Rogers Rangers Rules # 9-19
The original field manual for irregular warfare and special operations
Rules number 9 through 19 of Rogers famous Rangers field operations guide.
The 10 Rules below are from the 28 standing orders of operation of Rogers Rangers --the unit, a field manual if you prefer. This set of rules for irregular warfare was included in his Journal published in 1765. These rules, while the vernacular they use are dated, are still valid for small unit tactics today and are still in use. Truly the more things change the more they stay the same.
Find the first section of these rules here and the last section along with the Ranger Creed here.
IX. If you must retreat, let the front of your whole party fire and fall back until the rear has done the same, heading for the best ground you can. By this means you will force the enemy to pursue you, if they pursue you at all, in the face of constant fire.
X. If the enemy is so superior that you are in danger of being surrounded, let the whole body disperse and every one take a different road to the place of rendezvous appointed for that evening. Every morning the rendezvous point must be altered and fixed for the evening in order to bring the whole part, or as many of them as possible together after any separation that may occur in the day. But if you should actually be surrounded, form yourselves into a square or, in the woods, a circle is best; and if possible make a stand until darkness favors your escape.
XI. If your rear is attacked, the main body and flanks must face about the right or left, as required, and form themselves to oppose the enemy as directed earlier. The same method must be observed if attacked in either of your flanks, by which means you will always make a rear guard of one of your flank guards.
XII. If you determine to rally after a retreat in order to make a fresh stand against the enemy, by all means try to do it on the highest ground you come upon, which will give you the advantage and enable you to repulse superior numbers.
XIII. In general, when pushed upon by the enemy, reserve your fire until they approach very near, which will then cause them the greater surprise and consternation and give you an opportunity to rush upon them with your hatchets and cutlasses to greater advantage.
XIV. When you encamp at night, fix your sentries so they will not be relieved from the main body until morning, profound secrecy and silence being often of the most importance in these cases. Each sentry, therefore, should consist of six men, two of whom must be constantly alert, and when relieved by their fellows, it should be without noise. In case those on duty see or hear anything that alarms them, they are not to speak. One of them is to retreat silently and advise the commanding officer so that proper dispositions can be made. All occasional sentries should be fixed in a like manner.
XV. At first light, awake your whole detachment. This is the time when the savages choose to fall upon their enemies, and you should be ready to receive them.
XVI. If the enemy is discovered by your detachment in the morning, and if their numbers are super) or to yours and a victory doubtful, you should not attack them until the evening. Then they will not know your numbers and if you are repulsed your retreat will be aided by the darkness of the night.
XVII. Before you leave your encampment, send out small parties to scout around it to see if there are any signs of an enemy force that may have been near you during the night.
XVIII. When you stop for rest, choose some spring or rivulet if you can, and dispose your party so as not to be surprised, posting proper guards and sentries at a due distance, and let a small party watch the path you used coming in, in case the enemy is pursuing.
XIX. If you have to cross rivers on your return, avoid the usual fords as much as possible, in case the enemy has discovered them and is there expecting you
