Deserters, suspicious characters, and bearers of flags of truce, the latter blindfolded, are taken to the advance-guard commander.
Civilians are not permitted to precede the advance guard.
Communication between the fractions of an advance guard and between the advance guard and main body is maintained by wire, messenger service, or signals.
ADVANCE GUARD OF A SMALL COMMAND
In forming the advance guard of a command smaller than a brigade, the foregoing distribution is modified, depending upon the situation. A company or troop usually sends forward only a point, a battalion or squadron, an advance party; but a battalion or squadron at war strength should put a company or troop in the advance guard and a regiment should put a battalion or squadron, if an enemy is liable to be met. Whenever the advance guard is less than a battalion, there is no reserve.
REAR GUARDS
The rear guard is charged with the important duty of covering the retreat.
When a commander decides to retreat, he issues the necessary order. During a retreat the outpost for the night usually forms the rear guard of the following day.
STRENGTH AND COMPOSITION
The strength of a rear guard depends upon the nature of the country and the strength and character of the pursuing force. It can not, like the advance guard, count on the support of the main body.