A tactical question about the use of 'reserves'

[morteduzionism]

I wanted to get others opinions on a tactical situation. I basically want to know if others think the following situation is the...best...use of reserves...for the situation.

Sorry no pics...lol

I basically use a Quintus Sertorius'* model legion with the exception of two additional units of Principes.

[I hope I'm phrasing this right]When attacking I use three lines. The first: Hastati x 2 & Italic Pedites (Swordsman) x 2; the second: Principe x 4 w/Italic Hoplites x 2 on each flank; third: Triarii

>placement of generals, cavalry and skirmishers aren't important for this question.

When defending I move the Triarii back (basically make them about-face and march five steps back) and replace them with a unit of Principe from the second line I then lengthen the remaining three units to cover the three points where the first line units shoulders touch. These are usually the weakest points on the front line.

I don't leave any space between my units they line up literally shoulder-to-shoulder.

One last bit of information, I use my skirmisher units to protect my flanks.

Now, here's the question/situation:

If/when an enemy unit manages to get a unit around my flank...does it automatically become the responsibility of the reserve unit?

Does it matter if the second-line Principe unit on that particular side is not engaged?

In other words, the Principe unit may be closer to the enemy but maneuvering them into position would be more difficult. That's because of the risk of them clipping another enemy unit and getting tangled up. It's easier for the reserve unit who has a clear line of march.

Just to be clear: my skirmishers are engaged in melee with other units on the flanks; another unit (usually spearmen) manages to attack the flank of my spearmen (sort of forming a sideways "T" or -|)...

My question is who should relieve/rescue the spearmen? I have a unit of Principe close to that side but it'd be difficult maneuvering them into position or the reserve unit which is...the reserve.

...I hope that makes sense!

[Incomitatus]

Well... I use a cavalry reserve for just this purpose - detering or destroying flankers.

[Justinian Australis]

If I was in your situation I would perhaps have the principe line a bit further back so you can march them to attack those units coming around your front line. I am no Roman expert but if you like to play historically, your triarii is used as a last resort, when things are looking desperate, your main line has been decimated and options are limited.

Under normal situations I'd have my Italian cavalry or equites depending on the troops available on my flanks as a deterrent, to chase off those trying to get around. I've never used velites/skirmishers to protect my flank, they are usually harrassing the advancing enemy line.

Sometimes what I like to do is position my mainline a fair bit longer than the enemy (depending on their arrangement of cours), as a slight horse shoe shape that can help protect against envelopment. It's not entirely foolproof of course

[Quinn Inuit]

I usually hit the flanking unit with my skirmishers long enough to disengage the spearmen, then reform the spears and re-engage the flanker head on so the skirmishers can withdraw. I use my spearmen primarily for flank protection, anyway...if I want to attack something, I do it with the principes.

My strategy:

[Strasbourg]

If I am fighting an army that likes to spread out with few reserves (gauls mostly), I tend to take my cavalry off to the side to provoke the flankers to chase them, which they do and break off from the main line. While they're doing this, im running my velites parallel to the gauls. Once the gauls are sufficiently far enough I engage the gauls with my velites (which are on evade, the thing where they run away) and gallop my cavalry around the back of the main army. The gauls start chasing the velites but never catch them, which essentially takes them out of combat, which lets me flank the gauls with my cavalry and spears. Then I come back for those 3-4 gauls being kited after the main army has been routed and destroyed.

[Jamey]

I don't generally use a manipular formation. I tend to use a more conventional infantry line.

In general, playing as Rome, I hold my Triarii as my final reserve. If anyone else is unengaged and can reach it, it isn't time for the Triarii. Beyond that, I tend to use the closest unengaged unit which can handle the situation (e.g. I won't charge cavalry into a hoplitai unit). I'd estimate that my Triarii fight in roughly half of my battles.