(References, f.s.r., p. 26-30, 33-39.)

First Problem: Advance Guard and Point:

  1. Definition and Function.—Small patrol sent ahead from advance party for disclosing enemy's position and strength, in time for larger bodies to make suitable defensive and offensive dispositions. Function primarily warning; but to give specific information, it may have to fight and thus feel enemy out.
  2. Principles:
    1. Formed zig-zag; distance from advance party =?
    2. Controlled by leader of advance party.
    3. Speed must be great enough not to impede the main column. Must not halt at first sign of enemy, nor go off on a flank.
    4. Interest and co-operation of inferiors, by adequate explanation of situation and of individual duties ("repeats").
    5. Rules for estimating numerical strength of the moving body of troops (cf., f.s.r., sec. 27).
    6. Point as a "march outpost" (=?) when the column is halted. Only then may the A.G. point make any lateral arrangement of its members (cf. 3 above).

Second Problem: Advance Guard Connecting File, cf., f.s.r., reference above:

  1. Definition and Function.—Two men (usually) for liaison en route where elements too widely separated or roads too curved and wooded. Distance 200 to 5 yards apart.
  2. Principles:
    1. Constant touch with elements before and behind.
    2. Relay both ways messages sent to or from remoter parts of the column. Speed and accuracy of signaling.
    3. Guide to be forward in daytime, at night on the main body.

Third Problem: Advance Guard Flank Patrol, pp. 31-32:

  1. Definition and Function.—For protecting a marching column from attack, by warning it on the basis of information gained in reconnaissance. Interval between men depends on circumstances.
  2. Principles:
    1. Start from near head of the column, i.e., from smallest element in the advance guard that can afford to cut down its numbers.
    2. Speed rather than safety, to keep abreast of own column and to force the enemy to disclose himself by firing on F.P. rather than on main body.
    3. Sent to investigate suspicious areas, e.g. in woods, behind houses.
    4. Action in case of firing on main body; advance and counterfire, deployed.
    5. Get-away man in rear of column.
    6. Stick to the job: no wandering or chasing of enemy beyond range of column. Job is to warn and protect against flank attack.

Fourth Problem: Platoon as Advance Party:

  1. Definition and Function:
    Body of infantry, amounting to 1/8 to 1/2; the Support (depending on the number of cavalry ahead) cf., f.s.r., p. 28.
    Duty.—To back up the point and the advance cavalry (if any) if fired upon; remove enemy bodies and other obstacles.
  2. Principles:
    1. Describe general mission to inferiors.
    2. Explain individual duties to inferiors.
    3. Send out point and connecting files.
    4. Form in platoon; zig-zag.
    5. Keep going; prosecute engagements briskly, not to delay main column.
    6. Procedure under fire: deploys and drops, when fired upon; looks for enemy's direction and assigns target and range. Advance under cover if any, when fire light; when heavy seek to divert fire to you away from main body of advance guard to facilitate latter's disposition for advance to your support.
      Seek to drive off a weaker enemy, and to hold off a stronger.
    7. Speedy decisions. Value of imaginary situations, while on the march; and planning your commands.

Fifth Problem: Combat Patrol: