CAMP, :MILITARY. A collection of tents or huts for the shelter of troops, in a position, or on a piece of ground, specially adapted pre pared for such occupation. The evolution of the modern camp, or military encampment, is practically the history of modern armies, strat egy, engineering, and sanitation. Of ancient camps the Romans give us the best example. The advance party consisted of a tribune and several centurions. whose duty it was to select a suitable site for the camp, marking out, first of all, a spot for the prcetorium, or gen eral's tent, round which, as a centre of the whole system. the rest of the camp was marked out. The camp streets were broad, measuring float 50 to 100 feet, and allowance was always made for the forum, or public market-place. Polybins (in the Second Century n.e.) is author ity for the full details of the Roman camp sys tem. With regard to their general description, he states that the best conception which can be formed of a Roman camp of the more permanent kind is by regarding it as a military town. Ac cording to the same authority, the Greeks trusted mainly to the judicious selection of their ground, and regarded the natural advantages which they thus secured as supplying in a great measure the means of artificial defense. The Greeks.
consequently, did not use the regulation type of camp so rigorously adhered to by the Ro mans. The Roman plan seems to have been the one most generally adopted through the Middle Ages, with such additions as new arms, new formations, and new branches necessitated. Modern camps, in home countries or possessions, are chosen for their particular local advantage, sanitation and the general health of the troops being the first, consideration. In time of war, or when campaigning in an enemy's country, there must be added precautions against at tack, locating the camp in a place giving every possible natural advantage. Care is taken that there are no commanding positions within range where an enemy's artillery could be effective; that it is capable of defense; that it is roomy and safe enough to assemble the troops or get under way without hindrance or confusion; and that there are water facilities for man and beast. These and such other rules as circum stances may dictate form a general basis throughout armies of the civilized world. In the United States Army camps are organized according to directions given in the drill regula tions. See ENCAMPMENT.