Late Roman Army during the 5th century

[Robert Vermaat]

Aetius did not have to rely on hunnic mercenaries - he merely had an edge with them.

But the Huns were the decisive element in the campaigns of the 430s, against Burgundians and others. If Aetius had no "edge" without them, and evidently, could accomplish little or nothing without them, he definitely relied on them.

I agree with Tim. Having Hun mercenaries at his call meant very much for the political power of Aetius (and explains his reluctance to destry them later). It’s what makes Aetius a warlord, essentially, but it’s comparable to the political power of Galla Placidia, backed by her Visigothic troops.

The Roman Army in the 430s (this is speculative and theoretical though) mainly consisted of The Old Gallic Field Army...

Speculative and theoretical indeed. What was the matter with those guys--unable to control, let alone eject, barbarians on Roman territory.

Elton claimed they were successful wherever they went, but other saw this differently: they controlled only the territory within a two days’ march in any direction. The truth may have been somewhere in between: superior but overextended.