Ashigaru had not yet been utilized as the main element of battle forces but as they became more well organized and increased in number during the Sengoku period (Japan), they were given training and ashigaru units bearing spears, bows (weapons) and guns were created, going on to form the backbones of armies.
これまで足軽は戦闘の主役ではなかったが、戦国時代(日本)を迎え集団戦が本格化・大規模化していくと、訓練された槍・弓(武器)・鉄砲の足軽隊が組織され備の主要な部隊として活躍するようになる。