Third Problem: Advance Guard Flank Patrol, pp. 31-32:

A. Definition and Function.--For protecting a marching column from
attack, by warning it on the basis of information gained in
reconnaissance. Interval between men depends on circumstances.

B. Principles:

1. Start from near head of the column, _i.e._, from smallest
element in the advance guard that can afford to cut down its
numbers.
2. Speed rather than safety, to keep abreast of own column and
to force the enemy to disclose himself by firing on F.P.
rather than on main body.
3. Sent to investigate suspicious areas, _e.g._ in woods, behind
houses.
4. Action in case of firing on main body; advance and
counterfire, deployed.
5. Get-away man in rear of column.
6. _Stick to the job_: no wandering or chasing of enemy beyond
range of column. Job is to warn and protect against flank
attack.

Fourth Problem: Platoon as Advance Party:

A. Definition and Function:

Body of infantry, amounting to 1/8 to 1/2 the Support
(depending on the number of cavalry ahead) cf., f.s.r., p.