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Skirmishers are soldiers who make up a Skirmish Line. A Skirmish line is mainly used to protect flanks, or to harass the enemy line. Skirmishers are generally lightly armed and lightly armored in order to move quickly from one side of the field to the other.
During the American Civil War it was common for Cavalry to dismount and take a Skirmish line in order to accomplish the same mission of their Roman and Medieval counterparts.
During the Napoleonic wars, Skirmishers played a key role in battles, by punching holes in the enemy ranks. The Infantry of the time would fire volleys almost without aiming so a loose screen of skirmishers was a hard target. Frensh
Voltiguer and British Rifles where some of the best units during the Napoleonic wars.
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