Despite all of the advancements in modern battlefield technology, no one unit remains as important to the mission at hand as does infantryman. From the days of Ancient Assyria and Rome to the streets of Baghdad and Kabul, the individual soldier is still the key element to the success of any military operation.
His individual exploits throughout history have often meant the difference between battles won and lost, lives committed or spared. Armed with the latest in personal weapons and body armor, the soldier has always been an integral part of the battlefield - charged with the duty to conquer or be conquered - and laying down the groundwork for other battlefield implements to come into play.
From spear and bronze shield to automatic weapon and Kevlar, the army fights or retreats based on what these individuals can do - and the infantryman is only as good as his equipment, training and the men around him. |
