With efficient cavalry in front, the work of the infantry on the line of
observation is reduced to a minimum.
General instructions for the advance cavalry are given by the outpost
commander, but details are left to the subordinate.
Instead of using outguards along the entire front of observation, part
of this front may be covered by patrols only. These should be used to
cover such sections of the front as can be crossed by the enemy only
with difficulty and over which he is not likely to attempt a crossing
after dark.
In daylight much of the local patrolling may be dispensed with if the
country can be seen from the posts of the sentinels. However, patrols
should frequently be pushed well to the front unless the ground in that
direction is exceptionally open.
Patrols or sentinels must be the first troops which the enemy meets, and
each body in rear must have time to prepare for the blow. These bodies
cause as much delay as possible without sacrificing themselves, and
gradually retire to the line where the outpost is to make its
resistance.
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