202 MANUAL FOE NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



In patrols of two to five men the commander generally leads. 

 In this formation few signals are necessar5^ the men simply 

 regulating their movements by his. 



In questioning civilians caution is observed not to disclose 

 information that may be of value to the enemy. Strangers are 

 not allowed to precede the patrol. Patrol leaders are author- 

 ized to seize telegrams and mail matter, and to arrest individ- 

 uals, reporting the facts as soon as possible. 



Patrols should observe everything for signs of the enemy. 

 Even apparent trifles may be of great value. The finding of a 

 collar ornament showing a man's regiment may enable the chief 

 of staff to determine that the enemy has been reenforced. 



Patrols should not travel on the main roads if they can ob- 

 serve them and at the same time make the necessary progress 

 by moving some distance to the side of the roads. 



Except in case of attack or of great personal danger, no mem- 

 ber of the patrol should fire on hostile troops w^ithout orders 

 from the patrol leader. AVhen sent out to gain information, 

 patrols should avoid fighting unless it is absolutely necessary 

 in order to carry out their orders. If the leader determines to 

 fight, he should quickly decide whether he will attack mounted 

 with the saber and thus dispose of the enemy without the 

 noise of fire action. Cases will arise where a quick mounted 

 pistol attack will obtain the best results. If discovered, the 

 patrol would dismount only as a last resort. The leader should 

 always have in mind, as he rides long, what he will do if he 

 meets the enemy. 



Villages and inclosures involving danger of surprise are 

 entered with precaution, and for brief periods only. Halts are 

 made at points affording good view, and the country is studied 

 in all directions, landmarks to the rear being impressed on the 

 minds of tlie men so that the way back can be readily found ; 

 the leader consults his map and locates himself thereon. 



When a patrol is scattered it reassembles at some place pre- 

 viously selected ; if checked in one direction, it takes another ; 

 if cut off it returns by a detour or forces its way through. As 

 a last resort it scatters so that at least one man may return 

 with information. Patrols nearing. their own lines should 

 march at a walk unless pressed by the enemy. 



