cavalrymen

Cavalrymen are soldiers who serve in cavalry units, traditionally mounted on horses and trained to fight on horseback. Historically, cavalry operated as a fast, flexible arm of the army, capable of rapid maneuver, exploitation of breakthrough, and pursuit. Cavalry roles included reconnaissance, screening of infantry columns, raiding enemy lines, breaking enemy formations with shock tactics, and securing flanks or communications.

Historically, cavalry has been divided into heavy and light branches. Heavy cavalry, such as cuirassiers or lancers, emphasized armored protection and shock impact in melee. Light cavalry, including hussars, lancers, and outriders, focused on speed, reconnaissance, raiding, and skirmishing. Dragoons originated as mounted infantry who fought on horseback but depended on dismounted firepower. In many armies, these distinctions blurred over time as firearms and tactics evolved.

Equipment and tactics: Cavalrymen rode trained horses, wore or relied on horse armor and leg protection, used saddles with stirrups, and employed melee weapons such as swords and sabers, lances, and later rifled carbines or pistols. Formations included charge wedges, columns, and scouting patrols. Cavalry exploited speed, discipline, and psychological impact to disrupt infantry, artillery, or supply lines.

Modern era: The widespread adoption of firearms and mechanization transformed cavalry into armored or air cavalry units. In many armed forces, "cavalry" survives as a branch name for armored cavalry, light cavalry, or air cavalry units, equipped with tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters, or drones. Some nations maintain horse-mounted units for ceremonial duties or patrols; others retain mounted police. In peacetime, cavalrymen are often designated as troopers or riders in mechanized formations.