Guard Mode Bonuses?

[Grade_A_Beef]

Keep in mind that any unit with guard mode on won't be getting experience anytime soon, if at all.

The experience system is tied down to each man, not the unit as a whole. Properly used guard mode only allows the front line to fight, and at a reduced killing rate at that.

Although that means you'll still gain experience, but since it's those same front line guys that die first.....they're not keeping it for long.

As a result you'll get a unit that'll grow exp at a slow rate, if at all. Happens every time I use those Thracian spearmen in my Getai campaign. They only gain exp when chasing routers, whereas my Komatai are just swimming in 4-5 chevrons.

Edit: you should also never ever use guard mode for shock infantry unless you're desperate. Very heavy shock infantry like Milnaht (lightest, probably) and Solduros are about the only ones you should ever try them with. Doing it with lighter swordsmen like Bataroas is just a waste of men and their specialities, which are the combo of high lethality and high attack that comes from the charge.