cavalry raids
Horseback military strikes
Cavalry raids are swift military attacks by mounted soldiers, typically striking behind enemy lines to disrupt supply routes, destroy resources, or gather intelligence before withdrawing.
The tactic exploits the speed and mobility of horseback units: Confederate cavalry raids devastated Union supply depots throughout the war.
The term now applies historically, as modern warfare has replaced horse cavalry with mechanized and airborne units.
- sabersCurved cavalry blades
- harryingPersistently tormenting or pursuing
- warhorsesHorses bred for battle
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- behind enemy linesWithin adversary's controlled area
deep penetration · skirmish · hit-and-run · pursuit · lances · scouts · Mongol invasions · supply lines · ambush · saddles · American Civil War · scorched earth policy · forage · blitzkrieg · Napoleonic Wars · stirrups · flanking maneuver · Boer War
cavalry raidssiege warfare
Surrounding fortifications to force capitulation
trench warfare · war of attrition · attrition warfare · frontal assault
cavalry raidsentrenchment
Fortified or fixed position
garrison duty · holding actions · defensive positions · fortified lines · strategic retreat