Historians generally categorize Civil War irregulars into three distinct groups:
Guerrilla warfare relied on intelligence, deception, and hitting the enemy's most vulnerable points. Key tactics included: Guerrilla Warfare | American Battlefield Trust American Civil War Guerrilla Tactics
: These were officially sanctioned units, such as John Singleton Mosby’s 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry. They operated under military law, wore uniforms (even if non-standard), and coordinated with regular armies to raid supply lines and capture officers. : The most feared and lawless, these individuals
: The most feared and lawless, these individuals or small groups hid in foliage ("the bush") to ambush soldiers and civilians alike. They often engaged in robbery and murder, using the war as a cover for personal vendettas. Core Tactics and Methods This irregular conflict—characterized by ambushes
While the American Civil War is often remembered for massive clashes like Gettysburg, a brutal "shadow war" of guerrilla tactics simmered across the border states and the South. This irregular conflict—characterized by ambushes, sabotage, and local terror—often blurred the lines between soldier and outlaw. The Three Tiers of Irregular Warfare