Army Reforms of 1107 to 1111 by Pomerlane.
With his victory over the Republic, Pomerlane now had the freedom to build a new army, and have it trained in a way that he believed would be most effective. The Army that he would create would become known as the Black Army, and this is the story of their creation.
Pomerlane had learned several lessons from his war against Feeshland.
- Shock and Awe could even the playing field with larger armies.
- Artillery was the god of the battlefield and should be concentrated into "Grand Batteries" rather than spread thinly for maximum firepower
- Morale and discipline were the deciding factors for most battles. Whomever breaks first will always suffer greatly.
He thus devised a tactical system that would place great emphasis on these three factors, but also flexibility beyond them as well. Various military games also showed him more as well.
Infantry Reforms
In standard formation, Musket men would deploy 4 ranks deep and march at an increasing pace to within 50 meters of an enemy, withstanding enemy fire from 100 meters that is inaccurate. Once within 50 meters, the first two ranks would allow the rear two the filter through them, with latter firing a volley. The rear two would then return to their previous ranks, following the front two which will close the gap to 30 or 15 meters. At 30 or 15 meters, the Front two ranks will deliver a volley and all with charge with their bayonets and swords. The enemy should have only been able to get off two volleys at most, likely less considering the shock of the first volley delivered from 50 meters. This attack depends on the timing of the men and their discipline. Fearlessness in the face of fire and the shock of the volleys should cause the enemy to panic and the charge should break them.
Pikemen and Halberdiers will march along the Musket men and stop when they stop and charge when they charge.
Should the enemy be in a strong defensive position, caution must be taken to not commit this attack and allow cannons to do their work before conducting this attack.
A large shout should be uttered when making the charge to strike fear into the enemies' heart.
Care should also be taken to order normal line of battle tactics should the situation dictate it.
Square Formation must be adopted at the discretion of the infantry commanders under the threat of a Cavalry charge.
Infantry commanders are also encouraged to allow their men to lie down in the face on enemy artillery and concentrated musketry.
Cavalry Reforms
Hand Cavalry must deploy themselves into the tight wedge formation as possible in order to maximize the weight of the charge when pressed home.
Hand Cavalry will trot initially before going into a full gallop to reduce losses and maximize the shock value.
Pistols will be used as well and swords once the attack is driven home and melee is engaged.
Lance Cavalry will adopt similar tactics but will break off after initial charge and before facing about the charge again if the enemy line is not broken.
Shock Cavalry will not attack the main enemy formation from the front but attack enemy cavalry formations and the flanks of the enemy infantry.
Ranged and Light Cavalry will harass the enemy from a distance and be a nuisance to them.
All Cavalry commanders are encouraged to exploit weaknesses they see and show initiative in battle.
Artillery Reforms
All guns will be standardized in caliber, from 3 pounders to 6 pounds to 12 pounders to 24 pounders.
Guns must be brought into position rapidly on the battlefield and be concentrated when necessary to blow holes in the enemy lines and provide counterbattery fire.
Horse artillery will be attached directly to the Cavalry commanders and is encouraged to be used by them for whatever purpose they see fit.
Munitions must be able to be brought to guns at a moment's notice.
Gun batteries must be organized by the caliber of the guns themselves, to allow battery commanders an understand of how the range and trajectory of their Battery much faster than in the past.