Long Patrol Order of Battle
Historically, Order of Battle was a term first used in the Medieval period in Europe, meaning the order in which troops were placed relative to their commander during battle. By the gunpowder era the meaning had evolved to the order of how units were maneuvered or deployed onto the battlefield to form battle-lines.
What follows is the basic battlefield deployment for the Long Patrol which every hare, ranked private and above, should be aware of.
The standard Battalion Order of Battle for the Long Patrol
Companies of the same battalion (and by extension the same regiment) are placed close together either behind or next to each other, generally with the most senior companies in the front and rear. A battalion made up of five companies would have one skirmish company in front scouting, followed by either the first or second most senior company in the battalion (made up of veterans) making up the primary fighting line, then two support companies in the main body, and finally one rear company, usually the second most senior company, guarding the battalions back and acting as reserve troops.
The following formations are based upon the minimum ideal composition for a battalion found here; changes can be made to the formation as needs and numbers demand.
Aggressive Formation
For use when the Long Patrol is advancing towards the enemy.
Skirmish Line
The Skirmisher company (usually made up of Runners armed with light ranged weapons) is placed in loose formation ahead of the main force to scout ahead and harasses the enemy until the main body of hares is ready for fighting. They move and fight in pairs and are expected to fallback when the enemy advances. After retiring to friendly lines, they are expected to join the Archer Company to continue to attack at range in addition to acting as a guard for the Archers. They are not expected to win the battle as their main job is to slow down the enemy force.
Front Line
The First Company (usually made up of the most experienced Fighters in the battalion armed with spears) takes up formation as the front line of the battalion in either double ranks (each patrol unit in the company forming a line one hare deep, a total of two hares deep, commanded by the lieutenants and sergeants) or quadruple ranks (each patrol unit in the company forming lines two hares deeps, a total of four hares deep) commanded by the company officer, usually a captain.
Main Body
The Second Company (usually a mix of Fighters and Runners) takes up a similar formation close behind the first company, forming ranks. They are to help support the First Company as needed and guard the battalion flanks. Additional Companies are place in similar fashion behind the Second Company.
Rear Guard
The Guard Company (usually made up of veteran Fighters and Runners) is the second most senior company in the battalion and are placed at the rear of the main battalion. Their job is to protect the rear of the battalion formation and act as reserves to support the companies in front of them when needed.
Archer Company
Deployed either behind the rest of the battalion or to the flanks, the Archer Company (usually made up of a mix of Fighters and Runners) is to constantly attack at range the enemy advance. The Skirmish Company is generally expected to support and guard them.
Defensive Formation
For use when the Long Patrol must hold ground against an advancing enemy force, especially when out numbered. Ideally the battalion is set up upon a ridge or other defensible terrain, with trenches and earthworks being constructed if time allows.
Skirmish Line
The skirmish company is placed in front of the rest of the battalion to attack and harass the enemy at range; when the enemy advances close enough to engage in melee combat skirmishers must break off contact and return to friendly lines, taking up position with the archer company either behind the main body of troops or to the battalion's flanks to continue to pelt the enemy with ranged weapons.
Front Line
The main defensive line, often entrenched, is made up of the First and Second Companies.
Second Line
Behind the main defensive line the Guard Company is placed; they are to reinforce and support the First and Second Companies, as well as stop any enemy breakthroughs through the main line.
Archer Line
Either behind the rest of the battalion or to the flanks is placed the archer company. They are to constantly attack at range the enemy advance, with the skirmish company coming to support them.
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