PATROL (from Fr. patrouiller, to patrol, dab ble in the water. paw, OF. patrouiller, patouillcr, patoiller, to paddle through water, from patte, pate, paw). In the United States Army, patrols are classified under the following heads: offi cers; reconnoitring, visiting, covering, or flank ing and connecting patrols. Patrols organized for special or extraordinary purposes, are: ex ploring, harassing, expeditionary, and pursuing patrols. The general duties of patrols are to gain all information possible regarding the enemy, and prevent a similar operation on his side. Other duties are also assigned them, dic tated by the specific circumstances of the case. Whenever possible, patrol duty is performed by the cavalry, particularly if the enemy is known to be at a distance. At night, or in close, broken, or wooded country the duty is of necessity per formed by infantry—although a few horsemen would if possible be attached for the speedy con veying of information. In the 1901 marpeuvres of Germany, France, and Austria, cyclists were found extremely useful as messengers from both cavalry and infantry patrols, wherever the nature of the country admitted of their use and they are now regularly attached for tbat purpose. Ordinary patrolling may be performed by any number of men, from three to a company of in fantry or a troop of cavalry; a strong patrol consists of from 9 to l00 men, and a small patrol from 3 to S men. Officers' patrols consist of from 2 to 10 men, or occasionally of two officers only. They are used in connection with the
cavalry screen (q.v.). Visiting patrols are a part of outposts (q.v.). Connreting patrols are of cavalry, and maintain connection between given points or bodies of troops. corering or flanking patrols reconnoitre along the lateral communiea tions, keeping in touch, if possible, with the main body. Exploring patrols carry out many of the duties of a topographical reconnaissance (see Military Surreys, in the article ENGINEER ING, MILITARY) besides their more specific in structions. Harassing patrols are assigned the duty of disturbing and annoying the enemy. by depriving him of sleep and rest. Expeditionary patrols are sent out to destroy the enemy's property, roads, railroads, telegraphs, etc., or to ,:ipture his patrols Cl pickets. Purs/ting patrols hang on the thinks or rear of a retreat ing enemy—keeping their own troops supplied with regarding them. On the oughness of patrol service largely depends the value to the main body of effective outpost service. or of advance, rear. or flank guards. (Sec IIECONNAIssAN(•E.) Excellent authorities in regard to this important service are Shaw, /•;fruonts of sh?olvra Tactics (110 ed., London, loon): Wagner, Tic Ncrric, of and In formation City, 1891i) ; and Sinylie, Points in Minor Tactics York, ISM).