page_title: Light infantry
hierarchical_section_title: Light infantry
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Soldat/Schütze der 6. Portugiesischen Caçadores im Jahre 1811 English: A soldier (rifleman) of the 6th Portuguese Caçadores in 1811 Português: Soldado do Batalhão de Caçadores n.º 6, 1811
context_page_description: Light infantry is a designation applied to certain types of foot soldiers throughout history, typically having lighter equipment or armament or a more mobile or fluid function than other types of infantry, such as heavy infantry or line infantry. Historically, light infantry often fought as scouts, raiders and skirmishers—soldiers who fight in a loose formation ahead of the main army to harass, delay, disrupt supply lines, and generally "soften up" an enemy before the main battle. After World War II, the term "light infantry" evolved, and now generally refers to rapid-deployment units that specifically emphasize speed and mobility over armor and firepower. Some units or battalions that historically held a skirmishing role have kept their designation "light infantry" for the sake of tradition.
context_section_description: Light infantry is a designation applied to certain types of foot soldiers (infantry) throughout history, typically having lighter equipment or armament or a more mobile or fluid function than other types of infantry, such as heavy infantry or line infantry. Historically, light infantry often fought as scouts, raiders and skirmishers—soldiers who fight in a loose formation ahead of the main army to harass, delay, disrupt supply lines, and generally "soften up" an enemy before the main battle. After World War II, the term "light infantry" evolved, and now generally refers to rapid-deployment units (including commandos and airborne units) that specifically emphasize speed and mobility over armor and firepower. Some units or battalions that historically held a skirmishing role have kept their designation "light infantry" for the sake of tradition.
caption: Portuguese Army light infantryman (caçador) of the Peninsular War, with earth-tone uniform aiding concealment, compared to bright uniforms of line infantry
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