2. They should not be isolated, and are not adapted for use against lines of widely extended skirmishers, but are most suitable to protect flanks, to flank salients or portions of the line, to cover obstacles, to deny the passage of defiles to the enemy, or to bring a heavy fire to bear from ground which, owing to its narrow frontage, is unsuited for the deployment of infantry. If employed in the firing line, they should be carefully concealed. Alternative positions connected by a covered communication should be prepared, if possible, for use in case they come under effective artillery fire. 3. If not utilised for these purposes they should be retained as a reserve of fire, either in the hands of the battalion commander or brigadier, to be used to check the advance of hostile reinforcements, to meet turning movements, to support the firing-line in crises, to prepare and cover the counter-attack, or against close deep formations at long range. 4. In pursuit they should endeavour to operate against the flanks of the enemy from decisive range. =165.= _Position of the Reserves._ 1. The local reserves will be in their respective sections. For the protection of the flanks they will be echeloned in rear of the flanks or of one flank if the other is unassailable. If the flanks are secure, the most suitable position for them, if it provides good cover, is in rear of the centre of the section to which they belong. 2. The general reserve will usually be posted in rear of the centre of the position, until the direction of the counter-attack can be decided; but in certain cases, as when, for instance, the defender is equal or superior in numbers, it may be echeloned in rear of that flank where the ground offers the greatest facilities for the counter-attack. 3. The reserves should be most carefully hidden until the moment for action arrives. If no natural cover is available, artificial cover should, if possible, be provided for them. =166.= _Duties of Officers Commanding Reserves._ 1. The officers commanding the reserves, whether local or general, must make themselves acquainted with all ground over which they may have to act. They should know the direction of all roads and tracks; and they must keep a watch, by means of staff officers and patrols, on the progress of the engagement, so that they may anticipate orders, and have their troops formed up ready to move as soon as they are called for. =167.= _Local Counter-attacks._ 1. Local counter-attacks, which are the special duty of the local reserves, may be made at any moment. Should the enemy gain some local success either in the position itself, or on ground close to it, whence he could seriously threaten the defence of the position, the necessity for counter-attack becomes imperative. In such cases, the sooner the attack is delivered the better, so that the enemy may have no opportunity of strengthening the ground he has gained.