08-25-2009, 04:06 PM
Quote:... Most of the soldiers do it but not at a sprinting pace.
Hooah TexasCav
Another point to make re 20th century combatants is that running increase heart rate which increases breathing which throws off ranged weapon accuracy.
I gotta think that legionaires were far more manuerverable than most of their Middle Ages counterparts though I may be wrong. Suffice it to say, if you are sprinting to engage your opponent, it's either:
a.) a really bad day and the battle plan is shot to pieces;
b.) an ambush situation where a sprint would be covered in a short burst (even so, armor is loud and may clank around a lot tipping you off).
I agree with a lot of the posts though- the shield would hinder the natural stride of the body, which is why you read so many accounts of men fleeing and dropping their shields.
Cheers
CC
