What is the difference between cavalry and infantry?

Mondo History Updated on 2024-02-22

Cavalry and infantry are two different types of armed forces, and they differ significantly in a number of ways.

Definition and characteristics of troops: Cavalry is a unit or detachment in the army that performs tasks on horseback, they can fight on horseback or on foot, and are usually responsible for frontal assault, roundabout encirclement, pursuit, rush and other tasks.

Cavalry moves lightly and is less affected by terrain and weather, and was once the main combat arm of the army in history. Infantry is a branch of the army that carries out maneuvers and operations on foot or by car, armored transport vehicle, and infantry fighting vehicle.

Infantry includes foot infantry, motorized infantry, mechanized infantry, mountain infantry, hoplite, light infantry, etc.

Tactical mobility: Infantry has relatively poor tactical mobility, for example, they can walk 20 miles in a day, but they may only get close to 400 miles in 20 days.

Cavalry had a distinct advantage in tactical mobility, and could travel 50 miles in a day, although they might not be able to reach 400 miles for 20 days in a row, but their speed and agility allowed them to freely engage or maneuver on the battlefield.

Strategic Mobility: Although infantry is inferior to cavalry in tactical mobility, infantry may match or even surpass cavalry in terms of strategic mobility (marching for more than ten days).

Personnel and equipment: Cavalry is usually made up of carefully selected elite warriors who fight on horses, but the horses have poor visibility and can affect tactical judgment. The infantry, on the other hand, relied mainly on foot, and they were usually armed with guns as the main force, and the commander had strong insight and tactical complexity and flexibility.

In summary, there are significant differences between cavalry and infantry in terms of the definition of arms, tactical and strategic mobility, personnel and equipment, etc. Cavalry is known for its speed and agility, while infantry is more focused on stability and persistence.

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