For the most part both sides in the US Civil War had the identical theories on cavalry combat. Civil War generals such as George B. McClellan, Henry W. Halleck emphasized the saber. West Point instructor, Dennis Hart Mahan held the same ideas. Of course cavalry was also vital in reconnaissance. Few commanders expected cavalry units to rely on firearms. The "saber and spurs" theory believed cavalry charges designed to break through enemy infantry lines was the best technique.