AUSTRIAN LIGHT INFANTRY1798-1815

Grenzers (from the German grenze meaning border) were regiments raised along Austria's long border with the Ottoman Empire from Austria's Serb, Croat and Slovenian subjects and had many aspects of a local militia. In peacetime they helped defend the border against Turkish incursions and had an admirable reputation for marksmanship and good morale. Grenzers served under their own officers and were not paid troops, although they did have looting rights and the army provided their uniforms and weapons. Grenzer regiments had between two and four battalions that usually, though not always deployed together. Grenzers wore a colorful Hungarian style uniform, usually in brown with blue pants.

Jaegers (meaning 'hunter' in German, called chasseurs in some sources) were light infantry skirmishers raised in the Hereditary Lands, often from gamekeepers and foresters. They were considered part of the regular army establishment. Jaegers were organized in units of battalion strength. They wore grey uniforms with grey or white pants (the former being more prevalent) and green facings. They wore a wide brimmed hat called the korsehut (Corsican hat) though early period jaegers wore the typical Austrian infantry helmet.

>>>German Regiments>>>

>>>Hungarian Regiments>>>