b. A corps has both a tactical and an administrative headquarters, normally
reporting operationally to the unified command and administratively to the theater army
headquarters. A 5-division corps, with its assigned CS elements and its own corps
support command (COSCOM), can control an area about 140 kilometers wide and 250
kilometers deep. These geographical limits are only a planning guide, since the corps
area will depend on the mission, troops available, enemy capabilities, terrain, and future
plans.
1-10. CORPS OPERATION
The corps is responsible for combat, CS, and CSS in the combat Zone. It is also
responsible for rear operations (RO), traffic regulation, and recommendations for the
location of supporting theater army units in the corps area, and the tactical and logistical
planning necessary to accomplish the mission. Corps headquarters includes a main
command post (CP), a mobile tactical CP, and a rear CP.
1-11. THE DIVISION
The division is the basic US Army unit of the combined arms and services. Like the
corps, the division is organized for a particular environment and for the accomplishment
of specific missions. It has both tactical and CSS functions. The division normally
conducts operations as part of a larger force--usually the corps; however, it is capable
of independent operation for relatively short periods of time, or for prolonged periods
when augmented with additional support forces. The division achieves flexibility
through the grouping of its components to meet tactical and strategic requirements and
through its capability to vary its organization for combat. Exceptionally, it may serve as
the framework of a combined or joint force. Army divisions are designated as infantry,
mechanized infantry, armored, airborne, and airmobile (air assault). These divisions are
capable of operating independently or in conjunction with one another in all forms of
warfare.
a. Infantry Division. The infantry division is capable of sustained ground
combat under all conditions of weather and terrain. It is formed by the assignment of a
predominance of infantry units. It readily conducts airmobile or air-landed operations.
Appropriately reinforced with ground or air transport means, the infantry division can
conduct highly mobile operations.
b. Mechanized Infantry Division. The mechanized infantry division, frequently
referred to as the mechanized division, is formed by the assignment of mechanized
infantry and tank units, with a predominance of mechanized infantry units. This division
is capable of covering extended frontages and relatively deep zones of action and of
operating in widely dispersed formations. The organic vehicles of the subordinate units
of the division provide a high degree of tactical mobility. This division is more sensitive
to terrain than the infantry division. The bulk and weight of the armored vehicles of the
mechanized division are disadvantages in strategic movement. The mechanized
division is organized for deployment to the TO that permit the exploitation of its inherent
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