answersLogoWhite

0

The Cavalry!

In the past, the "cavalry" was further divided into "light" and "heavy" cavalry. Heavy cavalry served as shock troopers. Knight and Napoleon's curraisiers are examples of heavy cavalry. Light cavalry served a scouts, skirmishers, and pursuit forces to attack enemy stragglers. Hussars, chasseurs, and to a degree dragoons, are light cav.

(In theory, dragoons were not really "cavalry." Yes, they rode on horseback; but but they were supposed to fight dismounted as infantry with carbines. Not all generals chose to use them this way,however.

(And, although technically called just plain "cavalry," Sheridan's Union troops and Forrest's Confederate cavalry often fought this way, essentially operating as highly mobile light infantry).

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?