GUARD (OF., Fr. garde, from OF., Fr. gar der, to guard, from OHG. warten, Ger. warten, AS. weardian, Eng. ward; connected ultimately with Gk. &paw, horan, to look). A soldier de tailed for and assigned as a sentinel or sentry. The term, used collectively, applies to a body of troops, under the command of an officer or non commissioned officer, assigned for the protection of a military post, camp, or other locality under military jurisdiction. Guards may be divided into two general classes, the first embracing (1) outposts (q.v.) ; (2) interior guards, including stable guards; (3) detachments to piutect labor ers on military works; (4) armed working par ties on such works—the second covering all other duties, in or out of garrison or camp. The propor tion of men required for the guard in each regi ment or corps is distributed among the companies by the regimental sergeant-major, and is called the detail, the strength of each detail being regu lated according to the available number in each company as shown on the roster, which, under the supervision of the adjutant, the sergeant-major is required to keep. The company details are
similarly assigned from the rosters kept by the company first sergeants. Officers are assigned according to rank and availability. When the headquarters of more than one regiment are con cerned, or in the case of a small brigade in the field, where but one guard is necessary, details are made from the headquarters of the command. The detail relative to guard duty includes: Offi cer of the day, officer of the guard, sergeants of the guard, corporals of the guard, musicians of the guard, and privates of the guard. Where there is more than one guard, a field officer of the day is also detailed.