TOTAL WAR WIKI

Frei-korps
Category:	Infantry
Class:	Light Infantry
Men:	30 / 60 / 90 / 120
Range:	90
Accuracy:	50
Reloading skill:	35
Ammunition:	20
Melee attack:	6
Charge bonus:	5
Defence:	11
Morale:	8
Turns to train:	1
Recruitment cost:	1230
Upkeep cost:	300
Requires
Technology
Light Infantry Doctrine
Building (minimum level)
Army Board

These light infantry are used to harass the enemy and screen the main body of the army.

On the battlefield, they are skirmishers used to counter enemy light troops that cause problems to the highly regimented Prussian regulars. Those recruited into the Frei-corps include foreign mercenaries, ex-prisoners and deserters from other armies. Their less-than-reputable nature makes the Frei-corps perfect for raids and independent operations where the ability to live off the land (by stealing) is more important than parade ground drill. They travel light and their uniforms are deliberately plain to avoid drawing unwelcome attention.

Historically, Fredrick the Great (1740-86) had little respect for the Frei-corps. He was a believer in discipline and drill in soldiers, and the independence of light troops held little appeal. The men were basically sneaky and professional rascals and this was simply un-gentlemanly and dishonourable to the 18th Century mind. Frederick’s army was supremely disciplined, but even he had to accept that sometimes a certain “flexibility” was required, hence the Frei-corps.

Despite the name, the Freikorps formed in Germany after the Great War had little in common with these 18th Century troops, as they were “free” brigades of anti-communist ex-soldiers, returning from the front with no prospects and little loyalty to the Weimar Republic.

Abilities

Can guard

Can hide in buildings

Can hide in light scrub

Can hide in long grass

Can hide in woodland

Can skirmish

Good stamina

Grappling hooks

Technological abilities

Chevaux de frise

Earthworks

Light infantry tactics

Available for:

Note

This unit is part of the Elite Units of the West DLC.