The enemy must not be permitted to approach close enough to
the main body to annoy or surprise it. Experience shows that all of this
is best accomplished by placing: 1st, some groups or line of groups
farthest from our main body and closest to the enemy in order to
observe, to report the movements of the enemy, and, when necessary, to
make a temporary resistance; 2d, a line of resistance ("supporting
groups") called "supports" upon which the first line can retire before,
being swamped by superior numbers; 3d, large groups, or line of groups
("line of reserves"), so located that they may go to the assistance of
the second line in case of necessity. Such arrangements may be
illustrated by the following diagram.
[Illustration:
PLATE SHOWING THE MAIN IDEAS INVOLVED IN SECURITY
Danger zone
Cavalry
Danger zone ---- Danger zone
--- ---
Cavalry -- __ -- Cavalry
-- -- -- --
/ -- -- \
/ / ___ \ \
+ / ---- ---- \ +
^ + / \ +
/ ^ + +-----------+ +
/ \ | MAIN BODY | ^
/ \ +-----------+ \
Line of observation.
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