Skirmishers：Skirmisher

A skirmisher is a soldier usually sent ahead of a main body of troops to harass the enemy.[1] Groups of skirmishers may also be placed on the flanks to prevent a surprise attack or flanking maneuver.[1] A skirmish is a term that was first used in the 14th century.[2] It meant a small-scale fight between two opposing forces or a preliminary battle involving troops in front of the main force.[2] Skirmishers were those involved in the fight or battle. The word from the Old French eskirmir "to defend".[3] Skirmishers were usually infantry or cavalry soldiers who formed a skirmish line ahead or next to friendly troops.

Two conflicts that involved the American colonies and the development of skirmishers were the Seven Years War (the French and Indian War in the American colonies) and the American Revolutionary War.[4] The main development of skirmisher tactics came from the Native American allied primarily to the English and French.[4] Indian warriors did not usually fight in th...