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"The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training"


[Illustration: PLATE SHOWING the IDEAS INVOLVED IN an ADVANCE GUARD
As you go from the point to the main body note that the distances are
greater as the groups become larger. Larger groups require more time and
space, when getting ready for action, than small groups. A very
important thing to remember in connection with this plate is that you
have only such groups in an advance guard as are necessary to insure
protection for the main body.]

DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS

An advance-guard order generally describes the following distribution of
troops:
Advance cavalry.
Support.
Reserve.
The manner in which the advance-guard cavalry is employed depends upon
the situation. Its proper place is in the direction of the enemy, and
generally all or the greater part is used as advance cavalry. If weak in
numbers, it may be assigned to the support.

ADVANCE CAVALRY
The advance cavalry is that part of the advance-guard cavalry preceding
the support. It reconnoiters far enough to the front and flanks to guard
the column against surprise by artillery fire, and to enable timely
information to be sent to the advance-guard commander.


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