| As Europe began to form regular armies, old feudal system was changed to the new centralized organization. Knighthood gave place to
cavalry; separate feudal squads were replaced with detachments of cavalry and infantry with officers in command. Strict subordination was established in
order to put the military service into shape of efficient structure and allow the supreme power control. The number of officer ranks was limited, and
long service was not a sufficient condition for an officer's promotion - a vacancy was also required.
The European military organization was as follows. For instance, a Swedish regiment consisted of 8 companies (4 companies per battalion); an infantry
company comprised a captain, one or two lieutenants, one or two ensigns, 5 corporals, 3 musicians, and 140 private soldiers (about 150 men in total).
Swedish cavalry was divided into regiments of 3 squadrons each (12 companies). Each company included 124 private soldiers, one trumpeter, two captains,
two lieutenants, two cornets, a standard-cadet, two quartermasters, and five corporals. At the same time, a Russian infantry regiment comprised 1348
units: 3 staff officers, 40 chief-officers, 80 corporals, 27 musicians, 24 craftsmen, 8 clerks and barbers, 86 cabmen, and 1120 private soldiers.
Russian dragoon regiment consisted of 5 squadrons (about 1200 men in total), 38 staff officers and chief-officers, 80 corporals, 920 privates and 290
non-combatants. The number of officers in sub-divisions has determined the battle value and controllability of forces. An officer's weapons comprised a
sword with a gilded hilt, a pair of pistols, and - in the most part of Europe -an espontone or a bardisan (sorts of a halberd). Also they could wear an
armor - a cuirass or a half-armor (with no knee socks or leg-guards). Their uniform excelled with expensive fabric and golden embroidery. Officer corps
comprised nobles only - it was a top difficult for an ignoble to do the trick of getting there. |
