By March 21, 1863, General Robert E. Lee, who originally worked with the
smallest of staffs, found that the Confederates had sadly neglected their
staffs in favor of the combat arms, and so wrote the Secretary of War. "The
greatest difficulty I find is in causing orders and regulations to be obeyed.
This arises not from a spirit of disobedience, but from ignorance. We therefore
have need of a corps of officers to teach others their duty, to see to the
observance of orders, and to the regularity and precision of all movements.
This is accomplished in the French service by their staff corps, educated,
instructed, and practiced for the purpose. The same set of circumstances
that produced that corps exist in our own Army. Can you not shape the staff
of our Army to produce equally good results?"
The important thing to note is the idea that the staff officer who delivers
orders on a field represents the commanding officer and therefore must be
a fully responsible, experienced, and trained individual, not just some
guy who showed up without a musket or a boy too young to bear arms. This
was appreciated at that time. Scott's Military Dictionary quotes Napoleon:
"The leading qualifications which should distinguish an officer selected
for the head of a staff are: to know the country thoroughly; to be able
to conduct a reconnaissance with skill; to superintend the transmission
of orders promptly; to lay down the most complicated movements intelligibly,
but in few words, and with simplicity."
What makes up an infantry regimental, or battalion, staff? According to
U.S. Army orders issued 16 April 1861, each staff's officers would include
the regiment's colonel, a lieutenant colonel, a major, an adjutant who usually
was a lieutenant, a quartermaster who was another lieutenant, a surgeon
who ranked as a major, an assistant surgeon who ranked as a captain. A battalion,
which is smaller than a regiment, would lack the colonel, having a lieutenant
colonel or major in command. Non-commissioned officers would include the
sergeant major, a quartermaster sergeant, a drum major, and a fife major.
Later small changes were made, eliminating the surgeon but keeping the assistant
surgeon and adding an enlisted hospital steward. A chaplain was also authorized
later, while the bandsmen were eliminated.
Essentially, the same battalion staff structure was used in Confederate
infantry organizations, adding a commissary who was usually a lieutenant.
Major General William T. Sherman believed that this was as many-perhaps
even too many-staff officers as needed at regimental or battalion level.
"Each regiment," he wrote, "should have a competent adjutant,
quartermaster, and commissary, with two or three medical officers."
In the field, the actual makeup of battalion staffs varied according to
personnel available and needs. Looking at some typical Confederate infantry
regiments in mid- to late-1863, we find the 19th Virginia with a colonel,
a lieutenant, a major, a first lieutenant serving as adjutant, a captain
serving as assistant quartermaster, a first lieutenant serving as acting
commissary, a surgeon, an assistant surgeon, a sergeant major, an ordnance
sergeant, a quartermaster sergeant, a hospital steward, a musician, and
an ambulance driver (the Ambulance Corpsmen assigned at regimental levels
were unique to the Army of Northern Virginia at this time).
The 7th Virginia was missing a major from its three field-grade officers.
Otherwise it had an adjutant, captains serving as quartermaster and commissary,
a surgeon and two assistant surgeons, a chaplain, a sergeant major, an ordnance
sergeant, a quartermaster sergeant, a hospital steward, a quartermaster
clerk, an adjutant's clerk, a colonel's orderly, and a commissary clerk.
The 57th Virginia had its three field grade officers, with an adjutant,
two captains serving as commissary and quartermaster, a surgeon and an assistant
surgeon, a sergeant major, an ordnance sergeant, a quartermaster sergeant,
a hospital steward, a commissary clerk, an adjutant's clerk, a wagon master,
a quartermaster forage master, and a colonel's orderly.
Finally, the 53d Virginia had its three field grade officers, a first lieutenant/adjutant,
a captain/quartermaster, a commissary, a surgeon, a commissary sergeant,
a colonel's orderly, and a hospital cook.
The point to these rosters is to indicate that there was a wide variation
from regiment to regiment, regardless of regulations, as to what sort of
individual they thought would be most needed on a staff. There were, however,
some constants. Each had field grade officers for command.
Each had an adjutant. The adjutant's job, according to Scott, was to communicate
the orders of the colonel. This meant that he was responsible for all the
basic paper work in the unit; issuing the regimental Special Orders and
such official documents as morning reports. Some units assigned the adjutant
a clerk to handle much of this paperwork. The U.S. Army Revised Regulations
of 1861, which were essentially the same as those published for the Confederate
Army, gave the adjutant the job of forming the unit on dress parade and
overseeing guard mounts. In theory, the adjutant in action served as right
guide for the regiment: in fact he was more often seen at the colonel's
side or following his instructions elsewhere. Today's larger, battalion-sized,
units can and should use adjutants for all these functions. A Federal adjutant,
Charles Haydon of the 2d Michigan, wrote: 'The office has not a few advantages
& is generally considered the most desirable of any below 'Field.' It
gives more extended acquaintance at HdQrs, a larger knowledge of business
in all its branches and is in fact a very useful school of instruction in
almost every branch of military affairs. It is a most desirable position
for anyone who expects to be Capt. & is regarded as the legitimate road
to that office. He has good quarters & no nights on guard or days on
fatigue. He is expected to dress well, be neat & punctual & polite
& a sort of special pleader to all the nice points of drill & etiquette."
(for a more detailed account of the adjutant and his duties, click here.)
Quartermasters were responsible for maintaining their units with clothing,
camp and garrison equipage, storage and transportation, horses, fuel, forage,
straw, and stationery. Hardee places a quartermaster sergeant on the right
and on line with the regimental commander. In units today, of course, individuals
supply their own clothing and camp equipment and transport it themselves.
This does not mean, however, that a battalion does not need a permanent
quartermaster. He should, at an event, be sure the camp is laid out with
enough space for the men to use. He is responsible for making sure his unit
has enough of items supplied at the event, such as straw and firewood. The
quartermaster was aided by a sergeant who was responsible for overseeing
work details as well as seeing forms are filled out correctly. Quite possibly
the most difficult and unappreciated job in any army is that of the quartermaster.
"No persons connected with the Confederate armies received so much
abuse as the quartermasters, whilst but few, if any, officers performed
more arduous and constant duties than did those of the Q.M. Department,
especially when engaged in field service," recalled Major Silas T.
Grisamore, a Confederate quartermaster. "Perhaps the simple fact that
they had so much to do was the principal reason why so many thought that
they ought to do, and be responsible for, everything." (For a more
detailed account of the quartermaster and his duties, click here.)
Commissaries, or "commissaries of subsistence," were in charge
of seeing that the men were fed. As with quartermasters, much of their work
has been taken from them by the way we get together for events, each usually
providing for himself. In some units, however, unit messes are formed, and
one man from this mess could well be appointed commissary of subsistence
and be in charge of getting food and arranging for its cooking. Otherwise,
a battalion commander may take advantage of this official position to fill
it with an individual who would be useful in battle in transmitting orders,
and the like. A commissary sergeant aided the commissary officer; today
such an individual could be a unit cook.
Chaplains naturally were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the
men. They had no official assigned positions in battle. Some worked with
the medical personnel under fire. Others helped at the aid stations and
field hospitals. All usually organized such organizations as Bible study
groups and held services on Sunday mornings. Chaplains had to be "regularly
ordained ministers of some Christian denomination," according to U.S.
Army regulations. Jewish chaplains were later allowed in the U.S. Army.
The surgeon, assistant surgeon, and hospital steward, and often a clerk,
formed the unit's medical staff. The surgeons were supposed to be, but were
not actually always, regular physicians. The surgeon was responsible not
only for treating the men, but making sure that the commanding officer was
constantly kept aware of the men's physical states, injuries, etc. Specific
forms were provided for him to fill out this information on. Surgeons also
were required then to keep weather records-this isn't very useful today.
However, medical skills on a field where men are running around with real
weapons can well be. Every effort should be made to recruit and keep trained
medical personnel, doctors and EMTs, as surgeons on staff levels.
The hospital steward was required in U.S. Army regulations to be "known
to be temperate, honest, and in every way reliable, as well as sufficiently
intelligent, and skilled in pharmacy, for the proper discharge of the responsible
duties likely to be devolved upon him." The hospital steward generally
was in charge of the physical parts of the unit hospital, setting it up,
seeing that it was properly equipped and nothing was stolen-including its
whiskey-and seeing that paperwork was filled out properly and forwarded
as required. It was essentially an administrative rather than medical job,
rather like that of a head nurse in a modern hospital. In some units, however,
the hospital steward had some medical training and functioned in battle
much as a modern U.S. Army medic. It should be stressed, however, that that
was not the intention of the army medical brass. Actual medical personnel
would be rather more authentic in the garb of a surgeon than that of a hospital
steward.
The sergeant major was the senior enlisted man in the unit. According to
one period guide, he was to assist the "adjutant in the performance
of his duties; he makes the details for guard, fatigue, &c. under his
direction, parades them...superintends the clerk and assists him in making
out the various returns, rolls, and reports...sees that the musician detailed
for the purpose at head-quarters sounds the calls at the proper time...returns
morning report books to the first sergeants, gives them orders for the day...."
He attends all guard mounts, taking post in the front and on the right of
the line on which the guard is to form, facing to the left, and taking the
post of left general guide for the unit in line of battle or parade. If
the unit did not have a chief musician, the musicians reported directly
to the sergeant major as well. Although as senior enlisted man, the position
is more of an important one in the U.S. Army, than in the more informal
Confederate army. For example, consider this exchange between the sergeant
major and colonel of the 3d Texas Infantry in 1861: SMAJ, "Colonel
Greer, I am Sergeant Major of the 3d Texas." COL: "Certainly you
are, Mr. Warren." SMAJ: "Well, sir, what is my rank?" COL:
"Rank, you haven't got any rank." SMAJ: "Well, I resign."
COL: "You have nothing to resign, Mr. Warren." SMAJ: "Can't
resign. Well, in the name of God what am I, anyway?" COL: "You
are a waiting boy for headquarters, and at odd times hold the Colonel's
horse."
On May 20, 1862, the duties of the Confederate regimental ordnance sergeants
were officially spelled out by the chief of ordnance: "Duties of ordnance-sergeants.
First. To obey the direction of the division ordnance officer of the brigade
ordnance officer ) if the brigade is a separate command) in all relative
to care and preservation of arms and duties connected therewith. Second.
To take charge of all supplies, arms, and ammunition of the regiment and
make returns of the same according to 'Ordnance regulations.' Issues to
be made on written requisitions approved by the colonel or commanding officer
of the regiment; which requisitions are to be filed with his 'Return of
property.' Third. To take charge of the ordnance wagon or wagons attached
to each regiments, and to see that it always contains at least fifteen rounds
per man of the regiment--surplus arms or accouterments to be turned over
to the brigade or division ordnance officer. Fourth. To supervise the condition
of the arms of the regiment and get a detail of at least two mechanics to
assist him in the necessary repairs to the arms, an account of these repairs
to be kept as far as possible against each man of the regiment; repairs
to be made on the order of the colonel of the regiment. Fifth. To take charge
of the arms and accouterments of the sick of the regiments in hospitals,
which will be kept until the sick are sent to the general hospital, when
their arms be turned over to the brigade or division depots. Sixth. In battle
it will be the duty of the ordnance-sergeants to remain with the ammunition
wagons and act with the details assigned to them from the regiments, under
the orders of the ordnance officer, in supplying the troops with ammunition,
collecting arms of the killed and wounded, and securing captured arms and
ammunition." (For a more detailed account of the duties and insignia
of the ordnance sergeant, click here.)
1st Confederate Battalion Staff & Functions
The Colonel: Commands
the unit in and off the field. Executes the orders of the commander of Brigade
or other superior officer during any given event. Represents the battalion
at meetings at higher headquarters and other organizations and other on
occasions as needed. Oversees adherence to battalion policies, such as drill
usage, uniforms, camp appearance, etc. Calls for and chairs meetings of
battalion representatives. Appoints and supervises staff officers, according
to regulations and historical accuracy, as required. Works with applicant
units in bringing them up to battalion requirements.
The Lieutenant Colonel: Does
the duties of the colonel in the colonel's absence. Assists the colonel
as required otherwise. According to Hardee's Tactics, "The lieutenant
colonel will hold himself, habitually, abreast with the leading guide, to
see that he does not deviate from the direction, and will observe, also,
that the next guide marches exactly in the trace of the first." In
line of battle, the lieutenant colonel's position is in the rear center
of the right wing, eight paces to the rear of the file closers.
The Major: Does the
duties of the colonel in the absence of the colonel and the lieutenant colonel.
Assists the colonel and lieutenant colonel as required otherwise. According
to Hardee's Tactics, "The major will generaly be abreast with
the last subdivision ; he will see that each guide marches exactly in the
trace of the one immediately preceding; if either deviate from the direction,
the major will proptly rectify the error, and prevent its being propagated;
but he not need not interfere, in this way, unless the deviation has become
sensible, or material." In line of battle, the major's position is
in the rear center of the left wing, eight paces to the rear of the file
closers.
The Adjutant: Handles
battalion paperwork, including making required reports to Brigade Headquarters,
and letters and reports as required. Receives company morning reports at
events where consolidated morning reports are required. Produces or oversees
production of a daily consolidated battalion morning report for Brigade
headquarters as required in the field. Signs for orders received from higher
headquarters and passes them on to involved parties as required. Produces
daily schedule and posts it on battalion bulletin board. Attends meetings
at higher headquarters as required. Stands in for field-grade battalion
officers at meetings at higher headquarters as needed. Reviews guard mount
when formal guards are required. Sees that battalion gets into formation,
open order, for formal reviews. Places company markers for formal reviews
as directed by reviewing officer. Attends to the colonel in the field, doing
duty at his pleasure as battalion marker, messenger, and overall assistant.
Assists in battalion drills as needed. Drills battalion recruits in their
first drill session to as required by colonel. Refers to Confederate Army
Regulations and GOs to resolve potential problems as they arise. Takes primary
responsibility for the battalion color.
The Quartermaster: Receives
word from adjutant, as possible, about number of men and tents scheduled
to appear at upcoming events. Arrives early at event sites and lays out
camp area as directed by higher headquarters, applying numbers received
from adjutant. When required, produces requisitions for material supplied
by higher headquarters such as wood and straw and assigns it to companies
as needed. Oversees stockpiling of wood and straw in situations where such
is required as needed. Liaisons with chief quartermaster officer at higher
headquarters at each event to learn specific needs. Supervises any enlisted
personnel assigned as needed.
The Ordnance Officer: Oversees weapons inspections as assigned by
higher headquarters. Inspects weapons within battalion as required. Makes
field repairs on weapons or suggests needed repairs as needed. Produces
report to higher headquarters at events on condition of weapons inspected
as needed. Instructs battalion personnel on use and care of weapons as needed.
Liaisons with chief ordnance officer at higher headquarters at each event
to learn specific needs.
The Signal Officer:
Relays messages to and from battalion headquarters and other individuals
or units as required through use of signal corps apparatus such as flags
and torches. Liaisons with chief signal officer at higher headquarters at
each event to learn specific needs. Reconnoiters event areas for the commanding
officer as needed. Maintains battalion signal equipment as needed. Supervises
any enlisted personnel assigned as needed.
The Surgeon: Attends to injured
personnel as needed and legally or otherwise possible. Makes suggestions
to colonel involving health and welfare of battalion personnel. Supervises
battalion hospital and/or medical area and personnel.
The Chaplain: Attends to spiritual needs of battalion personnel.
Holds Sunday and other services as required and possible. Makes suggestions
to colonel involving the spiritual welfare of battalion personnel.
The Aide-de-Camp: Attends to
specific requirements of the commanding officer as directed.
The Sergeant Major: Assists
adjutant in performance of duties. Keeps the official time within the battalion.
Supervises field music in the absence of a drum or fife major. Gives orders
to company first sergeants from colonel or adjutant as required. Oversees
adherence to battalion policy on camp appearance in company streets. Oversees
adherence to battalion policies among enlisted personnel as required.
The Ordnance Sergeant: Assists
the Ordnance Officer as required. Acts as the Ordnance Officer in the absence
of such an officer.
The Color Sergeant:
Commands the color guard. Safeguards the battalion color as required on
and off the field. Selects personnel for the color guard at each event,
drawing equally from companies according to their field strengths. Trains
the color guard in the drill of the guard on the field.
The Signal Sergeant: Takes the place of the Signal Officer when he
is missing. Cares for the signal personnel of the battalion. Works with
signal operations from higher headquarters as required.
The Color Corporal: Assists the color sergeant, acting in his place
in his absence.
The Adjutant's Clerk: Assists the adjutant and sergeant
major, especially taking care of paper work as required.
