Note 491 — THE FORMAL TACTICS OF INFANTRY. (continued 9)

These frequently consist of detachments of all arms (détachements de couverture ou de contact). General Bonnal. (Deutsche Revue, December number, 1907) says: “The French regulation—in contrast to the German—provide in defense for detachments of all arms, which are pushed forward for the purpose of compelling the enemy to show his dispositions, and to draw him on in a direction favorable for the defender. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and we, for our part, are of the opinion that in sending out advanced detachments one must exercise great care in order that these may not be defeated in detail, for this is invariably detrimental to the whole force.”