avlf units

Hello, I have a question right now in a game my avlf and the opponent's fighting. I also have 385 men in my Avlf unit. Does having these men increases the defense of the unity and thus that of the avlf, or I can fold them, it's urgent because I have a lot of losses ...
Thank you in advance.
ps: I am French, but I post on this forum because it is more active. Tell me if you do not understand something.