Fifth Problem:  Combat Patrol: 

A. Definition and Function.—­Contrasted with covering detachment, which is large enough to offer considerable resistance, the combat patrol is primarily to Warn, especially against flank attacks.  Size varies widely because of looseness in definition, e.g., 100 men might be covering detachment for a regiment, but a combat patrol for a brigade.

B. Principles: 

1.  Comparison of thin line versus thin column, regarding:  (a)
vulnerability, (b) fatigue, (c) tactical advantage, when
engagement materializes, (e) control of movement and of
fire.
2.  Agent between advance and main body.
3.  Attack any enemy of reasonable size that attacks main body.
4.  Corn as concealment versus corn as obstruction to sight.
5.  Vulnerability of charging cavalry.
6.  Lieutenant as tactical chief, sergeant as disciplinarian, in
a platoon; except when?
7.  Messages concise, not ambiguous, written versus oral? 
Repeats.
8.  Limitations of use of map.  Vegetation changes; errors in
contouring.

Sixth Problem and Seventh Problem:  Two Pickets: 

A. Definition and Function.—­Outpost contrasted with advance guard in that former is stationed around a camp or bivouac, while latter precedes a marching column.  To check enemy attempting to attack main body, and hold him till larger force is able to deploy.  Consists of outpost reserve, outpost line of supports, line of outguards (pickets, sentry squads, and cossack posts), plus sentinels, patrols, etc.

Picket ordinarily merely warns of an attack, but may offer resistance.

B. Principles: 

1.  Smooth posting of outpost very desirable; influence of delay
on spirits of men, after day’s march.
2.  Outpost support sends out pickets.
3.  Picket sends out sentry squads, cossack posts, sentinels,
etc.
4.  Provisional dispositions by leaders of outguard elements;
importance of good sketch; intrenchments?
5.  Confirmation and alteration by higher officers; especially
changes at night regarding layout and manning.  Fire
ineffective at night except at short ranges.
6.  Roster =?
7.  Instructions regarding enemy’s position and strength, and the
friendly outguards to right and left.
8.  Mode of numbering elements (from right to right).  Arrangement
for smooth withdrawal of each element upon stronger one.
9.  Disposition of strangers; use for information.
10.  Need of explicit arrangements in case of attack in day or
night.
11.  Sleep near arms.

Eighth Problem—­Cossack Post and Sentry Squad: 

A. Definition and Function: 

1.  Cossack Post:  4 men in charge of a corporal (usually)
primarily to observe and warn; secondarily to keep
concealed, and intercept strangers who might be useful to
enemy or to us.
2.  Sentry Squad:  8 men in charge of a corporal.  Duties similar
but strength is greater.  Posts double sentinel.
3.  Post important enough for a cossack post is often doubled
into a sentry squad at night.