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Shock troops or assault troops are formations created to lead an attack. "Shock troop" is a calque, a loose translation〔Although the German word ''Stoß'' is occasionally used to translate ''shock'' or allude to a shock-like event, as in ''Erdstoß'' (seismic wave), in this case ''stoß'' derives directly from the verb ''stoßen'' (to push), referring to the original task of the ''Stoßtruppen'', known in German as ''vorstoßen'' (roughly: to carry the attack forward, to penetrate the enemy lines).〕 of the German word ''Stoßtrupp''. Military units which contain assault troops are typically organized for mobility with the intention that they will penetrate through enemy defenses and attack into the enemy's vulnerable rear areas. Although the term "shock troop" became popular in the 20th century, the concept is not a new one, such as the utilization by Western European armies of the ''forlorn hope''. Presently, the term is rarely used as the strategic concepts behind it have become standard contemporary military thinking. ==Before 1914 == Several sources describes how the Vikings used berserkers as shock troops in organized warfare. In late-medieval Europe the German Landsknecht and Swiss mercenaries used large ''Zweihänder'' swords to break into pike formations. Grenadiers originated as specialized assault soldiers for siege operations. First established with a distinct role in the mid- to late-17th century, grenadier units would throw grenades and storm breaches while leading the forefront of a breakthrough. Even after abandoning the use of the original black-powder grenade, armies retained the grenadier companies and regiments as specialist assault troops. The American Civil War (1861-1865) saw units of shock troops fielded both by the Army of the Potomac and by the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. The Iron Brigade and Irish Brigade spearheaded many of the Union's most dangerous attacks. For the CSA, the Texas Brigade and Virginia's Stonewall Brigade had similar functions. In the course of campaigning all of these élite units suffered heavy casualties, with their rolls being eliminated several times over. During the Paraguayan War (1864-1870), in which Paraguay fought against Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, the Paraguayans would deploy shock troops (composed of a mixture of dismounted cavalry and fit men who could row and swim) armed with sabres, cutlasses, knives, bayonets, pistols and hand grenades. They would attack small fortified positions and board Brazilian river-steamers.〔 "Armies of the 19th Century: The Americas/The Paraguayan War" Terry Hooker (P. 82) 〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「shock troops」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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