comprised between them must
be occupied in such manner that the enemy cannot find intervals at
which to break through, and this will be best attained by a system of
local patrols, tied to definite beats. These patrols must fight the
enemy wherever he appears, and must, therefore, be given sufficient
strength and be followed by small supports duly allotted to each
section of the whole front.

When the main body is stationary, the conditions are different,
because the troops require a certain time to turn out; therefore more
precautions are necessary, and the end can be best attained by placing
the patrols further to the front. Hence we arrive at a double system
of security--the first line formed by outpost squadrons, with
officers, non-commissioned officers, and small patrols, to which a
certain district to be ridden over will be assigned, and which must
maintain a systematic connection by patrols between its separate
parts, to insure absolutely the control of the ground around them; and
the second, formed of far advanced posts of observation at suitable
points--road crossings, defiles, etc.--from whence they can detect at
the earliest moment any approach of the enemy. These are indispensable
at night, when reconnaissance is always more or less liable to break
down, for darkness interferes with sight, and the horses require rest.
Their importance also increases naturally with the vicinity of the
enemy, and the consequent greater risk of surprise. In the case of the
larger bodies, whole squadrons (see F.D.O., No. 272) must be detached
for this purpose, and communication with them assured by strong relay
lines. These strong advanced detachments can, under favourable
circumstances, get shelter in villages, so that the horses at least
obtain better rest and care for a few hours, and the same applies
naturally to the reconnoitring squadrons. In all such instances the
guiding idea must be to evacuate the village the moment the enemy
appears, and evade collision with him. How this is to be managed has
been already explained (Book I., Chap. VI.). Accurate knowledge of
where all the roads lead to, the barricading of those running towards
the enemy's position, and extreme alertness on the part of the
patrols, are in such cases all-important.

Above all, the Commander must be confident in the steadiness and
coolness of his men.

As to the immediate security of the Army itself, this depends in the
first place on the Divisional