Kevyratsuväki

Kevyratsuväki is a Finnish term that translates to "light cavalry" or "mounted infantry." Historically, it referred to a type of military unit that utilized horses for mobility but whose primary role was not the shock charge of traditional cavalry. Instead, kevyratsuväki units were often employed for scouting, reconnaissance, skirmishing, and rapid deployment.

These units typically rode lighter horses and wore less armor than heavy cavalry, prioritizing speed and agility. Their equipment often included firearms or carbines, allowing them to engage the enemy from a distance or dismount and fight as infantry. This flexibility made them valuable assets in various battlefield scenarios, particularly in the expansive and often wooded terrains common in Finland.

The concept of kevyratsuväki was prevalent in military forces that needed adaptable units capable of covering long distances quickly and acting as a mobile screen or force multiplier. While the specific organization and tactics could vary, the underlying principle remained the same: using horse power for mobility without sacrificing the ability to fight effectively on foot. The term is less commonly used in modern military contexts, as the roles once filled by light cavalry have largely been assumed by mechanized units.