What is the Prussian soldiers role in the story the prisoners by Guy De Maupassant?

The Prisoners by Guy de Maupassant.

The Prussian soldiers were the detachment sent ahead of their army to scout the area they are planning to either conquer or attack. They were also tasked to search the area for people who were supporters of their enemy.

In the story, the Prussians were used to strike fear to the people. They were equated with wolves because encountering any of the two will surely bring about death.