Seeking propitious signs before a battle, when men were possible mere moments away from death, would have been a great morale boost. Thus, it is no surprise that seers performed sacrifices before battle. Famously, before the Battle of Plataea, the Spartans and Tegeans refused to advance because the omens in their sacrifices, likely performed by Tisamenus of Elis, were not favourable (Herodotus, 9.61).
Seers almost certainly accompanied armies on campaign. The Ten Thousand seem to have had many seers among their number (Xenophon, Anabasis 6.4.15). However, many times, it is generals who are the ones who receive and interpret signs. Already in Homer, we see military leaders interpreting signs on the battlefield, such as Hector observing the flight of birds before deciding to cross the ditch before the Achaean camp…
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Ancient History (Digital) - 1 Issue, AH 46