The Non-Commissioned Officer Corps
"The Choice of non-commissioned officers is an object of the greatest importance: The order and discipline of a regiment depend so much on their behavior, that too much care cannot be taken in preferring none to that trust but those who by their merit and good conduct are entitled to it. Honesty, sobriety, and a remarkable attention to every point of duty, with a neatness in their dress, are indispensable requisites…" - Baron Von Stubbing, Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, 1794
A non-commissioned officer, also known as an NCO, is an enlisted member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer. The NCO corps includes all the grades of sergeant and, corporals.
The non-commissioned officer (NCO) corps is often referred to as "the backbone" of the Army. NCOs are the primary and most visible leaders for the bulk of Service personnel -- the enlisted corps. Additionally, NCOs are the primary military leaders responsible for executing the military organization's mission, and for training the personnel in an organization so they are prepared to execute the mission. NCO training and education is rigorous and includes leadership and management as well as Service-specific and combat training. Another critical role NCOs play is providing advice and guidance to the officer corps at all levels. This role is particularly important for junior officers, who begin their careers in a position of authority but lack practical experience, commanders at all levels and flag officers (generals and admirals). Senior NCOs, with their wealth of leadership and mission training and experience, are the primary link between the bulk of the enlisted personnel and the officers in any military organization.
In the Army, all ranks of Sergeant are termed NCOs, as are Corporals. The rank of Corporal in the Army is a junior NCO, and is to be shown the same respect as any other NCO. Junior NCOs function as first tier supervisors and technical leaders.
Senior NCOs are expected to exercise leadership at a more general level. They lead larger groups of service members, mentor junior officers, and advise senior officers on matters pertaining to their areas of responsibility.
Sergant Major (also Quartermaster Sgt)
Sergeant Major refers to both a military rank and to a specific administrative position. The rank refers to the highest enlisted rank, just above First Sergeant. The leadership position, Sergeant Major, is the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and carries with it certain ceremonial functions such as caring for the unit's Colours (flag). Additionally, they serve as monitors for, and advocates of, the enlisted men in the command. This position exists in units of brigade size and larger.
Confederate Sergeant Major stripes shown in infantry blue pattern.
An alternative usage of Command Sergeant Major is the senior NCO of a headquarters unit at battalion level or above; the soldier filling this position should carry the rank of Sergeant Major, but personnel shortages may, from time to time, force this sergeant major position to be held by a senior First Sergeant or Master Sergeant.
Colour Sergeant
A non-commissioned rank, ranking above Sergeant and below Warrant Officer. It is equivalent to Staff Sergeant in other corps of the Army.
The rank was introduced into the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars to reward long-serving sergeants. By World War I it had given way to Company Sergeant Major and Company Quartermaster Sergeant, but it was later reintroduced.
Historically, Colour Sergeants of line regiments were tasked with protecting Ensigns, the most junior officers who were responsible for carrying their battalions' Colours (flag or insignia) to rally troops in battles. For this reason the Colour Sergeant rank was considered a prestigious one given normally to courageous Sergeants who had attained accomplishments in battles. This tradition continues today as Colour Sergeants form part of a Colour Party in military parades.
Colour Sergeants are referred to and addressed as "Colour Sergeant", never as "Sergeant". Unusually, NCOs with the rank of Colour Sergeant may also hold the appointment of Company Quartermaster Sergeant are still addressed and referred to by their rank, not their appointment
First Sergeant
"The duties of the First Sergeant are peculiar to his position, and require capacity and knowledge superior to those of the other NCOs. His position is one of the most responsible and honorable that a non-commissioned officer can occupy. He has the immediate supervision of the company. He gets his orders from the Captain or officer commanding the company, and sees that they are performed in the company. He is, in fact, the foreman; and the men are the artisans. He lays out and superintends the details of work which the Captain has directed to be executed." - Customs of Service, August V. Katz, 1864
First Sergeants can be identified by the presence of a "French lozenge" (diamond shaped figure of four equal sides) on their rank insignia.
The rank of First Sergeant is below the rank of Sergeant Major. Upon reassignment to a non-First Sergeant billet, the soldier reverts back to their original rank of Sergeant. First Sergeants are generally the senior non-commissioned officers of company (battery, troop) sized units, and are unofficially but commonly referred to as "Top", "Top Kick", or "Top Hat", due to their seniority and their position at the top of the company's enlisted ranks. They are also sometimes referred to as "Second Hat," in recognition that even though a company includes several lieutenants, it is more often the First Sergeant that the Company Commander will turn to when entrusting important responsibilities
First Sergeants handle the leadership and training of their Non-Commissioned officers, manage the promotable soldiers within the company, and are the first step in an Article 15 (Non-Judicial Punishment) proceeding, as well as have a host of other responsibilities.
A First Sergeant holding or temporarily filling the position of Sergeant Major will be referred to as "Sergeant Major"
American Civil War
Confederate First Sergeant stripes in blue infantry pattern.
The rank was used by both the Union Army and the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. The same rank insignia was used by both armies. Both armies varied the color of the stripes by assigning red for artillery, yellow for cavalry, and blue for infantry. Some Confederate militia units varied these colors even further and had other colors including black stripes for various units. The rank was just below Ordnance Sergeant and just above Sergeant.
To be a First Sergeant in this company, you are required to be able to teach the School of the Soldier, Drill for Skirmishers, and have a working knowledge of the School of the Company. The First Sergeant must be prepared to take over command of the company should the Captain or other officers become unavailable. The First Sergeant is in charge of the entire company and it's compliment of NCOs. He is the TOP soldier of the company and answers to the commanding officer of the company. A good company commander will let the First Sergeant run the company in its daily routine and details, but only if the First Sergeant is capable of performing these tasks.
The First Sergeant is in charge of training and drilling the company in the School of the Soldier and Company. He oversees and supervises the company drill, and ensures that the section corporals properly drill their men in their care.
The First Sergeant is in charge of maintaining accurate records on attendance at drills and at events in the company book. He will keep this book on him at all times, and in his absence, the next senior NCO will be responsible for recording attendance.
At roll call, the First Sergeant takes his place six to eight paces in front of the company facing towards it. He calls the company to attention and orders the men to "shoulder arms." He then orders the men to "support arms." The First Sergeant will then call the roll, beginning with the Sergeants, then to the Corporals, and finally to the Privates who will be called in alphabetical order. As each name is called, the soldier will reply, "Here First Sergeant" and move their weapons to "shoulder arms" and then to "order arms" immediately upon answering to their names.
After roll has been called, the First Sergeant turns to the commanding officer and reports the absentees by name. If none are absent without proper authority, he reports all present and accounted for. If the officer then takes charge of the company, the First Sergeant takes his post and acts as the right guide of the company in a line. In column formation, the First Sergeant will march at the head of the column in the first file on the right. He should NOT march in any other position then at the front left of the company when in column.
Other duties of the First Sergeant include filling out the morning report, supervising the Quartermaster Sergeant, the Company Clerk, and Commissary Sergeant in their duties, and supervising the other NCOs in their duties.
"The most important task of the first sergeant relates to the government of the company and the preservation of good order and military discipline. This depending on chiefly on innate qualifications, definite rules, cannot be easily given. A complete control of temper, good judgment, and a strong sense of justice are essential; whilst a due application to duty and attention to the necessities of the men are also of the highest importance." August V. Katz, Customs of Service, 1864
The Sergeant
"It is difficult to draw the line between the duties of the Corporal and the duties of the Sergeant. There is really no great difference in their duties. Sergeants generally have larger details under their charge, and have corporals under their direction to assist them.
They are usually interested with more responsible duties, and they are suppose to have greater experience, and to approach nearer the commissioned officer in a knowledge of all military matters." August V. Katz, Customs of Service, 1864
The rank was used by both the Union Army and the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. The same rank insignia was used by both armies. Both armies varied the color of the stripes by assigning red for artillery, yellow for cavalry, and blue for infantry. Some Confederate militia units varied these colors even further and had other colors including black stripes for various units. The rank was just below First Sergeant and just above Corporal.
CS Sgt’s Stripes in red artillery pattern are shown here.
To be a Sergeant requires the ability to teach the School of the Soldier, a familiarity with the Drill for Skirmishers, and some basic knowledge of the School of the Company. He should be able to take over for the First Sergeant in his absence.
The most important duty for a Sergeant is that of a file closer in line. Posted to the rear of the company when it is paraded, it is his duty to see that the men pay attention to their duty, preserve order, march properly, and keep the files closed up. In time of battle, it is his duty to keep men in ranks and not allow them to fall out for any reason. It is his duty to shoot down men if they attempt to run in times of danger. He must prevent the men from falling out to help wounded comrades. The battle must be won first, and then the wounded men can properly be cared for.
Additional duties of the Sergeant include making sure the men have full canteens of water, supervise the corporals in their duties, act as Sergeant of the guard when called upon, lead a skirmish squad, act as color sergeant of the regiment or battalion, and lead a scouting patrol into enemy territory. The position of Sergeant is elected only if the company has 21-25 men consistently attend events.
As the discipline and efficiency of a company materially depend on the conduct and character of its sergeants, they should be selected with care, and properly instructed in all the duties appertaining to their rank.
Sergeants shall habitually maintain Shoulder Arms. That is, at all times, even while marching, the Sgt. will carry his weapon at Shoulder Arms, no matter what the order is to the rest of the Company, Regiment or Brigade.
Their theoretical instruction should include the School of the Soldier, the School of the Company, and the Drill for Skirmishers; and also knowledge of the principles of firing. They should likewise be well instructed in their duties as brigade guides.
The Captain selects from the corporals in his company, those whom he judges fit to be admitted to the theoretical instruction of the sergeants.
The Corporal
"The appointment to Corporal is the first step to promotion in the army, and may lead to the highest distinction in the military service. The sergeants are appointed from the corporals and they should therefore look upon their position as one of probation, and should seek to perform well their part, in order that they may be advanced." August V. Katz, Customs of Service, 1864
August Kautz in The Customs of Service for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers describes the Corporal as below.
The duties of a corporal are simple, and depend for their successful performance mainly upon his capacity to control and direct soldiers in the performance of their duty. They take charge of the smaller details for fatigue and police duty in camp and garrison duty: their most important duty is that of Corporal of the Guard. They frequently succeed to the responsibilities of sergeant in his absence, and should therefore be familiar with his duties.
Corporals should be living examples for the soldiers in the neatness and cleanliness of their clothing, arms, and accoutrements. They should be the first to fall into ranks at roll-calls, and should have their tents or bunks, wherever their quarters, always systematically in order.
They should be familiar with the "School of the Soldier," and capable of instruction the recruits in the elementary principles of tactics.
In the field, where it is sometimes difficult to cook for the entire company, it is divided into messes and the non-commissioned officers placed in charge of the different messes pro rata. They are held responsible for the conduct of the mess-mates in the keeping of their tents and the care of the camp and garrison equipage in their charge."2
Each Corporal should have a book in which he can take down the names of the men in his fatigue, and take notes on orders from the 1st Sergeant. This requirement is a must for every NCO.
The rank of Corporal is preceded by the rank of Private. A Corporal is a junior non-commissioned officer and may direct the activities of other soldiers. Corporals are found in many combat units. It is common for a Corporal to lead a Settee, or Comrades in Battle. Their theoretical instruction should include the School of the Soldier, and knowledge of firing.
The rank of Corporal is the only rank in the United States Army that has never been removed from the NCO Corps since its earliest days.
To be a Corporal you must be able to teach the School of the Soldier, have a working knowledge of the Drill for Skirmishers, and be familiar with the School of the Company. The Corporal is the closest NCO to the private in the ranks and his first and primary concern is the welfare of the men in his care. He should be familiar with the Sergeant and First Sergeant positions as he may need to perform those duties in the absence of a Sergeant. Off the field, the Corporal is responsible for calling all the members in his settee and informing them of upcoming events and activities.
The field duties of the Corporal are very simple. They must have the capacity to control and direct the soldiers in the performance of their duties. Corporals need to have as much direct contact as possible with the men. He needs to camp and eat with the men in his settee.
Corporals should be a living example for the soldiers in the neatness and cleanliness of their clothing, arms, and accouterments. They should always be the first to fall into ranks for roll call, and should always have their tent or campsite in order.
The Corporal should be very familiar with the School of the Soldier and be capable of instructing the men in his settee in both the school of the soldier and the elementary principles of tactics. He should also be familiar with the Drill for skirmishers. He will be responsible for assuring that his section can perform the school of the soldier drill and will drill his settee at assigned times.
The Corporal needs to keep his men informed. He should have an idea of what is happening and what is going to happen. He needs to explain to the men any changes in their orders as soon as possible and be the source of knowledge for their section.
He needs to know the symptoms of heat and cold injuries and check the health of the men at regular intervals. Ensure that they are drinking enough to ward off hot weather injuries and that they have sufficient clothing to protect themselves from cold weather injuries. A good rule to follow is to have your men drink a canteen of water before going out on the field.
Finally, the corporal is responsible for ensuring that every man in his section cleans his weapon immediately following the battle and they he takes proper care of his weapon on the field. If a weapon in your section needs maintenance, the corporal needs to take charge of the weapon and make the repair himself or find someone that can repair it. After a firing demonstration or battle, you need to ensure that there is enough hot water and cleaning materials to clean the mess gear and the weapons. No man in your section should be allowed out of camp without first cleaning his musket! It is your responsibility to inspect each man in your section before allowing him to leave the camp. The position of Second Corporal is elected only if the company has 16-20 men consistently attend events.
The captain selects from his company a few privates, who may be admitted to the theoretical instruction of the corporals.
As the instruction of sergeants and corporals, is intended principally to qualify them for the instruction of the privates, they should be taught not only to execute, but to explain intelligibly every thing they may be required to teach.
Private
Personnel with no command authority bear the title Private. In some countries and services, personnel in different branches have different titles. These may have a variety of grades, but these usually only reflect variations in pay, not increased authority.
The Officer
Overview
The purpose of this School is to detail the duties and skills required for each rank required in the running of a Civil War era company. It is intended as a resource for all military members of the 11th - to be used as reference, guide, and to generate questions that can be answered or further researched at events. Ideally we will set time aside at each event to hold mini-NCO/Officer Schools and to discuss the finer points of drill. This will be a work in progress for some time to come.
Responsibilities
Rank in both the 11th and Ector’s Brigade is a position of responsibility. You must show a willingness to learn the impression, and demonstrate leadership. You must be willing to attend events when possible, accept the duties of the position and be willing to perform them in the field. Lastly rank is given by the unit membership; remember this is a hobby and that all authority is tacit and the idea is for everyone to have fun.
The responsibilities for each rank can be considered like building blocks. The skills of each rank build upon the previous one. Therefore, each rank is responsible for knowing and teaching the duties of the rank below, as well as performing the extra requirements, duties, and skills of the rank held. In addition, persons holding rank should be looking at the duties of the rank above so they can perform those duties when called upon. Thus a Corporal needs to be able to teach the skills of a Private and be prepared to step up as a Sergeant, and a Sergeant must be able to teach the skills of a Corporal and be prepared to step up as a Lieutenant and so on up the ladder.
A Synopsis of the Responsibilities for each Rank as Follows:
"Sergeants and Corporals, being in closest contact with the rank and file, must deal with the men on a personal level. Squad drill, camp cleanliness, guard and fatigue details, as well as the duties of file closer are their responsibilities. They must see that their company is running smoothly when their captain takes command. The company officers should not have to distract themselves with the many small details to run the company. This is the NCOs job.
Company Officers must be free to maneuver their companies and pay the closest attention to the field officers. Company officers must oversee all the activities of their NCOs in company will be expected to command various details at times. Their main responsibility, however, is to be totally familiar with company and brigade drill and to train their men in the skills they need to function as part of the brigade.
Field and Staff have the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of the brigade. Although they are dependent upon the efforts of the NCOs and line officers, the field and staff must assure that all the elements come together to form a smoothly running machine. In camp, the Aide-de-Camp, Officer of the Day, and Sergeant Major must coordinate all activities and deal with the problems that arise. On the drill field and in battle the field officers must be as completely familiar with the methods of controlling the brigade as a pilot is with his airplane. The tactics of Civil War era centralize tremendous authority and responsibility into the hands of a few men.