Jaegers (ETW Unit)
Light infantry are skirmishers who harass the enemy while screening the main body of an army. Jaegers are the Prussian and Austrian variations, with "jaeger" meaning "hunter" in modern German.
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Game Description
Initiative, aggression and pace of action mark these men out and they consider themselves a cut above other infantry, regardless of the title that they use. Light infantry, jaegers or chasseurs do not mindlessly follow orders, but pick and choose their own ground and targets, using such cover as they can find. They carry standard smoothbore, muzzle-loading muskets, but they do not rely on massed volley fire: they deliberately aim (as well as they can, given that muskets lack sights), at individuals within the enemy ranks. This selective fire can disrupt enemy formations or drive off enemy skirmishers. Over time, developments in tactics and weapons will make them very effective as snipers as well as covering forces.
In 1700, many European nations did not recruit light infantry regiments. Each line infantry regiment had a light company, but the mass volley was the proper way to employ firepower. As irregular light troops proved their worth and tribal natives refused to co-operate by fighting formal, set piece battles, it was realised that collecting together light companies in ad hoc regiments was no longer enough. Direct recruitment of light infantry regiments began in earnest, and by the end of the 18th Century every army fielded fast, light regiments.
Overview
Jaegers used to be one of the chief advantages Austria has over other factions. Although they are very similar to generic light infantry, with the same building requirements, jaegers had 125 range instead of the standard 90-making them on par with riflemen in terms of utility in combat. This meant that the Austrians received access to what are, effectively, advanced light infantry much earlier in the campaign.
However, as of patch 1.05, jaegers had their range reduced to that of standard light infantry, although they still possess superior statistics.
Jaegers are recruitable only in European cities. Outside of Europe, they are replaced by generic colonial light infantry. Therefore, it is beneficial for Austria to remain in Europe in order to take advantage of its superior light infantry.