Volunteers are civilian infantry raised from the population of towns and rural domains, serving as a standing force once the age of feudal levies and medieval militias has passed. They are not elite soldiers, but they are trained, paid, and equipped with standard firearms, making them far more reliable than temporary peasant levies. Armed with fusils and carrying simple side-knives for close combat, Volunteers fight in organised ranks under local commanders. Their discipline varies depending on leadership and experience, but they form the backbone of many armies where no professional corps is available.