Army of observation

An army of observation is a military body whose purpose is to monitor a given area^[1] or enemy body in preparation for possible hostilities.

Some of the more notable armies of observation include:

• Third Reserve Army of Observation, a Russian army tasked to monitor the Austrian border in 1811 prior to the French invasion of Russia
• The army of observation at Fort Jesup, Louisiana, United States, which monitored Texas' transition from Spanish to Mexican control, and to eventual independence
• The Hanoverian Army of Observation which monitored the border prior to the 1757 Invasion of Hanover

References

1. A Military Dictionary: Or, Explanation of the Several Systems of Discipline of Different Kinds of Troops, Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry; the Principles of Fortification, and All the Modern Improvements in the Science of Tactics: Comprising the Pocket Gunner, Or Little Bombardier; the Military Regulations of the United States; the Weights, Measures, and Monies of All Nations; the Technical Terms and Phrases of the Art of War in the French Language. Particularly Adapted to the Use of the Military Institutions of the United States. William Duane, no. 98, Market Street. 1810. pp. 15–. Retrieved 10 April 2013.