The aim: to supplement the work of the listening posts and of the sentinels through more forward observation. To discover the movements and the operations of the enemy. To locate his emplacements.

To keep in close touch with the enemy so as to take advantage of his possible weaknesses: lack of watchfulness, of ammunition, of sufficient troops. To verify, repair and complete advance defences. To get the exact range of enemy's positions. To bring back prisoners.

Patrols should be on duty through the night but be specially watchful before sunrise.

N. C. O. and men should be assigned to patrol duty by roster or as volunteers. In the former case, if there is reason to think that a patrol has not done its best to secure information, the same men should be sent out again.

Neighboring companies should be notified of the departure, route and probable time of return of patrols. If several patrols are sent out at the same time they should know one another's itinerary.

The men (3 to 5 commanded by N. C. O.) should carry no impediments and their dress should not interfere with ease of movements: sweaters should be worn instead of overcoats. The woolen cap or comforter should be worn as they cover most of the face. Slits should be cut for the ears that hearing be not interfered with. The helmet should always be worn over comforter. Also dark gloves to hide the hands. No equipment save the rifle, the bayonet fixed or carried in the hand, (no bayonet scabbard), a few hand grenades.

Patrols should crawl forward or advance by short dashes, silently, stop often and for long periods, listen intently.

If the enemy sends up lighting rockets (flares) or fires volleys, lie flat on the ground until he stops.

If a small hostile patrol approaches, do the same, throw a stone or two so as to turn its attention away and take advantage of this to surprise it. If men of enemy's patrol give the alarm, kill them—lie flat on ground during enemy's volleys which will follow. Then strip bodies of distinctive uniform badges, and search for papers, etc. Otherwise bring men back as prisoners.

Patrols should exercise initiative, take advantage of circumstances, in devising ways of bringing back the greatest possible amount of useful information.