"Mexican-American War. Did the US use light infantry?" Topic

Hi all

As the title asks, did the US employ light infantry or skirmishers during the Mexican-American War? The literature I've read so far doesn't make any specific references to their use.

It is curious because it is quite known that among the units they raised a specific one :
the Regiment of Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen

The Voltigeur regiment was originally supposed to be a combined arms legion, but the lack of horses turned it into a foot regiment.

All companies could skirmish. The flank companies were supposed to be the first companies thrown out, but the entire battalion could be thrown out in skirmish order if the situation demanded it.

Thanks for the replies. Do you have any links or info for the uniforms of the Voltigeurs/Foot Riflemen?

The uniform was originally all grey (pants, jacket and cuffs).
The collar was piped yellow as was and rank stripes.
The replacement uniform was all dark blue with white piping on the collar. Cuffs dark blue. Hardly any distinguishing marks for the cuffs. This was for 1847.
In practice, it appears that they wore the same uniforms as the regular infantry: light blue with white piping on collar and white stripes for NCOs. Red blanket over left shoulder. Officers had dark blue thigh length coats.
All of the above uniforms had dark blue saucer hats. All had white webbing and belts.
Tactically, the US regulars would take any formation that was needed. At Palo Alto, they fought mostly as line infantry even forming squares to repel Mexican cavalry.
At Reseca de Palma, they mostly fought in open order or even skirmish order as the chaparral was quite dense.
At Monterrey, troops again manoevered in columns and then when things got hot, they went into open and skirmish order. And with the town fighting, the Texans showed them how to burrow through walls and infiltrate the Mexican lines.
The Voltiquers didn't show up until the invasion at Vera Cruz under Scott. They fought in just about every action until the fall of Mexico City.

'Saucer hats' Would that be the peaked fatigue caps?

Nice plate.

Thank you. That's a great help.