The Need for Organisational Resilience Chapter-6

well as their formation in the most appropriate manner when the army is to engage in battle,

according to the nature of the ground and the character of the enemy.

8. Indicating to advance guards and other detachments well-chosen points of assembly in case

of their attack by superior numbers, and informing them what support they may hope to

receive in case of need.

9. Arranging and superintending the march of trains of baggage, munitions, provisions, and

ambulances, both with the columns and in their rear, in such manner that they will not

interfere with the movements of the troops and will still be near at hand. Taking precautions

for order and security, both on the march and when trains are halted and parked.

10. Providing for all the successive arrival of convoys of supplies. Collecting all the means of

transportation of the country and of the army, and regulating their use.

11. Directing the establishment of camps, and adopting regulations for their safety, good order,

and policing.

12. Establishing and organising lines of operations and supplies, as well as lines of

communications with these lines for detached bodies. Designating officers capable of

organising and commanding in the rear of the army; looking out for the safety of detachments

and convoys, furnishing them good instructions, and looking out also for preserving suitable

means of communication of the army with its base.

13. Organising depts. Of convalescent, wounded, and sickly men, movable hospitals, and

workshops for repairs; providing for their safety.

14. Keeping accurate record of all detachments, either on the flanks or in the rear; keeping an

eye upon their movements, and looking out for their return to the main column as soon as

their service on detachment is no longer necessary; giving them, when required, some centre

of action, and forming strategic reserves.

15. Organising marching battalions or companies to gather up isolated men or small detachments

moving in either direction between the army and its base of operations. (Adapted from De

Jomini 2008, 202)

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