Early regular armies of the modern era frequently relied on irregulars to perform the duties of light infantry skirmishers.

The most reliable troops were Libyan, primarily heavy infantry but with some light skirmishers and cavalry.

Instead, the phalangites strapped a smaller pelte shield (usually reserved for light skirmishers - peltasts) to their left forearm.

Because kerns were equipped and trained as light skirmishers, they faced a severe disadvantage in Pitched battle.

Finally at some word of command these light skirmishers vanished, except whose who were dead or wounded, taking shelter behind the advancing regiments which now were within fifty yards of us.

But now each regiment was supported by a detachment of light infantry skirmishers.

While line regiments fired in volleys, light infantry skirmishers fired at will, taking careful aim at targets.

Marius took up a strong position on a carefully selected hill and enticed the Teutones to attack him there using his cavalry and light infantry skirmishers (most of whom were allied Ligurians).

Velites, light skirmishers, would now fulfill skirmishing duties and troops that would usually have gone into the accensi would now be excluded from service.

The number of 34,500 has been suggested to represent one light skirmisher supporting each non-Spartan hoplite (33,700), together with 800 Athenian archers, whose presence in the battle Herodotus later notes.