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    $\begingroup$ Have a look at this post. worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/questions/125973/… $\endgroup$
    – Shadowzee
    Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 1:58
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    $\begingroup$ Mammoths were exterminated in prehistory by small hunting parties that which were far less sophisticated, organized, and wealthy than the armies you propose. Like war elephants (and most other superweapons), they are good for one or two uses...then lose their advantage as the enemy adapts. $\endgroup$
    – user535733
    Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 3:25
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    $\begingroup$ War elephants were one of the most formidable assets an ancient or medieval army could have. Had they not be so horrendously expensive to maintain, they would have been as common as horses. And like horses, they were used for logistics as late as WWII (in the Pacific theater) - again like horses, this may be their best use in many cases. If those mammoths are lower on maintenance cost than elephants, they will be a must-have. $\endgroup$
    – Eth
    Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 9:43
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    $\begingroup$ I don't think chain mail is a good idea. In humans, it is because we need an extraordinary range of motion with a relatively limited weight. But for quadrupeds, it isn't necessary and it's too expensive. The best protection is padded armor. Leave the rest to the natural skin and the layers of fat of the mammoth. Add a few large plates in vulnerable places sewn into the quited armor. Plates are less expensive than chain mail. Plate armor was very expensive due to the little articulated pieces and the high-quality steel (strong even in thin layers). But you can use almost iron for your beasts. $\endgroup$
    – Alberto Yagos
    Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 10:36
  • $\begingroup$ @Eth Elephant forces were not all that effective against formed infantry. The elephant looks at the spears and decides to avoid them. They frightened horses, and so were very effective against cavalry. $\endgroup$
    – David Thornley
    Commented Oct 19, 2018 at 21:30