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Maybe I'm just not crunching the numbers right, but to me, 390,000 troops does not seem to be a "light force" -- especially when you factor in the disproportionate amount of enemy butt that is being kicked.

Now... fifty civilian-clothed fedayeen on a bus that can be taken out with one shot? That's a "light" force.

The 'light' aspect deals with equipment, of course. A division with 15,000 rifle-armed infantry is 'lighter' than a division of 10,000 men with 1000 tanks and 1500 APCs and 800 MLRS and 1200 155mm SP guns.

The issue is whether the force emphasizes firepower or emphasizes keeping the logistics tail small. In general, Hackworth complains about every new weapon development, whether it's the Crusader cannon or a better sight on an M-16. He wants lots and lots of 'light' infantry troops armed as they were in Viet Nam, but with better training and pay.

Until the first time they get into real combat against an enemy with armor. Then it's, "Where's the high-tech 4th Division, or the 1st Cavalry Division, or . . . ?"