Order of battle question

[Ludens]

Perhaps, although dressing the line and keeping formation under (arrow) fire doesn't sound like an easy thing for inexperienced phalangites to do.

Certainly. But that's what drill is for: to repeat the motions until it becomes an automatism, so that the soldiers can carry them out even when they're not thinking straight.

[Titus Marcellus Scato]

Certainly. But that's what drill is for: to repeat the motions until it becomes an automatism, so that the soldiers can carry them out even when they're not thinking straight.

I see... so, the less experienced the soldier, the less likely they are to think straight - and therefore the more likely they are to follow the drill? ;)

[Ludens]

I see... so, the less experienced the soldier, the less likely they are to think straight - and therefore the more likely they are to follow the drill? ;)

For the record: it's all speculation on my part. We really know very little about the "mechanics" of close-combat during this age. (Much has been written about the famous "hoplite push", but the evidence for actual pushing is far slimmer than some of its proponents realize. In any case, it's not relevant for phalangites or legionaries.)

[Principe]

I think Experienced soldiers in the back give the younger ones hope. They know that if they fail, they will be able to retreat, allowing them to fight without the fear of being massacred. Younger troops also will be the first to be killed in ambushes, if the front of the column is attacked. However, I think Experienced veterans should be in the battleline and not waiting by the side. They give much more morale close to the troops than sitting and waiting to flank or till the battle turns critical.

[The Stranger]

i usually keep some veteran (or elite units) in the back to reinforce the line or counterattack where needed.