skirmisher

thumb|upright|Austrian pandur, , using a tree for cover while skirmishing thumb|upright=1.25|As with most other modern foot soldiers, the US 6th Marine Regiment, on patrol near [[Marjah, 2010, routinely uses skirmish formation.]]

Skirmishers are light infantry or light cavalry soldiers deployed as a vanguard, flank guard or rearguard to screen a tactical position or a larger body of friendly troops from enemy advances. They may be deployed in a skirmish line, an irregular open formation that is much more spread out in depth and in breadth than a traditional line formation. Their purpose is to harass the enemy by engaging them in only light or sporadic combat to delay their movement, disrupt their attack, or weaken their morale. Such tactics are collectively called skirmishing. An engagement with only light, relatively indecisive combat is sometimes called a skirmish even if heavier troops are sometimes involved.