The Proper Use of Dragoons

A Gentleman's guide to the proper use of Dragoons (the ugly sister of the cavalry).

It is hoped that perusing this small treatise will allow the gentle reader to properly use Dragoons in many situations, both combat and non-combat roles. During the reading of this treatise, one will discover, the best missions for dragoons outside of the rigors of war (keeping the men sharp is always important), and combat use, such as the value of staying mounted, the value of dismounting, reserve duty, flank duty, holding the line, meeting engagements, and of course, the pursuit

Foreword

Numerous times in my long career as a commander in the British army, I have won a battle on the backs of my brave dragoons, I have even had the great honor of commanding a dragoon squadron and a dragoon regiment. While I am the first to admit, Dragoons are not a branch that trumps all others, in proper use, dragoons are invaluable and versatile enough to be able to accomplish a vast array of missions not only successfully but with excellence only surpassed by specialist troops/units.

On a side note, for those of you with an interest in serving in our esteemed parliament, in regards to the cost effectiveness of dragoons, while the initial cost is reasonable, the upkeep of dragoons is rather expensive, the value one gets for dragoons is well worth both the initial cost and the upkeep cost, but only if the units are properly utilized. Failure to do so is incompatible with good honest service for His Majesty.

I have thoroughly read this treatise, and I approve what is found between its covers. This is truly a masterful work on the subject, if not the penultimate opus.


James B. Green, 3rd Earl of Blackrose
Field Marshall,
Commander-in-Chief, Ireland (Eire)

Preface

Greetings Seeker of Knowledge, in this short compendium, I hope to share with you the insignificant amounts of knowledge that your humble servant has accrued in many long years of faithful service to King and country. For your interest, I have served my entire career in the dragoons, starting out as a boy-groom in service to Dragoon Captain John Bruce, followed by trooper, then cornet, and up from there to colonel. I had the distinct honor of serving in the 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards (Ich Dien, our regimental motto), my entire career. No doubt, you already tire of my humble achievements, but worry not dear reader, on to the meat of our subject. Please be gentle with criticism of my humble ability at putting pen to paper for the skill of a wordsmith is far beyond me, my skill is the accumulation of knowledge, knowledge I sincerely wish to share with you, with that thought in mind, I leave you to the heart of my work.


Wolf D. Forester, Bt
Colonel, retired

Chapter I, Non-Combat Missions

The primary non-combat mission that your dragoons should be used for is policing duties in provinces and cities that are particularly troublesome. When dealing with seditious fools, remember they are like children, spare the rod, spoil the child. In policing duties, the dragoons are unrivaled in their ability to put a quick end to all thoughts of rebellion or other mischief. That is never a bad thing. Some of the other non-combat missions your Dragoons are quite capable of conducting, reconnaissance (of unclaimed or enemy territory), emergency reinforcement of cities and provinces, and of course, parade duties.

Chapter II, What Type of Combat Duties

Now I have been asked many times what the best use of dragoons are. The answer to that is a bit complex, while dragoons can do a bit of everything, aginst elite line infantry units, they are at a disadvantage, against light infantry and sharpshooters, the shortened range of the carbines leave them at the short end of a sniping action, while their charges are devastating they are best used against flanks, and non-box capable units, as a charge against a prepared position will be a poor tactical decision.


Now that I covered the areas not to use dragoons, please allow me to inform you of the areas they excell at, for the most part dragoons are going to be mainstay of your colonial armies, their high speed, ability to dismount, and superiour fighting qualities lend themselves well to the maintaince of security in the far-flung sometimes dark corners of the empire. One needs to be much more prudent when facing skilled armies that usually found in Europe, but even here, the dragoons can excell at many missions, quick assaults, reconnaissance, espically reconnaissance-in-force missions, rapid reaction forces, emergency defensive troops, and relief operations.

Chapter III, Mounted or Dismounted?

Far too many commanders get caught up in the fact that dragoons are mounted, while this is true, understand that dragoons can and do excel at dismounted actions, their light weighted carbines allow them to move rapidly even dismounted.

While no denies the fact that dismounted dragoons would probably lose in a fight against the better line infantry, make no mistake, these men are as tough as the leather of their saddles. They have crushed many infantry units while in dismounted actions. With all that said, they normally ride into battle on their horses, and they are cavalry and can do all the typical cavalry mounted operations, they just can also dismount and do all the typical infantry dismounted operations.

Chapter IV, Frontline or Reserve?

While I myself have never had the pleasure of commanding a unit above regiment in size, I have had the honor of serving under some of the most distinguished officers in the history of the British army, so while this is not my personal experience it is my personal observation, that I discuss.

First, while in almost all cases, it is usually best to keep dragoons in reserve, as that is where there numerous unique capabilities can be used to the best effect, there is absolutely no reason not to put dragoons on the front line when need arises. A well supported, well positioned dragoon unit can easily hold the line against an enemy for as long as a commander desires.


Second, If it is possible to keep at least one dragoon unit in reserve the benefits that will flow from that brillant yet most difficult decision will be so great, that once you have done it, you will always do it, even to the point that I have known commanders to rather have a weak line, then no dragoons in reserve, and those commanders have been very successful to say the least.

Finally, remember pound for pound, dragoons are not a cheap unit, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for, and dragoons are worth every pence.

Chapter V, Summary

In conclusion, I offer this humble treatise as my life's work, it is short and to the point, I know, but flowery words are not my forte, passing information on is, and if you can gleam some pittance of knowledge from me, then I go to my grave, dancing.

All I ask is that you use the brave dragoons in situation where they can show the capabilities of a true Englishman, Loyal, Brave, and unwavering in the face of danger.

[Ra-In-Ho]

Truly a glorious guide.

[Bridge maintainer]

even though i have overlooked this poetry i will still just rush them in

[smeg]

appreciate the period-appropriate style

[itsblueinit]

Are you really roleplaying???? XD

[Sausage]

*than

"have a weak line, then no dragoons in reserve" *than

nice pix

[CombustibleAb0]

I personally use them as a second line of fire as they have a higher firing height over my line, skirmisher and light infantry, as well as a good kiting unit against other cav units that may pose as a threat to any important units *like cannons or line holding infantry*. Another tactic I like to use is a 'baiting' fire to lead enemy cav or infantry into kill zones or to divert their cav advantage so my other units can fight without worries *maybe even a general kill if I'm lucky enough*

[Harbisonel]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the period-correct language used?

[fjymscarl]

Honorable Mention: Use only light dragoons.

[China Whyte]

I had a rough time with these guys, coming from Napoleon TW the cav in this installment are quite weaker in terms of their charging power, I saw a lot faster cav in Napoleon but anyways that was a later game, so I tried charging diamond formation in the flanks of a line unit, they maybe get 10 kills from the charge, and another 10 while being bayoneted to the point of retreat, I like to use them as a chasing force to lvl them up as they cut down the retreating enemy, once ranked up enough I put them as unmounted flanking unit when needed for when my line units get engaged, then charge them in once victorious, or if ranked enough straight into their rear as diamond formation.

[ImperialForce9]

This man learned how to write essays from "How to say the Least in the most amount of Words"