment
S&T Battalion
MP Unit
FIU
FAU
Aviation Det (4-8 Transport Helis + 4 UAV)
Recon Regiment ( Wheeled Armoured Vehicle + small sized drone)
The structure of PA Infantry Divisions may vary from each other depending on their area of responsibility and deployment. Strength of some Infantry Divisions are more than others e.g 12th Infantry Division holds 5-6 Brigades while most of the Infantry Divisions usually hold 3 brigades. Armour distribution may vary too, as formations deployed in mountains and snow don't operate MBT's.
I will put forth a standard PA Infantry Division which has common elements rather than a specialised Infantry Division (like deployed on LOC or FCNA) as later I may open threads on specific Infantry Divisions of PA and discuss them then. Also suggesting a few Desired revamps.
The Nucleus - Divisional HQ
Each Infantry Division is headed by a GOC (General Officer Commanding), the rank of a Major General (2 stars). His immediate subordinate is a Colonel ranked officer posted as Colonel Staff and then he may have GSO-1/2/3 (G-1 Ranked Lt Col) or/and AQ (Assistant Quarter Master Ranked Lt Col) and other ranks.
An Infantry Divisional HQ holds Infantry Brigades as well as directly holds Battalions (which are independent of Brigades) such as Anti-Tank, Supply and Transport, Engineers etc.
The Pivot - Infantry Brigades
Infantry Brigades are tactical formations of Infantry Divisions. They directly operate the bulk of Divisional troops in the form of battalions. A Brigadier heads all the formations of the Brigade as well as the Brigade HQ. He directly reports to the GOC of the Infantry Divisions. The break down is Easy, in an Infantry Division there are 3 Infantry Brigades -> 9 Infantry Battalions. Every Infantry Battalion has A,B,C,D companies with weapons support company and a HQ.
Sometimes Paramilitary units of National Guard (NG) like Janbaz and Mujahid battalions can be attached to these brigades to provide a depth in defence so that regular infantry battalions can be used for offensive roles only.
These are mostly foot infantry, although the battalions are motorised atleast to ferry the soldiers, equipment, weapons and ammunition to the front lines. There is no specialised Infantry fighting vehicle operated by these battalions. There is an commando platoon at some level in the formation which gives the necessary SF punch.
The use of LMG’s, RPG’s, Mortars, sniper rifles, Grenade launchers as well as ground movement detector radars give the infantry the required punch for a satisfying performance but a desired formation could be a mechanised Infantry Battalion (MIB), atleast in 1-2 Brigades so that the fire power and transport capability can be enhanced for the Infantry division, especially when operating with MBT’s of the Armour regiment.
The Armoured and mechanised content in PA formations is already less than required, especially in the Infantry divisions which are to support Armoured Divisions in battlefield like 37th/17th ID and 40th/ 14th ID for I and II Corps respectively.
I will also present a different formation idea with respect to armor operations when I discuss the Armour Regiment.
The Long Arm- Artillery Brigade
Every Infantry Division has an artillery outfit attached to it, usually a brigade, headed by a Brigadier. The Brigade may have three artillery regiments and sometimes more. These can be medium regiments, field regiments and mountain artillery regiments. Regiments using heavy calibre (200mm) also exist.
The 25 pounders are a major part of Pakistan Artillery though their use has declined rapidly although the 12km range and decent 88mm caliber can still be useful when required.
An artillery brigade may have a mix of regiments, each operating any of following caliber guns 105mm, 122mm, 130mm, 155mm and 200mm guns. There are three batteries in most Artillery regiments: Papa,Quebec and Romeo. A battery may have 4-6 guns. An Artillery regiment 12-18 guns.
Mortar units and batteries were detached from Artillery and now form part of Infantry battalions.
There was a talk of PA acquiring wheeled Artillery. The mobility of such a weapon system can be very useful in shoot and scoot tactics as well as counter battery fire in the plains areas. A useful weapon for maneuver role.
Another desirable weapon which can be included in most infantry Divisions is an MLRS battery, however MLRS is mostly seen operating with Armoured formations. The reason can be that it can cause maximum destruction to an assembly area filled with armoured vehicles, enemy fuel, weapon and field supply depots and field workshops which can cause a big blow to enemy Armoured operations. However, it must be kept in mind that an MLRS is a very effective against fortified structures like bunkers, strong points, trenches etc.
The Self-propelled regiments (Tracked) are not considered a part of infantry formations.
The Fist - Armour Regiment
The CO reports to GOC and provides the Infantry Division with Armour capability for offensive and defensive operations. The regiment has 44 MBT’s, divided in 3 squadrons of 14 each, and 2 MBT in Regimental HQ.
T-59 II and T-69 II are usually the MBT’s deployed in Armoured Regiments of an Infantry Division, armed with 105mm L-7 gun and upgraded to certain standards, these MBT’s are expected to give decent fire power in supporting infantry.
The engines of these MBT’s are smaller than AZ. T-80, T-85 and AK series of MBT’s so the mobility issue is there however this doesnt affect operations with advance of infantry formations. Still, the need of the hour is an advanced MBT similar to AK series for Infantry Divisions.
The independent armoured Brigade Group (2 Armoured regiments and 1 Mechanised infantry Battalion) of a Corps HQ is sometimes attached with an Infantry Division to conduct an operation giving superior firepower and mobility, another alternative could be to form an armoured brigade with-in an Infantry Division by adding an additional Armoured Regiment and Mechanised Infantry Battalion (an alternate to adding MIB’s in Infantry Brigades discussed in Infantry Brigade section)
This makes another Brigade (Armoured Brigade, instead of Armoured Regiment) and provides the Infantry Division with a decent armoured formation to conduct operations independent of assistance from Corps HQ.
Death from Below- Air Defence Regiment
An AD unit at least or more are attached to an Infantry Division. These were once part of Artillery Corps but later separated. Now they are Light AD, Medium AD, Missile AD and SP AD. The Corps HQ can also attach more AD units if required.
AD units usually operate 35mm, 40mm but 14.5mm, 23mm and bigger calibre like 55mm can also be in use. The Tube launched are Anza, Stinger, and RBS-70 (can work with GIRAFFE Radar). Every regiment has its own contingent of transport trucks for towing guns.
Tank Killers - LAT Regiment (Ex- Recon and Support, R&S)
The CO reports directly to GOC, Div HQ. The Recoilless Rifle (106mm RR’s) and HMG carrying M-151 Mutts and CJ-3/5/6/7 had the name of R&S battalions, these units have been given bigger and better weapons and transports now with a new name, LAT’s.
The Recon role may have been shifted to aerial assets like drones in early 2000’s, but the support role remains in the form of providing heavy firepower through maneuver with only a handful troops.
The LAT (Light Anti Tank) is half the strength of a normal infantry battalion but gives a massive punch with mobility to the Infantry Division. It usually has 24 launcher systems of ATGM’s and 24 HMG’s armed on light 4 x 4 like Land Rover Defenders, some accounts say 12 instead of 24 but 12 seems less.
Mobility R Us - Supply and Transport (S &T) Battalion
The CO reports to Div HQ and is tasked to provide the transport needs of the Infantry Division, whether its supplies in the form of ammunition and weapons or transporting MBT’s to the battlefield.This battalion is made up of transport trucks and sometimes other vehicles and buses too.
Though all the battalions have their own transports to a big extent, the S&T plays a major role in re-supplying the Infantry Division from the rear to the front lines. It brings in not only much needed ammunition, equipment and weaponry but also fresh troops in the form of reserves and reinforcements.
Loud and Clear - Signals Battalion
The CO (Lt Col) reports to GOC and commands the battalion which provides C3I/C4I tactical communication, provides lines of communications, maintains equipment for eaves-dropping on enemy and intercepting enemy communications, provides communication sets and equipment, operates electrical equipment like different of antennas, generators for power, rectifiers etc in the field. The unit is capable of repairing faulty equipment in the field and has the capability to fight the enemy like an infantry formation.
Builders - Engineers Regiment
The Engineer/Sapper Regiment comes directly under Div HQ and the Sappers CO reports to GOC.
The Sapper Regiment carries out the construction, demolishing, mining (anti-personnel/anti-tank) and de-mining, bridging, roads and rail work and is capable of fighting as regular infantry too. They also specialize in laying explosives, fortifying bunkers and other strongholds as well as building barriers against enemy MBT incursions ( e.g Dragon-tooth obstacles/ditches/traps etc) and road blocks.
Engineers can operate specialized vehicles for laying bridges and other tasks.
Justice is Served -Military Police Unit
It can be headed by a Major or a Lt Col who directly reports to Div HQ.
The MP unit maintains law and order, escorts and leads the formation convoys. They are also known as “pilots” when leading convoys. The unit also investigates crimes as well as gives sentry duty at strategic locations like Div HQ. Brigade HQ Etc. This unit is trained to handle POW’s.
007 - Field Intelligence Unit (FIU)
Headed usually by a Major, OC ( Officer Commanding) reports directly to GOC, Div HQ. The staff may include a junior officer, JCO’s, NCO’s and OR’s.
This unit is small contingent of specially trained soldiers who are given role of intelligence agents and carry out intelligence activities with in the area of responsibility of the Infantry Division as well as with in the Division to weed out enemy spies, make reports on activities of Officers and all other ranks and other happenings inside the Division.
FIU works closely with Signals Battalion.
Medic Reporting - Field Ambulance Unit
This medical unit is headed by a major who is a doctor and has other junior doctors and nursing staff under his command. The outfit provides medical treatment and facilities in the field and operates ambulances.
Desired - Aviation Detachment
Most western armies have a dedicated Aviation contingent as part of Infantry Division in the form of combat aviation brigade.
An aviation formation can provide observation , aerial recon (UAV) over the whole area of responsibility, transport, med evac and light attack capability, depending upon the type of helicopter used. Light and medium transport helicopters as well as UAVs permanently attached to an Infantry Division can help the GOC make timely decisions and give prompt orders getting full situational awareness.
Since PA is still short of Helicopters and replacing old ones, getting a dedicated aviation unit may not be suitable so a separate recon unit can also be raised.
Desired- The Recon Unit
After the R&S was allotted the Anti-Tank title, a specialized recon unit can be raised for Infantry Division which has stealth and mobility for conducting Recon Operations. This will lift the burden from the LAT from dual role. An armoured wheeled IFV with decent cannon, troop carrying capability and powerful engine suitable for hit and run tactics as well as superb mobility and easily camouflaged can fit the role.
Considering the recon role, an SF contingent on the lines of MRF (Marines recon Force) and also small drones can be included in this unit to enhance its capabilities.
The highlighted part shows changes.
Infantry Division Revamp 1:
A Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Mech Infantry Battalion
B Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Mech Infantry Battalion
C Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
Artillery Brigade: Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + MLRS Battery
Armoured Regiment
LAT Regiment
AD Regiment
Signals Battalion
Engineers Regiment
S&T Battalion
MP Unit
FIU
FAU
Aviation Det (4-8 Transport Helis + 4 UAV)
Recon Regiment ( Wheeled Armoured Vehicle)
Infantry Division Revamp 2:
A Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
B Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
C Infantry Brigade:: Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion + Infantry Battalion
Artillery Brigade: Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + Artillery Regt + MLRS Battery
Armoured Brigade: Armoured Regiment + Armoured Regiment + Mechanised Infantry Battalion
LAT Regiment
AD Regiment
Signals Battalion
Engineers Regiment
S&T Battalion
MP Unit
FIU
FAU
Aviation Det (4-8 Transport Helis + 4 UAV)
Recon Regiment ( Wheeled Armoured Vehicle + small sized drone)
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