light infantry

American  

noun

1. foot soldiers with lightweight weapons and minimal field equipment.

2. infantry units with a minimal number of crew-served weapons and other supporting equipment.

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Etymology

Origin of light infantry

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

light infantry

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington DC, estimates that Hezbollah has around 30,000 active fighters and up to 20,000 reserves, mostly trained as mobile small units of light infantry.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2024

For much of the 20th century, Fort Ord was one of the largest light infantry training bases in the country, a place where more than a million U.S.

From New York Times ● Sep. 27, 2023

It’s primarily designed for reconnaissance missions and has enough armor to protect against light infantry weapons, according to the French defense ministry.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 5, 2023

Mr. Wood argues in his analysis that the Corps would be better served by returning to its niche as the expeditionary, light infantry arm of the Navy.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 14, 2019

All the grenadier and light infantry companies were to be taken off duty until further orders.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes