Columbia International Affairs Online
CIAO DATE: 6/5/2007
A Few Thoughts on the Evolution of Infantry: Past, Present, Future
May 2006
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract
During the Seven Years War a young, handsome and daring cavalryman in the Prussian Army was observed taking sexual liberties with his beautiful mare. This indiscretion was brought to the attention of King Frederic II. Advisors fretted as to what would become of the army as a fighting force, and of war in general, if such behavior were to spread across all ranks of mounted personnel. Many expected the king would have this deed punished in the most draconian manner. Frederic decided otherwise and simply ordered : “Transfer that chap to the infantry!” This royal order can only be fully appreciated if some background information is taken into account, as follows:
- The king was very fond of young and handsome men.
- During the Seven Years War good soldiers were an increasingly scarce
commodity, especially in Prussia, and had to be carefully conserved for battle.
- Cavalry enjoyed a much higher status than infantry.
