In February 1808 Napoleon changed the structure of French infantry regiments. Each would have four war battalions of six companies each, each company having a strength of 140 officers and men. The fifth battalion would be the regiments depot battalion, which had four companies (no elite companies) and the depot would be commanded by the regiment's major. In 1811 Napoleon ordered that 'majors in second' be named for all regiments which had four active combat battalions. The major in second would be with the regiment in the field and if two of the battalions would be detached, he would command them as a provisional regiment.

The big 1808 regiments had a strength of 840 all ranks per battalions which would give the regiment 3,360 all ranks not counting the battalion and regimental staffs. Two battalions serving detached under the major in second would have a strength of 1680 all ranks, not counting the battalion and regimental staffs.