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FLAVIUS
VEGETIUS RENATUS BOOK
THREE RESERVES The method of having bodies of reserves in rear of the army, composed of choice infantry and cavalry, commanded by the supernumerary lieutenant generals, counts and tribunes, is very judicious and of great consequence towards the gaining of a battle. Some should be posted in rear of the wings and some near the center, to be ready to fly immediately to the assistance of any part of the line which is hard pressed, to prevent its being pierced, to supply the vacancies made therein during the action and thereby to keep up the courage of their fellow soldiers and check the impetuosity of the enemy. This was an invention of the Lacedaemonians, in which they were imitated by the Carthaginians. The Romans have since observed it, and indeed no better disposition can be found. The line is solely designed
to repulse, or if possible, break the enemy. If it is necessary to form the wedge
or the pincers, it must be done by the supernumerary troops stationed in the rear
for that purpose. If the saw is to be formed, it must also be done from the reserves,
for if once you begin to draw off men from the line you throw all into confusion.
If any flying platoon of the enemy should fall upon your wing or any other part
of your army, and you have no supernumerary troops to oppose it or if you pretend
to detach either horse or foot from your line for that service by endeavoring
to protect one part, you will expose the other to greater danger. In armies not
very numerous, it is much better to contract the front, and to have strong reserves.
In short, you must have a reserve of good and well-armed infantry near the center
to form the wedge and thereby pierce the enemy's line; and also bodies of cavalry
armed with lances and cuirasses, with light infantry, near the wings, to surround
the flanks of the enemy.
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