For the similar Napoleon: Total War unit, see Chasseurs.
Chasseurs à Pied are a type of skirmisher in Empire: Total War.
Description[]
Light infantry are skirmishers who harass the enemy while screening the main body of an army.
Initiative, aggression and pace of action mark these men out and they consider themselves a cut above other infantry, regardless of the title that they use. Light infantry, jaegers or chasseurs do not mindlessly follow orders, but pick and choose their own ground and targets, using such cover as they can find. They carry standard smoothbore, muzzle-loading muskets, but they do not rely on massed volley fire; they deliberately aim (as well as they can, given that muskets lack sights), at individuals within the enemy ranks. This selective fire can disrupt enemy formations or drive off enemy skirmishers. Over time, development in tactics and weapons will make them very effective as snipers as well as covering forces.
In 1700, many European nations did not recruit light infantry regiments, Each line infantry regiment had a light company, but the massed volley was the proper way to employ firepower. As irregular light troops proved their worth and tribal natives refused to co-operate by fighting formal, set piece battles, it was realised that collecting together light companies in ad hoc regiments was no longer enough. Direct recruitment of light infantry regiments began in earnest, and by the end of the 18th Century every army fielded fast, light regiments.
General Information[]
Chasseurs à Pied are the French and Quebecer variant of Light Infantry. They are identical to light infantry in every way except name.
Louisiana technically can train Chasseurs à Pied, but as Louisiana is based in the Americas and Chasseurs à Pied can only be trained in Europe, along with the fact that Louisiana almost always becomes assimilated by France early in the Grand Campaign whereas Chasseurs à Pied are mid-late game units, it doesn't often get the opportunity to do so.