EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ARMIES

UNIT TYPES

Infantry

        Musketmen - most common form of fighting unit in the 18th century

        Riflemen - often used for special purposes (e.g. snipers); sometimes organized into separate units

        Light Infantry - usually composed of the best soldiers, used for special assignments

Cavalry

        Cavalry units usually used for reconnaissance, flank protection, and shock effect

        Dragoons - technically infantry who rode horses but dismounted to fight, often used interchangeably with cavalry in 18th

Combinations of Infantry and Cavalry

        Legions - usually half infantry and half cavalry

        Partisan Corps - similar to a legion

Rangers - specialized units for irregular warfare, descended from Rogers' Rangers of French & Indian War

Artillery

        Highly trained, specialized service

Naval Units

        Regular Navy

        State Navies (American)

        Privateers

Auxiliary Units

        Hospital Corps

        Quartermaster Corps

        Engineers - usually involved in building fortifications

        Pioneers

        Scouts

Spying Operations

"Camp Followers"

        Sutlers

        Personal services