The traditional organization of the Roman military was a core of heavy Roman infantry that was supported by auxilliary forces that was raised from the local populace. These auxilliary forces were led by Roman citizens. By the time of Constantine, the Roman military had to rely on increasing numbers of Germans to fill the ranks.[1] The decrease in Italian recruitment into the legions led to a necessary reliance on the auxilliaries and mercenary forces. These mercenaries would be kept in their relative tribes and used to reinforce and support the main body of troops in a similar manner to the tradition use of auxilliary forces.

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Notes:

1. William E. Dunstan, Ancient Rome, (New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher, 2011), 439.