GUARD, in the military art, is a duty performed by a body of men, to secure an army, place, or post, from being surprised by an enemy.
Advanced Guard is a party of either horse or foot, or both, which marches before a more considerable body, to give notice of any approaching danger. These guards are made stronger or weaker, according to the situation, the danger to be apprehended from the enemy, or the nature of the country.
Artillery Guard is a detachment from the army, to secure the artillery when in the field. This corps de garde is usually placed in the front of the artillery park, and the sentries are dispersed round it.
Artillery Quarter Guard is a non-commissioned officer's guard from the royal regiment of artillery, whose corps de garde is always in front of their encampment.
Artillery Rear Guard consists of a corporal and six men posted in the rear of the park.
Corps de Garde are soldiers intrusted with the guard of a post, under the command of one or more officers. This word also signifies the place where the guard mounts.
Grand Guard, three or four squadrons of horse, commanded by a field-officer, posted at about a mile or a mile and a half from the camp, on the right and left wings, towards the enemy, for the better security of the camp.
Forage Guard, a detachment sent out to secure the foragers, and which is posted at all places, where either the enemy's party may come to disturb the foragers, or where they may be spread too near the enemy, so as to be in danger of being taken. This guard consists both of horse and foot, and must remain at their posts until the foragers have all come off the ground.
Main Guard is that from which all other guards are detached.
Piquet Guard, a number of horse and foot, kept in readiness in case of an alarm.