infantry - the original meaning.
It is a french word I believe - meaning the children of the riders that fought in the front lines.
Amny units in many armies use teenagers or young boys as a sort of apprentice or drummer boy etc to do non combat related tasks in a combat unit .
In modern armies they will do foraging,be drivers,do maintenance ,menial tasks etc and over the years grow into their role as a squaddie or NCO in the unit .
In some places they are given a gun and pushed to the front .
I f I am not incorrect Brits and Yanks use kids as young as 16 in training units etc stationed in teh home country .When they reach 17 they are allowed to take combat assignments .
Not to mention all those who lie about age .
yes- the evil marauder chief will ride up to the stout yeomanry and extort a couple of boys that he will enlist at as porters and over time they will pass into the ranks or die as slaves.
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