Many of the soldiers on the Napoleonic battlefields were sometimes only kept on it through desire of glory. To overcome their individual inclination to self-preservation and to provide effective firepower, the infantry regiments fought shoulder-to-shoulder, at least two or three lines deep, firing in volleys.
During the stages of the French Revolutionary Wars, troops in French armies often attacked in column formation in an attempt to drive through enemy lines by sheer weight of numbers; against enemy units already weakened by the fire from skirmishers or artillery; this was often successful, because the enemy fought in lines. The greatest advantage by using the column formation would rest in its flexibility and versatility. This formation would allow the commander to move large numbers of troops over the battlefield with better control and swiftness. The column was a simple and fast formation. It also held together over most terrains and was steadier against Calvary. However it couldn’t break through line alone and was deficient in firepower, as only the first two ranks could use the musket effectively. The line offered a substantially larger musket frontage allowing for greater shooting capability.
Overall, the French infantry column essentially had two main functions; first, it could be used to bring troops in close order rapidly to engage the enemy; second, it could be used as a sustaining force. If the column sent out skirmishers to start the engagement, it would be used as a replacement for the light infantry, as well as their immediate tactical reserve.
The light infantry would precede the infantry columns as it approached an enemy unit. Their duty was to harass the enemy with scattered musket fire. The light infantry would try to make gaps in the enemy lines. Furthermore, the light infantry or skirmishers would occupy the enemy in order for the larger assault formations to move up without being too exposed to the fire of the enemy line. The light infantry fought as skirmishers, rather than shoulder-to-shoulder, taking advantage of the room between soldiers and all bits of cover to move towards the enemy while firing and reloading.