outposts

noun

1. A military post stationed at a distance from the main body of troops.“The outpost did not have enough ammunition to resist a determined assault.”
2. The body of troops manning such a post.“Sgt. Smith fleeced most of the rest of the outpost of their earnings in their weekly game of craps.”
3. An outlying settlement.“Beyond the border proper, there are three small outposts not officially under government protection.”
4. A square protected by a pawn that is in or near the enemy's stronghold.