vanguard, van (noun)

the leading units moving at the head of an army

avant-garde, vanguard, van, new wave (noun)

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

vanguard, forefront, cutting edge (noun)

the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field

"the Cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in England"; "the idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy"

vanguard (Noun)

The leading units at the front of an army or fleet.

vanguard (Noun)

(by extension) The persons at the forefront of any group or movement.

Vanguard

The vanguard (also called the advance guard) is the leading part of an advancing military formation. It has a number of functions, including seeking out the enemy and securing ground in advance of the main force.