212 MANUAL POR NONCOMMISSIONED OFPICEES. 



ed, liis horse held by another trooper until the advance guard 

 has passed, when they rejoin the nearest subdivision, as 

 quickly as possible working their way to that to which they 

 belong during the halts or by riding up the side of the road. 

 By sending out a succession of small patrols in this manner 

 the flanks are protected. Should the advance party become 

 depleted, it must be reenforced from the support. 



A squadron acting as advance guard would have two or 

 three troops in reserve and one or two in support. The sup- 

 port would send forward as advance party two platoons, the 

 advance party in turn sending forward as point one section. 

 A troop acting as advance guard would have no reserve and 

 would send forward as advance party one platoon. All of the 

 above may be changed as circumstances warrant. 



Cases may arise when the best means of covering the head 

 and flanks of the column will be by a line of skirmishers ex- 

 tended at intervals of from 5 to 50 yards, as, for instance, 

 when passing through high corn, underbrush, etc. 



It must always be remembered that the principal duty of the 

 advance guard is to secure the uninterrupted march of the 

 main body. If the point is fired upon, it should at once deploy 

 and endeavor to advance fighting. The flankers should assist 

 in this and endeavor to locate the enemy's flank should there 

 be such resistance that advance was impossible. Each succeed- 

 ing body should march promptly forward, and in turn be 

 placed in action, with the idea of clearing the way for the 

 advance of the main body. Should this be impossible, the 

 commander of the entire body must determine what measures 

 he will take. 



Section 5. Eear guards. 



A rear guard is a detachment detailed to protect the main 

 body from attack in rear. Cavalry is an excellent arm for 

 rear guard duty on account of its mobility. While part of 

 the cavalry is using dismounted fire action, the other part 

 may gallop back and take up a neW position. In a retreat it 

 checks pursuit and enables the mnin body to increase the 

 distance l)etween it and the enemy nnd to re-form if disor- 

 ganized. The general formation is that of an advance guard 

 reversed. 



