Many words of placer military terms used in the world of military literature, became obscure to modern readers.Among these terms - and the word "rearguard".This concept is often found in the literature, and is used both literally and figuratively.
emergence of words
word comes from the French language, it is a carbon copy of the expression arrière-garde, that means "protection of the home front."Rearguard - a certain part of the troops intended to protect the front, shock troops of the army.
Responsibilities rearguard
During offensive operations rearguard role, most likely the police.Most of their responsibility to prevent acts of marauders, catch deserters, to ensure order in the rear of the column.
quite different understanding of what the rearguard, formed in the enumeration of the functions of the troops in defensive operations, and during the retreat after losing the battle.The main duties of the rearguard while parts were as follows:
- ensure consistent and orderly movement of troops;
- deter the enemy's advance;
- prevent the attack of the enemy in the direction of the wings;
- conduct reconnaissance to identify prospective directions of movement of enemy forces, as well as the quantitative and qualitative composition of the army of the enemy.
rearguard army
rearguard - it is a necessary component of any army of the past.In the Middle Ages it as avant-garde, was an important part of the order of battle troops.To ensure the effective withdrawal of troops used it rearguard of the army.At the direction of moving away from the command of the rear guard battles to these boundaries, ambushes and counterattacks, for destroying the infrastructure: bridges, buildings and roads.The important point is the consistency of the rearguard action of his maneuvers with the movement of the main parts of the army.
often unexpected introduction of forces rearguard refracts the tide of battle and led the army to victory.A classic example of the effective use of the rear units of the regular army is a counter-attack of the Dutch troops in 1600, when an unexpected blow forced to withdraw the Spanish army and led the troops of William of Orange to victory.
rearguard in the Navy
The Navy also applied the term "rear-guard".This word represents a group of ships of the squadron or fleet, which should be at a distance from the main structure.The purpose of this end of the squadron was to provide basic security of ships and protecting them from attack from the rear.The countdown began with ships rearguard 1/3 the depth of the failure of the military order of the squadron.
By the beginning of World War II, the type of machinery and naval battles, the rearguard loses its meaning, and marine troops of the modern type, this type of construction is almost never used.
Portable meaning
modern Russian language and familiar with the concept "rearguard".Meaning of the word today - a strong, reliable rear, the support group, supporters, following the leader.
