Types of military forces in the Napoleonic Wars The types of military forces in the Napoleonic Wars represented the unique tactical use of distinct military units , or their origin within different European regions . By and large the military forces during the period had not changed significantly from those of the 18th century , although their employment would differ significantly . Military forces during the Napoleonic Wars consisted largely of the three principal combat arms , and several Combat support services , and included the infantry , cavalry , artillery , engineers , and logistics troops which were called the army train during the period . The period gave a start to what are today military staffs to help administer and organise forces in the field and in garrisons , and supervise training of conscripts and recruits . Much of the staff work was performed by staff officer s and often Aide - de - camp s to senior officers , and included the officers of the Quartermaster general . Combat Arms . Combat Arms of the Napoleonic Armies were those troops that did most of the killing and dying on the battlefields of the wars . For most of the troops this meant either facing their enemy ' s musket and rifle fire at about 150 yards , being fired on by artillery firing cannon balls and canister ammunition , or fighting with the sabre s , lance s and bayonet s . Infantry . The infantry Arm during the Napoleonic Wars had stopped using the grenades of the previous century , and was largely divided into the " infantry of the line " which fought in close order formation , and " light infantry " which fought as skirmishers in open order . Although many units were named guards , they functionally confirmed to the division of the close and open order formation , with light troops often assuming the close order also . More notable were the grenadier units which traditionally had the pick of the largest and strongest conscripts and recruits although this changed over the course of the wars to include the more experienced soldiers . Cavalry . The cavalry of the period had retained its role from the 18th century , although the mounted grenadiers had also abandoned their grenades , and only retaining their names . For the most part the cavalry were an offensive Arm , either used to find the enemy , or as a manoeuvre force to deliver a physical shock to the infantry , dependent mostly on their sabres and lances for causing casualties . The largest component of all armies during the period were the dragoon s , but due to lack of adequate sized horses light cavalry soon became a large part of the armies . Artillery . Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars continued to use the cannon and howitzer s of the previous century . These were smooth - bore , heavy , cast artillery pieces moved by limber s , usually at a slow pace . Support Services . Support services were all the multitude of troops that ensured the Combat Arms could manoeuvre and fight . Irregular troops . Although arguably the best known of the troops that did not serve as permanent parts of the Napoleonic armies were the Cossacks , almost all major armies of the period employed these , with the Spanish guerrilleros later giving their name to a new form of guerrilla warfare .