REAR GUARD. A detail of troops assigned to the duty of protecting the baggage and rear of a column on the march. Rear guards are prac tically advance guards reversed, and are used to protect a force advancing against or retreating before an enemy. In the former case they pro test the rear of the column against •attacks guerrillas (q.v.), partisans of the enemy. or other marauders, and prevent straggling. The most important as well as most difficult duty, however, is when covering and protecting a column in retreat, in which case the rear guard is subject to incessant attack. To organize speedily an effective rear guard out of troops demoralized by defeat is a crucial test of both officers and men. Coolness, courage. and absolute discipline are demanded of the men, while resourcefulness and tactical skill in the officer commanding must be second only to his bravery. Under ordinary con ditions the distance of a rear guard from the main body is about the same as that of an ad vance guard (q.v.). At night the distance is
considerably lessened. The ever-present danger with a rear guard is the danger of being turned, and to guard against this flanking patrols are sent out to reconnoitre and patrol the flanks. Every available method and opportunity is taken to delay the pursuing force; bridges and roads are destroyed, passages or defiles blockaded, fords rendered difficult of passage, crops destroyed, and horses and wagons removed. Whenever possible, the rear guard consists of all three arms, and particularly of cavalry, the strength of the guard varying according to the circumstances of the case. The diagram shown is a theoretical disposi tion of a rear guard consisting of a company of infantry. 100 men.