Dragoon

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02 187 Book illustrations of Historical description of the clothes and weapons of Russian troops

Dragonnades430

Volontaires de Saxe, Dragon (cropped)

Battle of Jena

Officier de dragons Mexique 1826

Dragoon refers to a type of soldier originally mounted on horses but trained to fight on foot. The term was first used in the 17th century, deriving from the firearms, called "dragons", they carried. Dragoons were a versatile force in various European armies, capable of using traditional cavalry tactics as well as dismounted infantry tactics.

History

The concept of dragoons evolved in the early 17th century in Europe, where armies sought more flexibility on the battlefield. The mobility provided by horses allowed dragoons to move quickly across the battlefield, engaging in combat as mounted or dismounted troops depending on the situation. This dual-role capability made them a valuable asset in many military campaigns.

17th and 18th Centuries

During the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), dragoons proved their effectiveness by providing the mobility of cavalry with the combat power of infantry. They were cheaper to raise and maintain than traditional cavalry units, which made them popular among military leaders. In the 18th century, as warfare evolved, so did the role of the dragoons. They were increasingly used in reconnaissance, raiding, and as a mobile reserve.

19th Century

The 19th century saw significant changes in military tactics and technology, including the widespread adoption of rifled muskets and artillery. These changes began to diminish the traditional cavalry's battlefield role, including that of the dragoons. However, during the Napoleonic Wars, dragoons were still used effectively by both French and allied forces. By the end of the century, the distinction between dragoons and other types of cavalry became blurred, and the term was used more as a designation of tradition than of specific tactical roles.

Tactics

Dragoons were trained to fight both on horseback and on foot. This dual capability allowed commanders to use them flexibly on the battlefield. They could quickly close in on an enemy with the speed of cavalry and then dismount to fight as infantry, providing a combination of mobility and firepower. This made them particularly effective in roles such as scouting, skirmishing, and covering the movement of armies.

Equipment

The equipment of dragoons varied over time and between nations. Initially, they were armed with a shortened musket, called a "dragon", which was easier to use on horseback. They also carried swords for close combat. As firearms technology evolved, so did the armament of the dragoons, with later units being equipped with rifles and carbines. Their armor was lighter than that of heavy cavalry, allowing for greater mobility.

Modern Usage

In the modern era, the term "dragoon" has largely fallen out of use, with the roles traditionally filled by dragoons now covered by mechanized infantry, armored cavalry, and air-mobile forces. However, some regiments still carry the title of dragoons, preserving the heritage and traditions of their predecessors.

See Also

• Cavalry
• Infantry
• Napoleonic Wars
• Thirty Years' War