The Light Infantry Company was formed in 1759 as a way of dealing with the new terrain encountered in America and the tactics employed by Native warriors and French irregulars. The men for this company were hand picked; they had to be in good physical shape, good marksmen, and able to think for themselves. The Light Infantry Company was intended to be used as a force for scouting, skirmishing and moving rapidly in conventional battles. This is not to say that the light infantrymen were not proficient in the linear method of warfare, these men were the cream of the army in all respects. In order to perform their duties efficiently, these men wore modified uniforms and used aggressive and potent tactics.