Yeah, at least in the medieval era they had the right idea:

Put all your retards and random people you got and just gave a pike (long pointy stick) to right at the front.

Put all your seasoned experienced warriors behind them.

Let the retards and randoms soak up the arrows and initial charge, then send in your experienced guys behind them to mop up/provide a breakthrough

If any survivors up front and they showed skills, they get to be further back the next battle.