Free Company Militia are a versatile ambusher/skirmish infantry unit that can survive in melee better than most missile infantry. Their purpose is to attack from the flanks, pouring in damage to enemies being held down by state troops. They can also be used to fend off harassing units like hounds or light cavalry with their missiles and decent melee stats. Their ranged pistol attack is very ineffective against very heavy armor but unlike Handgunners, their pistol volleys are much faster, can be fired whilst moving and are less susceptible to line of sight issues. Also, when placed in guard position and not given an attack order, whenever an enemy regiment engages the free companies, it allows the rear-ranks of militias to continue firing their pistols when in melee.