Midway through 1944, approximately 3,000 U.S. Army infantry soldiers, under the command ofBrigadier General Frank D. Merrill, joined forces with 20,000 specially trained Burmese jungle fightersto operate a counter offensive deep behind Japanese lines. These light infan- try forces were known as"Merrill's Marauders," and they were well trained, lightly armed and capable of independent and quickaction. Their training emphasized physical endurance, a high degree of expertise, and self-sufficiency,while the tactics they employed stressed the element of surprise, outflanking maneuvers and discipline.They were incredibly effective. The military's use of light infantry units has a direct correlation totoday's fire service and the tactics we use on the fireground.
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