Use of Colonial Militia

[rhondabrwn]

I'm certainly experiencing the frustration of Continental Army commanders as they watch the militia "run for the border" the first time they get fired upon. Here's the question though... is it better to just put the militia in your front line to get off a few volleys and before they rout while protecting your regular troops; or should the militia be sheltered in an attempt to keep them on the field and useful for cleanup work once the enemy begins to rout?

I've mostly been intermingling them with regular units to strengthen the line, but that doesn't seem to be working so well.

So... anyone got this puzzle all figured out yet?

[HussarGames]

Do not use them against regulars if possible. Militia is best suited for garrison duty or against Indian raids / enemy militia. If you use them against regular troops, then try to cause casualties, then retreat (or watch them rout). They can also be useful defending earthen forts, but not in regular forts.
Also I would not mix them with my regulars, because when they rout they cause a morale loss for friendly troops.

[rhondabrwn]

ORIGINAL: HussarGames

Do not use them against regulars if possible. Militia is best suited for garrison duty or against Indian raids / enemy militia. If you use them against regular troops, then try to cause casualties, then retreat (or watch them rout). They can also be useful defending earthen forts, but not in regular forts.
Also I would not mix them with my regulars, because when they rout they cause a morale loss for friendly troops.

That makes sense to me. I should have realized that routing militia would bring down my better troops along with them.

[Skyros]

If I remember correctly that at the battle of Cowpens, General Morgan just asked for two good vollys and told them they could then retreat. The British thought the Colonials had broken, but instead found the Regulars waiting for them. So I think your first instinct is an historical and good use. Just retreat them before they rout.

[showboat1]

Actually it was three volleys and they were to pick off as many officers as was possible. When they were finished the British companies were virtually leaderless.