is that body of an army which marches after the main-body: for the march of an army is always composed of an advance-guard, a main-body, and a rear-guard; the first and last commanded by a general. The old grand-guards of the camp, always form the rear-guard of the army, and are to see that everything come safe to the new camp.

REAR Half-flats, are the three hindmost ranks of the battalion, when it is drawn up fix deep.

REAR-Line, of an army encamped, is always 1200 feet at least from the centre line; both of which run parallel to the front line, as also to the reserve.

REAR-Rank, is the last rank of a battalion, when drawn up, and generally 16 or 18 feet from the centre-line when drawn in open order.