_The Director_: “Patrolling is usually conducted from the supports. I think you would be justified in taking the initiative in this case. At all events, let us assume that you would.” _Captain Hastings_: “Can the Director give us some information on the question of the employment of scouts or patrols.” _The Director_: “There are no hard and fast rules that may be invoked in arriving at such a decision, but there are certain principles that may be applied, and when reconnaissance enterprises are to be undertaken the condition should be examined closely. The scout or pair of scouts would, as a rule, be preferred when concealment is highly essential, and usually when concealment, though not essential, is possible throughout the reconnaissance, or when the enemy habitually conducts his reconnaissance with strong patrols and scouts have a better chance of eluding him. “In the following cases a patrol should be employed: When information has to be sent in at intervals; when it is desired to capture prisoners; when concealment is deemed impossible; when the reconnaissance is to be extended over such a period of time that relief of scouts will be necessary; when an urgent mission has been assigned and it is necessary to push through the enemy’s covering troops. “In some cases it may be advisable to employ a patrol for the first part of the reconnaissance and at a certain point break up into scouting parties of a single scout or pair of scouts. “If possible, the individual preferences of the most efficient scouts should be considered. Some men lose self-confidence if attached to a patrol and are limited in their actions by the direction of the patrol leader; others dislike the responsibility of uncontrolled action. “These are only general rules and cannot be followed blindly. The circumstances of each occasion must be taken into consideration in arriving at a decision. “Now, considering the points I have stated, would you employ scouts or a patrol in the case under consideration, Captain Hastings?” _Captain Hastings_: “I think a small patrol would be more suitable. There will probably be messages to send back and the patrol may have to remain out for a considerable length of time. I believe a patrol would be more suitable than individual scouts.” _The Director_: “Let us then decide that we are to send out a reconnoitering patrol to secure the information we desire. “Before going further with the problem, I want to say a few words about the patrol.” Explanation