It was the opinion of Frederick that an advanced guard should be
composed of detachments of troops of all arms. The commander should
possess skill in the choice of ground, and he should take care to be
instantly informed, by means of numerous patrols, of everything passing
in the enemy’s camp.
In war, it is not the business of an advanced guard to fight, but to
observe the enemy, in order to cover the movements of the army. When in
pursuit, the advanced guard should charge with vigor, and cut off the
baggage and insulated corps of the retiring enemy. For this purpose, it
should be reinforced with all the disposable light cavalry of the army.