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Flying column
Ad hoc small, independent, combined-arms military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A flying column is a small, independent, military land unit capable of rapid mobility and usually composed of all arms. It is often an ad hoc unit, formed during the course of operations.[1]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Hogan%27s_Flying_Column.gif/640px-Hogan%27s_Flying_Column.gif)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/West_Connemara_Flying_Column_1922.jpg/640px-West_Connemara_Flying_Column_1922.jpg)
The term is usually, though not necessarily, applied to forces less than the strength of a brigade.[1] As mobility is its primary purpose, a flying column is accompanied by the minimum of equipment. It generally uses suitable fast transport; historically, horses were used, with trucks and helicopters replacing them in modern times.