The Dragoons fight with Swords, axes and Lances. They're more of the knightly armies, while Porre uses the technology to fight. It's obvious, how Porre Soldiers are stronger then the Acacia Dragoons, battle-wise. Still, the Dragoons would have the home advantage, and they're always prepared for an invasion. Plus the fact that in order to carry massive amounts of troops, Porre would needs gallons, maybe Steam Ships (Like the ferry in Guardia). Those would be obvious from a distance.
Every Porre soldier uses a Rifle. You see it in the game. So it's not a matter of rank. Norris, like you said, is the only from Porre. Luccia is the other one from Porre, but she uses a different weapon, I'm sure. Thus, except for those two and Starky (Another Gunner, but not from Porre X_X), everyone else are from El-Nido.