_Oblique Deployments_ differ from those movements, which are made when a battalion stands perpendicular to the line on which it is to form. These _deployments_ are frequently made on an oblique line advanced, on an oblique line retired: and when the close column halted is to form in line in the prolongation of its flank, and on either the front, rear, or central division. See _Am. Mil. Lib._ DEPOT, any particular place in which military stores are deposited for the use of the army. In a more extensive sense, it means several magazines collected together for that purpose. It also signifies an appropriated fort, or place, for the reception of recruits, or detached parties, belonging to different regiments. During hostilities, the greatest attention should be given to preserve the several _depots_ which belong to the fighting army. Hence the line of operation should be invariably connected with them; or rather no advance should be made upon that line, without the strictest regard being paid to the one of communication. DEPOT is also used to denote a particular place at the tail of the trenches, out of the reach of the cannon of the place, where the troops generally assemble, who are ordered to attack the out-works, or support the troops in the trenches, when there is reason to imagine the besieged intend making a vigorous sally. DEPOT, likewise means a temporary magazine for forage, for fascines, gabions, tools, and every other thing necessary for the support of an army, or for carrying on a siege. DEPOUILLE, _Fr._ _mettre en dépouille_, is an expression made use of in casting of cannon, and signifies to strip it of the matting, clay, &c. DEPOUILLES _de l’ennemi_, _Fr._ See SPOILS. DEPRESSION, the placing of any piece of ordnance, so that its shot be thrown under the point blank line. DEPRESSED _gun_, any piece of ordnance having its mouth depressed below the horizontal line. DEPTH _of a battalion or squadron_, in military affairs, the number of ranks, or the quantity of men. Infantry were formerly drawn up 6 or 8 deep, that is, it consisted of so many ranks; but now the line of infantry are generally drawn up only 3 deep, and in defence of a breastwork but two deep. When infantry is drawn up 3 deep, the first rank is called the front rank; the second, the centre rank; and the third, the rear rank; and the files which bind the right and left, are called the flanks. The cavalry is drawn up 2 deep. DEPTH, a technical word peculiarly applicable to bodies of men drawn up in line or column.