Infantry - Role

Role

The role of the infantry is generally defined as engaging the enemy at close proximity and kill or injure them utilizing their rifle, pistol, bayonette, entrenching tool, or even their bare hands. for example:

• The Canadian Army Infantry role "is to close with and destroy the enemy"
• The Australian Army defines the role of the infantry thus: "The role of the Infantry is to seek out and close with the enemy, to kill or capture him, to seize or hold ground and repel attack, by day or night, regardless of season, weather or terrain."
• The United States Army describes the mission of infantry: "The Infantry closes with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver in order to destroy or capture him or to repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack."{FM7-8, Infantry Rifle Platoon And Squad}
• The infantry mission is "to close with and engage the enemy in all operational theatres and environments in order to bring about his defeat"

All things considered these synopsize what the infantry does and has done throughout the ages, regardless of nationality, changes in technology, doctrine, tactics, etc.