DISTRIBUTION OF OUTPOST TROOPS
The outpost will generally be divided into four parts. These, in order
from the main body, are the reserve, the line of supports, the line of
outguards, and the advance cavalry.
[Illustration: PLATE SHOWING THE IDEAS INVOLVED IN AN OUTPOST]
The distance separating these parts, and their distance from the main
body, will depend upon the object sought, the nature of the terrain, and
the size of the command. There can be no uniformity in the distance
between supports and reserve, nor between outguards and supports, even
in the same outpost. The avenues of approach and the important features
of the terrain will largely control their exact positions.
The outpost of a small force should ordinarily hold the enemy beyond
effective rifle range of the main body until the latter can deploy. For
the same purpose the outpost of a large force should hold the enemy
beyond the artillery range.
The reserve constitutes the main body of the outpost and is held at some
central point from which it can readily support the troops in front or
hold a rallying position on which they may retire.
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