Submitted by MaineMan 1862 on

Hi Guys,
I was recently elected 2nd Corporal of the 3rd Maine and I was wondering if anyone has any more information on the role of corporal, uniforms, etc. I have read the Army Regulations, the Articles of War and Katuz's Book for NCO's and Soldiers. If anyone has any more info on where to find primary sources for these or where there is info in libraries or on the web that would be very helpful.
Thanks. JJ

Forums: 

corporal

First of all congratulations on the the promotion.
Within the hobby the number one priority of a NCO is safety. Make sure that your men are making proper foot placement, handling their firearm correctly. Also make sure the men are in dress between your sergeants.
Having rank gives you the ability to speak up when you see something out of place within your ranks.
As for uniform all you need is the two chevrons on the sleeves.
Congratulations once again and I wish you the best of luck.

Tom Backus Brown Bottle Mess Co. H, 3rd Arkansas

Here's a tidbit more:

JJ,

If you have read the sources mentioned, know your drill and look after the welfare of the men under your change, you pretty much have it.

Found this on the website of the 26th Georgia:
"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.
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 squad or section 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 section or squad.
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 needs to keep the men in his section 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. " http://www.26thgeorgia.com/page3.html

Marc

Oh, my!!

Gentlemen of our great Union... how can you stand idlylly by and allow those no good, lousy rebels give our young Cpl Johnson lessons on his duties. Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlmen.... While I am most certain, these southern scoundrals are indeed nothing short of gentlemen themselves, I feel it may behoove you to assist our young cpl so that is he is properly versed in his duties as a Union soldier and not lead astray by others who may not necessarily have our Cause in their best interest.
Miss Rose

Miss Rose, If our dear young

Miss Rose,

If our dear young Corporal needs instruction of his duties, possibly he will be able to cross through the lines at Norands where he can be properly guided in the duties of the NCO.

Kindest regards,
Marc

Norlands Event

Hi Guys,
Unfortunitely, I will not be able to attend Norlands as that is the weekend of my high school guaduation. I will be going to George Washington University in the winter of 2010 as a transfer student. So I will hopefully make 145th Cedar Creek and Willowbrook, which is a favorite of mine.
Again thank you for the comments and I will take these and use them throughout the 2009 reenacting season.

Very sincerely and respectfully,
Cpl. Jared Johnson, 3rd Maine

Very Sincerely and Respectfully, Corporal Jared Johnson, 3rd Maine