1. Definition and Function.—Contrasted with covering detachment, which is large enough to offer considerable resistance, the combat patrol is primarily to Warn, especially against flank attacks. Size varies widely because of looseness in definition, e.g., 100 men might be covering detachment for a regiment, but a combat patrol for a brigade.
  2. Principles:
    1. Comparison of thin line versus thin column, regarding: (a) vulnerability, (b) fatigue, (c) tactical advantage, when engagement materializes, (e) control of movement and of fire.
    2. Agent between advance and main body.
    3. Attack any enemy of reasonable size that attacks main body.
    4. Corn as concealment versus corn as obstruction to sight.
    5. Vulnerability of charging cavalry.
    6. Lieutenant as tactical chief, sergeant as disciplinarian, in a platoon; except when?
    7. Messages concise, not ambiguous, written versus oral? Repeats.
    8. Limitations of use of map. Vegetation changes; errors in contouring.

Sixth Problem and Seventh Problem: Two Pickets:

  1. Definition and Function.—Outpost contrasted with advance guard in that former is stationed around a camp or bivouac, while latter precedes a marching column. To check enemy attempting to attack main body, and hold him till larger force is able to deploy. Consists of outpost reserve, outpost line of supports, line of outguards (pickets, sentry squads, and cossack posts), plus sentinels, patrols, etc.
    Picket ordinarily merely warns of an attack, but may offer resistance.
  2. Principles:
    1. Smooth posting of outpost very desirable; influence of delay on spirits of men, after day's march.
    2. Outpost support sends out pickets.
    3. Picket sends out sentry squads, cossack posts, sentinels, etc.
    4. Provisional dispositions by leaders of outguard elements; importance of good sketch; intrenchments?
    5. Confirmation and alteration by higher officers; especially changes at night regarding layout and manning. Fire ineffective at night except at short ranges.
    6. 6. Roster = ?
    7. Instructions regarding enemy's position and strength, and the friendly outguards to right and left.
    8. Mode of numbering elements (from right to right). Arrangement for smooth withdrawal of each element upon stronger one.
    9. Disposition of strangers; use for information.
    10. Need of explicit arrangements in case of attack in day or night.
    11. Sleep near arms.

Eighth Problem—Cossack Post and Sentry Squad:

  1. Definition and Function:
    1. Cossack Post: 4 men in charge of a corporal (usually) primarily to observe and warn; secondarily to keep concealed, and intercept strangers who might be useful to enemy or to us.
    2. Sentry Squad: 8 men in charge of a corporal. Duties similar but strength is greater. Posts double sentinel.
    3. Post important enough for a cossack post is often doubled into a sentry squad at night.
  2. Principles:
    1. Opportunity to "pick off" enemies ought to be ignored until position of c.p. or s.s. or of its supporting body has unquestionably been learned by enemy. Then fire away.
    2. Stop enemy's patrolling. Is as important as to force your own observation.
    3. Advantages of s.s. over c.p. for night work: (a) strength, (b) sureness, (c) adequacy of observation before firing alarm.
    4. Use of prisoners, and papers on dead bodies.
    5. Value of imagining yourself in position of enemy commander in deciding what enemy dispositions you will combat him with.

Ninth Problem: Reconnoitering Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function.—Gather information in the field. No resistance unless compelled. Concealment and flight rather than resistance by fire: opposite of "covering detachment."
  2. Principles.
    1. Judgment in deciding what equipment is appropriate to the particular patrol.
    2. Sketch copies; contours as guides for concealed route.
    3. Fight only in self defence.
    4. How to question hidden sentinel without disclosing his position to enemy.
    5. Judicious choice of cover in approaching destination.
    6. Dating and placing of messages.
    7. Rate of passage of troops: "Rule of 2-2-2."

Tenth Problem—Visiting Patrol:

  1. Definition and Function:
    Two men or more sent from supports and pickets liaison between adjoining outguards. More useful at night, because of reduced visibility of terrain between outguards.
    1. Inform the sending body of conditions at sentinel posts.
    2. Prevent enemy from penetrating lines between posts.
    3. Exchange information between adjoining posts.
    4. Take back captured strangers to commander.
    5. Reenforce feeling of mutual support among the isolated sentinels.
  2. B. Principles.
    1. Keen sight and hearing; silence.
    2. Need of signals. Both countersign and check—countersign.
    3. Equipment; nothing that rattles or glistens.
    4. Disposition: leader in front, because of need for quick decision.
    5. Distance not over two miles even in most open country.
    6. Danger of startling a friend sentinel by unwarned approach.

Eleventh Problem—Detached Post: