214 HANFAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



mand remains in bivouac, the new outpost generally goes on 

 duty at daybreak. 



The vigilance of outpost troops must be unceasing, but they 

 should avoid bringing on combats or unnecessarily alarming 

 the command. Firing disturbs the rest of troops and, if fre- 

 quently indulged in, ceases to be a warning. 



No trumpet signals except " to arms " or " to horse " are 

 sounded, and all unnecessary noises must be avoided. 



As a rule an outpost j\all not exceed one-sixth the strength 

 of a command. For a single troop a few sentinels and patrols 

 will suffice; for a larger command a more elaborate system 

 must be devised. The troops composing the outpost are gen- 

 erally divided into a reserve and several supports. 



At a proper distance in front of the camp of the main body 

 a line which offers a good defensive position is selected. This 

 is called the line of resistance, and should be so located that 

 an advancing enemy will be held in check beyond effective 

 rifle range in case of a small force, artillery range in case of 

 a large force, of the main body until the latter can deploy. 

 The reserve is stationed at some point in rear of this line, 

 where it can be moved quickly to reinforce any point as 

 needed. The line of resistance is divided into sections, the 

 limits of each of which are clearly defined. A support is as- 

 signed to each section, which are numbered from right to left, 

 and occupies a position on or near the line, having special re- 

 gard to covering avenues of approach. The position occupied 

 sliould always be intrenched. The reserve and supports pro- 

 ceed to their respective positions by the shortest routes, pro- 

 viding for their own protection by sending out covering de- 

 tachments. 



Generally speaking, about one-half the Infantry of the ad- 

 vance guard should be in the supports. As each support 

 arrives at its position it sends out observation groups, vary- 

 ing in size from four men to a platoon, to watch the country 

 in the direction of the enemy. These groups are called out- 

 guards. For convenience they are classified as pickets, sentry 

 squads, and cossack posts, and should be sufficient in number 

 to cover the front of the section occupied by the support and 

 connect with the neighboring supports. The horses of the out- 

 guards may be left at the position of the support 



