Take point
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To take point, walk point, be on point, or be a point man is to assume the first and most exposed position in a combat military formation, that is, the leading soldier or unit advancing through hostil
U.S. Army soldiers take point during an operation in Baghdad
Dennis Hart Mahan
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Dennis Hart Mahan was an American military theorist, civil engineer and professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1824 to 1871. He was the father of American naval historian a
Take point
…said to be "riding point". This use was first recorded in 1903. The concept seems to have been introduced to the American military at West Point by Professor Dennis H. Mahan, who taught most of the top officers on both sides in the Civil War. In his Elementary Treatise on Advanced-Guard, Out-Post and Detachment Service of…
Dennis Hart Mahan
Mahan, salted paper photo, circa 1856
Mahan in an autographed cabinet photo, circa 1870
Mahan Hall, United States Military Academy, 2003