The American army first organized companies of light infantry in 1775. These highly mobile units were initially made up of riflemen known for their speed and markmanship whose primary role was as skirmishers. Small shrill whistles made of wood, antler or other common materials played an important role in signaling commands to the sharpshooters of these light infantry companies, who could not rely on the traditional beating of the company drum to relay field communications. This wooden whistle is patterned on a period example.