Epic Battles: American Civil War Skirmishers

Skirmishing troops were important parts of Union and Confederate battleplans during the American Civil War. Ranging ahead of the main attack columns, skirmishers advanced in loose formations to harass the enemy, draw fire, and 'screen' the troops behind them ahead of a major bayonet charge. Skirmishers deployed ahead of the main battle line to do damage by shooting and unsettle the enemy line prior to the assault. These detached soldiers would move ahead of the main body in extended order with gaps of perhaps five yards between men, making best use of the cover available, even trying to work in pairs, ideally using a fire and movement system as they advanced. Their aim was to draw the enemy’s fire and to do damage, making the enemy unsettled enough for a bayonet charge from the main body. Skirmishers were not always used, however. Once deployed, they tended to become uncontrollable as each man sought to take shelter away from his officers. Rates of fire slackened as each man might try