rear echelon

American  

noun

1. (in a military operation) the troops, officers, etc., removed from the combat zone and responsible for administration, matériel, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of rear echelon

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Often in wars frontline soldiers are more disciplined than rear echelon troops who follow them.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2022

After four months covering front-line units, Reed, now a sergeant, was transferred to a rear echelon supervising Army combat correspondents.

From Time Magazine Archive

But the Russians are much more frugal in the use of troops for rear echelon duty.

From Time Magazine Archive

But in an era when combat no longer occurs on clear-cut front lines, supported by a rear echelon, these rules, established after World War II, have created some peculiar quandaries.

From Time Magazine Archive

Everything from the rear echelon to the forward echelon and back was sent through us.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac