I mean, i get she may want to be a guerrilla fighter, but when you are already engaged and surrounded from the air, it's more of a detriment then a benefit if they attempt a retreat and only expose themselves to attack trying to break for cover. Birds of prey kind of excel at diving upon prey like that.

And that's not to mention that this expedition is into monster filled lands, so if the Cadets can't rebuke adolescent birds, they are going to have no hope in the future. So the Princess would probably see them come together in defense then scatter into the woods which could hold even greater threats amidst the dark of leafy boughs then flee with their tails between their legs.

It's not like we have some objective to be completed at all cost, like blowing up a vital bridge along a supply line and can't afford to get bogged down, otherwise Regina's tactics would be perfect for the situation. It's time to grind EXP, not save your MP for the Boss~!