_Lieutenant Barry_: “Into the support proper and the outguards. From the outguards sentinels are posted.” _The Director_: “What are the duties assigned to each of the component parts of the support?” _Lieutenant Barry_: “The support proper is the fighting element of the outpost. It is posted on the line where the outpost will make its stand. The outguards with their sentinels from the observation element. They are posted on the line of observation.” _Captain Hall_: “That may be the usual line up for the support. But is it not a fact that sometimes the outguards are posted on the fighting line?” _The Director_: “Yes. It may be that the line of observation is also the best fighting line for the supports. In that case we say ‘the line of observation and the line of resistance coincide’—that is, they are the same. When we issue the order for the support we make provision for that by stating: ‘In case of attack the outguards will be supported.’ This means that the outguards will hold their positions and the supports will come up to them in case the enemy attacks.” _Captain Hall_: “In that case, why not place the support right up on the line of resistance in the first place?” _The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, can you answer Captain Hall’s question?” _Lieutenant Baker_: “I believe I can give a reason for it. If we should place the support right up on the line of outguards we would commit it to one position, and in case of attack it would be difficult to move it to meet the enemy’s main effort. If we keep it at a central point to the rear of the line, we can readily move it to any point where it may be most needed.” _The Director_: “You are right. We do not want to commit our support to action until we find out the direction of the enemy’s attack. The shifting of troops along a front line is a most difficult and hazardous operation. I hope you see the point, Captain Hall.” _Captain Hall_: “Yes, sir. I do.”[12] _The Director_: “How many outguards do you think are required on the front assigned to the support, Captain Jones?” _Captain Jones_: “I should have one on the main road leading toward the enemy; another on the right of the road in the vicinity of —— (indicating); and another to the left of the road in the vicinity of —— (indicating). I think this would be sufficient for observation purposes.” _The Director_: “Upon what main elements do you base the strength of these outguards?” _Captain Jones_: “On the number of sentinel posts they must maintain. If a double sentinel post is required, a sentry squad should be allotted to the outguard. If only a single sentinel is required, the outguard should be a cossack post.”