Best case - you'll lose some men in the coming battles an the upkeep will reduce. If you're taking on a mission to escort someone, resolve a dispute, or take out bandits, be sure to bulk up on recruits, even if the upkeep is a lot.
MOUNT AND BLADE WIKI TROOP TREE HOW TO
Once you get the hang of things, try practicing maneuvers against opponents you know you can beat to see how to position your infantry and archers, while having cavalry follow you on flanking runs.
![mount and blade wiki troop tree mount and blade wiki troop tree](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/nova-aetas/images/f/f1/KrHfqmC.jpg)
![mount and blade wiki troop tree mount and blade wiki troop tree](https://cdn.wikimg.net/en/strategywiki/images/9/92/Mount%26Blade_Rhodok_troop_tree.jpg)
Cut your teeth on small bandit parties until you're ready to join a faction, and then follow them into war against other teams.