DESERTEUR, _Fr._ See DESERTER. DESIGN, in a general sense, implies the plan, order, representation, or construction of any kind of military building, chart, map, or drawing, &c. In building, the term _ichnography_ may be used, when by design is only meant the plan of a building or a flat figure drawn on paper: when some side or face of the building is raised from the ground, we may use the term _orthography_; and when both front and sides are seen in perspective, we may call it _scenography_. DESIGNING, the art of delineating or drawing the appearance of natural objects, by lines on a plane. DESORDRE, _Fr._ See DISORDER. DESTINATION, the place or purpose, to which any body of troops is appointed in order to do or attempt some military service. _To_ DETACH, is to send out part of a great number of men on some particular service, separate from that of the main body. DETACHED _pieces_, in fortification, are such out-works as are detached, or at a distance from the body of the place; such as half-moons, ravelines, bastions, &c. DETACHEMENT, _Fr._ See DETACHMENT. DETACHMENT, in military affairs, an uncertain number of men drawn out from several regiments or companies equally, to march or be employed as the general may think proper, whether on an attack, at a siege, or in parties to scour the country. A detachment of 2000 or 3000 men is a command for a general officer; 800 for a colonel, 500 for a lieutenant-colonel, 200 or 300 for a major, 80 or 100 for a captain, 40 for a lieutenant or ensign, 12 for a serjeant, and 6 for a corporal. Detachments are sometimes made of intire squadrons and battalions. One general rule in all military projects that depends upon us alone, should be to omit nothing that can insure the success of our detachment and design; but, in that which depends upon the enemy, to trust something to hazard. DETAIL, _Fr._ _faire le détail d’une armée, d’une compagnie, ou d’une corps de gens de guerre_; is to keep a strict eye upon every part of the service, and to issue out instructions or orders, that every individual belonging to a military profession may discharge his trust with accuracy and fidelity. _Faire le détail d’une compagnié_, likewise means to make up a company’s report, &c. DETAIL _of duty_, in military affairs, is a roster or table for the regular and exact performance of duty, either in the field, garrison, or cantonments. The general detail of duty is the proper care of the majors of brigade, who are guided by the roster of the officers, and by the tables for the men, to be occasionally furnished. The adjutant of a regiment keeps the detail of duty for the officers of his regiment, as does the serjeant-major that for the non-commissioned, and the latter that for the privates. DEVASTATION, in military history, the act of destroying, laying waste, demolishing, or unpeopling towns, &c.