Light Infantry, how do you fight with them and why?

[Sheogorath]

I think it's also worth pointing out that most light infantry use mass fire, which gives them a HUGE advantage over other infantry prior to fire-by-rank. On large units, they've got 20 more men firing than a regular 120 man line infantry unit (assuming 3 lines). And more accurately too.
Actually the numbers would be a bit off due to the flag bearer/drummer/officer, but you get the idea.

So I'd say that, in the early game at least, light infantry can serve in the line as regulars, provided you've got somewhere to pull them back to when the enemy infantry comes in (Hooray for stakes).

Of course, that only applies to states that can get light infantry prior to the final tech tier where they reside normally...

[Slaists]

I think it's also worth pointing out that most light infantry use mass fire, which gives them a HUGE advantage over other infantry prior to fire-by-rank. On large units, they've got 20 more men firing than a regular 120 man line infantry unit (assuming 3 lines). And more accurately too.Actually the numbers would be a bit off due to the flag bearer/drummer/officer, but you get the idea.

So I'd say that, in the early game at least, light infantry can serve in the line as regulars, provided you've got somewhere to pull them back to when the enemy infantry comes in (Hooray for stakes).

Of course, that only applies to states that can get light infantry prior to the final tech tier where they reside normally...

This works ok in theory. However, in practice, light infantry does not have the staying power of a 120 line even before the fire-by-rank becomes available. OK, in the first salvo, the light infantry might have the advantage. Once they receive the response salvo, they're likely to lose around 20% of the unit; so, only 48 men will be delivering the second salvo whereas the line will still have 40 shooters (the rear rows filling in the gaps). Try it out, a light infantry unit does not stand a chance in an extended shootout against a full line unit (before fire by rank) if both units start in firing range.

[Prussian to the Iron]

If I get a chance, this week I'll try to test out a couple battles with light VS Line infantry. see the minimum light inf. that can beat a standard line inf.

[Slaists]

If I get a chance, this week I'll try to test out a couple battles with light VS Line infantry. see the minimum light inf. that can beat a standard line inf.

Well, light infantry 1 on 1 CAN beat a line infantry unit if you micromanage the lights (running them back after each salvo, etc.). If you have more than one light unit, it's even easier.

[A1_Unit]

A horde of light infantry can kill line infantry with ease.

[Fisherking]

Two lights will make hash out of a line unit but that is not using them correctly.

They take a lot of management. You have to keep them out of range of line infantry to use their true advantage.

I use them to screen my front at the beginning of the battle and then withdraw them and put them on a flank. Their fire on a flank of the enemy force will shred the units within range.

Use them in pairs. If you are a stickler for detailed organization, you should note that they are only a half company or that line infantry are two companies so an actual battalion is only 4 line units with a light company and a grenadier company.

I try to use three in a full stack. In the Americas this will be much higher, obviously. The only difference between rifles and lights is the range. Use them the same way.

[A1_Unit]

Windbushe Jaegers are the best.