What is the primary function of the General Order 11?

The primary function of General Order 11 is to challenge individuals near a post. This order emphasizes the importance of maintaining security by requiring personnel to question or challenge anyone who approaches their assigned area. By doing so, it ensures that only authorized individuals are permitted access, thereby safeguarding the post from potential threats or intrusions. The ability to challenge individuals helps maintain vigilance and alertness, which are crucial in a security role, particularly in military or paramilitary settings.

In the context of this General Order, other options, while related to security, do not capture the essence of the specific directive as clearly as the chosen answer. For example, reporting threats (the first option) can be seen as a part of a broader security protocol but does not specifically highlight the challenge aspect. Similarly, preventing unauthorized personnel from passing (the second option) might align with the intent of maintaining security, yet it lacks the active engagement aspect that "challenging" entails. Finally, maintaining a watch during the nighttime (the third option) is more about the observation duties rather than the interaction and questioning that General Order 11 encompasses.