ntire front of observation, part
of this front may be covered by patrols only. These should be used to
cover such sections of the front as can be crossed by the enemy only
with difficulty and over which he is not likely to attempt a crossing
after dark.

In daylight much of the local patrolling may be dispensed with if the
country can be seen from the posts of the sentinels. However, patrols
should frequently be pushed well to the front unless the ground in that
direction is exceptionally open.

Patrols or sentinels must be the first troops which the enemy meets, and
each body in rear must have time to prepare for the blow. These bodies
cause as much delay as possible without sacrificing themselves, and
gradually retire to the line where the outpost is to make its
resistance.

Patrols must be used to keep up connection between the parts of the
outpost except when, during daylight, certain fractions or groups are
mutually visible. After dark this connection must be maintained
throughout the outpost except where the larger subdivisions are provided
with wire communication.

In addition to ordinary outguards, the outpost commander may detail from
the reserve one or more detached posts to cover roads or areas not in
the general line assigned to the supports.

In like manner the commander of the whole force may order detached posts
to be sent from the main body to cover important roads or localities not
included in the outpost line.

The number and strength of detached posts are reduced to the absolute
needs of the situation.

ESTABLISHING THE OUTPOST

The outpost is posted as quickly as possible, so that the troops can the
sooner obtain rest. Until the leading outpost troops are able to assume
their duties, temporary protection, known as the march outpost, is
furnished by the nearest available troops.

The halt order of the commander, besides giving the necessary
information and assigning camp sites to the parts of the command,
details the troops to constitute the outpost, assigns a commander
therefor, designates the general line to be occupied, and, when
practicable, points out the position to be held in case of attack.

The outpost commander, upon receipt of this order, should issue the
outpost order with the least practicable delay. In large commands it may
often be necessary to give the order from the map, but usually the
outpost commander will have to make some preliminary reconnaissance,
unless he