"National Roman Legion"

[Buggnkat]

I believe that is the exact point, the Roman Army was well trained and a disciplined fighting force. They trained as hard (actually harder) than they fought.

Anyone who served in the military knows when they see a well disciplined unit in drill that they usually will fight just as; if not more, efficiently. Legions were trained for years, and by reading, have found that Legions are considered seasoned and "trustworthy" (meaning will not break in battle, this is born out by Ceasars own writings about the 9th and 10th Legios) after 5 years. Take a Legion that has fought together and knows each man in their cohort intimately and you will have a force that can't be overcome on the battlefield very easily and wont panic. To demonstrate what I am saying, during the civil war in Greece, the 10th Legio broke when cavalry ran through them. Pompei would not give chase as he thought it was a trap as the 10th NEVER retreated nor broke in battle.

As for formations, have you ever seen a counter column executed? There isnt a large amount of room between columns, but each column passes by the other without too much touching unless it is horseplay. I can see a Legionare being replaced by a simple turn and side step to the rear, to be replaced by a fresh Legionare. Efficent use of manpower and use of all available men.

Greg