14th OVI - 3rd Arkansas Army of Ohio General Orders

General Order # 2

G.O. No 2

Headquarters

Army of Ohio

General Order No.2

Standard Drill Procedures

To promote uniformity of practice, resolve contradictions and fill some of the "gaps" in period drill manuals, standard procedures are hereby established. The intention is not to "micro-manage" individual companies but to provide a common frame of reference. These procedures will also be of interest to "guest" units falling in with us, so they know what to expect in advance.

1. As appropriate to Federal troops for most of the War, the "standard" drill manual for the AofOH will be Casey's Infantry Tactics. If other manuals are appropriate at a particular event, orders to that effect will be issued.

2. Directions given in Casey's are further interpreted/clarified as follows:

a. First sergeants and file closers will execute the manual of arms with the men in the ranks. They will not remain at "shoulder arms".

b. "Charge Bayonet" will be executed by both ranks; the rear rank men will be careful not to touch their file leaders with their bayonets.

c. After inspecting arms, troops will return the ramrod AND unfix bayonet without command.

d. When executing "By Company into Line", troops will remain at Right Shoulder Shift until halted or otherwise ordered.

e. The command “Countermarch” should only be given when a company is in line of battle, or a battalion is in column. If you are marching by the flank and want to reverse direction, give two consecutive “By file right” (or left) commands instead.

3. In addition to instructions given in Casey's, the following will be instructed/observed:

a. Troops should be familiar with "Reverse Arms" and "Rest on Arms" (Para 291-292, US Revised Regulations). These will be used for memorial and prayer services.

b. "Parade rest" will be executed as directed by Hardee/Casey, not the US Revised Regulations.

c. Companies will be sized from right to left, per Hardee/Casey, not alternately as per Kautz. The reason is that if we have to shift companies about in line, we don't want to waste time resizing them.

4. Anachronistic commands are very confusing. Officers and NCOs are particularly enjoined to observe the following:

a. Watch plurals; it's "By file right", not "By files", etc.

b. "To the rear open order", not "In open order" or "and open order".

c. "About face", not "Right about face".

d. "Right about, March", not "To the rear, March"

e. "Guide right" (or left) simply means you want your men to touch elbows in the indicated direction. If you want your men to change direction, use "Incline to the right" (or left).

f. Never give the command "Dress" without specifying a direction (right, left, or center).

5. Firing orders and procedures will be the subject of a separate G.O.

James M. Ruley

Commanding.

General Order # 3

G.O. No 3

Headquarters

Army of the Ohio

January 17, 2005

General Order No.3

Infantry Firing Procedures and Weapon Safety

Despite clear direction in the period tactical manuals, “reenactorisms” tend to remain especially prevalent in this area. Therefore, to promote uniformity of practice and safety, the following procedures are established:

1. The basic reference work for loading and firing will be the School of the Soldier contained in Casey’s Infantry Tactics.

2. Weapons will be brought to a full cock at the command “Ready” (Casey, S.S. 180). Contrary to myth, this is not a safety issue if the rear rank men are properly positioned.

3. As specified in Casey, S.S. 271, once firing has begun, weapons will be loaded and immediately brought to the ready. If you want your men to load and come to the shoulder, give the command “Cease Firing” (see below).

4. The command “Cease Firing” means weapons are to be loaded and brought to the shoulder (Casey, S.S. 274). If you wish weapons to be brought to the shoulder without loading, give the command “Shoulder Arms”.

5. The command “Recover Arms” will only be used to resume “Ready” from “Aim” (Casey, S.S. 190-191). It should not be given after firing. (Exception: “Street Firing” per USIT, pp 391-393, where weapons are apparently brought the ready before loading.)

6. Casey’s provides the following firings: By battalion, by wing, by rank, by company, and by file. These are the only ones that should be used. Combinations of the two (e.g. ‘by wing and by rank’) only create confusion.

7. Officers should use correct, standard commands for the firings. These are “Load”, “Ready”, “Aim”, “Fire”, and “Cease Firing”. Do not use anachronistic commands such as “Load and Hold”.

8. Troops should be taught to observe the foot placement detailed in Casey, S.S. 183. File closers will be watchful to assure this.

9. Rear rank men will aim over their file leader’s right shoulder for all firings, including right and left oblique.

10. When firing volleys (by battalion, rank, wing, or company), officers do not need to wait for the slowest men to finish loading. The intention is to deliver controlled fire, not necessarily fire every weapon. Troops who miss their turn will finish loading, come to the ready and wait for the next firing order. They will NOT fire independently unless ordered to.

11. Bayonets will never be fixed or drawn on the reenactment field, except by special order.

12. Ramrods may be used for drill without cartridges, but never when powder is used.

13. Weapons will be inspected before actual firing begins. If a weapon does not have a clear ignition channel and a functional half-cock, it will not be fired.

14. After firing, weapons will be cleared before troops are dismissed.

15. Powder charges will not exceed the service load for the weapon, i.e. 65 gr for 58 caliber, 110 gr for 69 caliber.

James M. Ruley

Commanding.

General Order # 4

G.O. No 4

Headquarters

Army of the Ohio

Jan 23, 2005

G.O. No. 4

Posts of Field and Staff Officers

Like every other soldier in a battalion, field officers and staff members have specific posts defined in the Tactics. Knowing these posts and staying in them leads to good order and discipline; the men know where to find their officers, and the officers know their jobs.

The tactics are written assuming that the field officers are mounted (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 33), and call for them to move around a lot. Since field officers are rarely actually mounted in reenacting, altered procedures are suggested below.

Colonel

In line of battle, the Colonel’s post is 35 paces behind the file closers, opposite the center of the battalion (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 34). In practice, this distance may be reduced if the battalion is small. He is supposed to remain behind the line when the battalion moves or fires.

When the battalion is in column, the Colonel is on the directing flank, 15 or 20 paces outside the guides, near the center. When marching by the flank, he is on the side of the front rank (at no fixed distance), opposite the center.

When in overall command or instructing the battalion, the Colonel (or other officer commanding) will go wherever his presence is required.

Lt Col

The Lt Col commands the right wing. In line of battle, his usual post is 12 paces behind the file closers, opposite the center of his wing (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 35). He relays the Colonel’s commands if they are not heard by the captains.

When the line of battle advances, the Lt Col is supposed to march in front of the company on the right of the color company (Casey, S.B. 665). This is to keep the line of captains aligned with the color guard. When firing, he is supposed to retire to his usual post behind the right wing. As a practical matter, if the Lt Col is not mounted he should not waste time and obstruct the men’s fire by running all the way around the right wing. Instead, remain in front of the color guard (who won’t be firing anyway), or go back through the nearest captain’s interval. If colors are not used, the Lt Col will remain behind the right wing.

When the battalion is in column, the Lt Col is on the directing flank, abreast the leading subdivision, 6 paces outside its guide.

When the battalion is marching by the flank, the Lt Col is on the side of the front rank, 6 paces outside of the leading file.

When the formation changes from line to column, or vice versa, the Lt Col and Major align the company guides.

Major

The Major commands the left wing. In line of battle, his usual post is 12 paces behind the file closers, opposite the center of his wing (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 35). He relays the Colonel’s commands if they are not heard by the captains.

When the line of battle advances, the Major marches 6 - 8 paces on either flank of the color rank (which is 6 paces in front of the battalion) (Casey, S.B. 657). This is to keep to color rank aligned with that of the 'battalion of direction'. When firing, he is supposed to retire to his usual post behind the left wing. As a practical matter, if the Major is not mounted he should not waste time and obstruct the men’s fire by running all the way around the left wing. Instead, remain in front of the color guard (who won’t be firing anyway), or go back through the nearest captain’s interval. If colors are not used, the Major will remain behind the left wing.

When the battalion is in column, the Lt Col is on the directing flank, abreast the last subdivision, 6 paces outside its guide.

When the battalion is marching by the flank, the Lt Col is on the side of the front rank, 6 paces outside of the color file.

When the formation changes from line to column, or vice versa, the Lt Col and Major align the company guides.

Adjutant

The Adjutant’s usual post in line of battle is 8 paces behind the file closers, opposite the right flank of the battalion (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 36). When the battalion is in column, or marching by the flank, he marches near the Lt Col.

In the absence of the field officers, the Adjutant and Sgt Major may be called on to help align the company guides.

Sgt Major

The Sgt Major’s usual post in line of battle is 8 paces behind the file closers, opposite the left flank of the battalion (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 36). When the battalion is in column, or marching by the flank, he marches near the Major.

In the absence of the field officers, the Adjutant and Sgt Major may be called on to help align the company guides.

Remaining Staff

Staff officers (Quartermaster, Surgeon, etc) are posted in one rank, on the left of the Colonel, and three paces in his rear (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 39).

Staff NCOs (QM Sgt, Commissary Sgt, Hospital Steward, etc) are posted on a line with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on its right (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 40).

Company buglers or musicians will be united, and posted 12 paces behind the file closers, the left opposite the center of the left center company (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 41). Casey calls for them to posted "in four ranks", but in practice we will seldom if ever have enough for this to take effect.

Dress Parade

Special posts and procedures are used for Dress Parade. The Adjutant and Sgt Major take post early, and direct the companies as they arrive on line. Once the battalion is formed, their posts are in line with the front rank, and 2 paces outside of it, on their respective flanks. After the field music troops the line, the Adjutant advances to front and center, and opens the ranks. At this point the field officers advance six paces in front of the front rank, opposite their interval (i.e. the center of their wings). The Sgt Major’s post is not further mentioned in the Regulations, so he will remain in place.

James M. Ruley

Commanding

General Order # 5

G.O. No 5

Headquarters

Army of the Ohio

January 29, 2005

G.O. No. 5

Posts of Company Officers, Guides, and File Closers

When drilling isolated companies, Captains are accustomed to go wherever their presence is required. When drilling as part of a battalion, however, it is very important that they know their proper posts and observe them. Being in the right place and staying put makes accurate marching and alignment much easier.

For battalion drill, it is important that each company have right AND left guides. If a company has no second sergeant, a corporal or intelligent private will be detailed for this purpose.

Captains

In line of battle, each Captain will usually be posted at the right of the front rank of his company (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 20).

When firing, each Captain will retire behind the center of his company, 4 paces behind the file closers (Casey, S.C. 49).

When the battalion is to advance in line of battle, the Captains of the left wing companies shift to the left at the command "Forward" (Casey, S.B. 655). They remain there when the battalion halts, until ordered back to their posts or firing begins (Casey, S.B. 700-701).

In a column of companies, each Captain will march 2 paces in front of the center of his company. In a column of divisions, the senior Captain takes this post, and the junior Captain remains in the front rank between the two companies.

Marching by the right flank, each captain marches on the left of his company's First Sergeant (Casey, S.B. 806). Marching by the left flank, he marches on the right of the First Sergeant of the next company to the left (the Captain of the left flank company marches with his own Second Sergeant) (Casey, S.B. 809).

When dressing his company, the Captain goes to the flank to which the dress is made; right for right dress, and left for left dress. When the battalion dresses on the center, right wing captains shift to the left of their companies (at the command "Guides on the line", Casey, S.B. 707) and dress them left; left wing captains shift to the right (if not already there) and dress their companies right. Captains resume their usual posts at the command "Color and guides -- Posts" (Casey, S.B. 712).

When the line of battle is to break into companies, each captain goes to the front and center of his company, to caution the men of the maneuver they are to perform. If the men are to halt and form column, he then moves rapidly to the spot where his guide will be placed, and stays there. After the maneuver begins, he halts his men, calls his guide to him, and dresses his company to the guide, all without leaving his place. Make your men come to you; don't go chasing after them.

Guides

Each company has two guides. The First Sergeant is the right guide, and the Second Sergeant is the left guide.

In line of battle, each right guide is posted in the rear rank behind (or 'covering' -- hence 'covering sergeant') his captain. The left guide is posted in the line of file closers (two paces behind the rear rank), opposite the second file from the left of the company. In the left company, the left guide will be on the left of the front rank.

When firing, the first sergeants will retire to the file closer line, opposite to their intervals (Casey, S.C. 49). Casey does not prescribe it, but it makes sense for the second sergeant on the left flank to retire also.

When the left wing captains shift to the left of their companies to advance, the sergeant on the left of the battalion steps into the rear rank, and the first sergeant of company to the left of the color company steps into the front rank (Casey, S.B. 655).

In column of companies, both guides will be in the front rank, on their designated flanks. In column of divisions (pairs of companies), the left guides of the left companies will be on the left flank, and the left guides of the right companies will be file closers.

In column of platoons, each platoon will only have one guide. The right guide will be the guide of the first platoon, and the left guide will be the guide of the second. They will be posted on the directing flank. When the command "Guide right" (or left) is given, they will change position to the right (or left) flank.

When the battalion in line of battle is faced to the right, the right guides step into the front rank, and face to the right; the left guide of the left company places himself on the left of the last file (Casey, S.B. 806-808). If the line of battle is faced to the left, they step into the front rank and face left; except the right guide of the first company, who places himself on the right of the men in the last file (Casey, S.B. 809).

When the battalion is to be aligned in line of battle, the Colonel will first place the color bearer and general guides on the line. The next command will be "Guides On The Line". At this command, the outside guides (right in the right wing, left in the left wing) will place themselves on the line and face toward the color bearer (Casey, S.B. 706). They will remain in place until the command "Color and guides, Posts" is given.

An evolution is called a "successive formation" when the companies come on line one after another to form line of battle. In these evolutions, the companies will dress toward the first company to come on line. Each captain will halt his company a short distance (three paces) behind the line. As soon as the company halts, the "outside" guide (left if dressing right, right if dressing left) will immediately place himself on the line, opposite one of the three outside files of his company, and face toward the opposite flank. He will remain in place until "Guides, posts" is given. The same procedure is used when forming the battalion on the color line, with the color company being the first on line.

File Closers

The remaining officers and sergeants of a company are placed as file closers. A full-strength company has three lieutenants and five sergeants. They are posted in the file closer rank, 2 paces behind the rear rank, at the posts given in Casey, Ti I, Art I, paras 22 - 29.

File closers follow the company to which they are attached and remain in their posts in all the evolutions and maneuvers. When their company faces right or left, they face and take a side step, to maintain the 2 pace distance from the rear rank.

Sometimes a company or battalion has to face about to fire to the rear. When this happens the first command is "face by the rear rank". At this command, the captains and covering sergeants step out, and the file closers of each company move rapidly through the "hole" to place themselves opposite their intervals in front of the front rank (Casey, S.B. 60). After this the formation can face about and fire safely. To resume the proper order, the command "face by the front rank" is given (Casey, S.B. 69).

Historically file closers were responsible for maintaining discipline in the ranks. In reenacting they have an important safety role, since they are in an ideal position to observe the men loading and firing. They are also responsible for moving men in response to casualties. The original front of each company should be preserved as long as possible by taking men from the rear rank to fill holes in the front. When this is no longer possible, gaps should be filled by dressing toward the colors.

James M. Ruley

Commanding.

General Order # 6

G.O. No 6

Headquarters

Army of the Ohio

February 7, 2005

G.O. No. 6

Color Guard and General Guides

Banners and other totems have been used as rallying points by military units since at least Roman times. In Civil War armies colors also had a practical purpose as they were used to direct the march in line of battle. Loss of a unit's colors was considered a great disgrace, and taking the enemy's a sign of great intrepidity; many Civil War Medals of Honor were awarded for the capture of flags. The proper use of colors is a vital skill for military living history impressions.

Color Guard

A full-strength color guard for an infantry battalion consists of nine NCOs. One or two sergeants as color bearers, and the remainder corporals as guards. Traditionally these duties are reserved for responsible NCOs; this is not the place for minor children.

The color guard is formed in three ranks of three men each, with the color bearers in the front rank. If numbers are an issue, as is often the case, the guard may be formed in three ranks of two, two ranks of three, or two ranks of two. The absolute minimum is four men in two ranks of two.

Casey (and all other Civil War tactical manuals) give rules for one color. If two or three are carried they are placed in the front rank, in order of precedence from right to left.

The color guard is formed on the left of the color company, counts off with it and maneuvers with it. The third rank takes post in the line of file closers. When "doubling" the colors need not remain in their proper order of precedence.

When the battalion is to advance in line of battle, the front rank of the color guard ("color rank") steps six paces forward at the command "Forward" (Casey, S.B. 653). It will be superintended by the Major who will march on either flank, and will correct the color bearer's direction upon instructions from the Colonel. The whole battalion follows the color rank, so it is vital that its march be steady and accurate. The second and third ranks step up even with the front and rear ranks of the battalion.

When the battalion halts, the color rank remains in front, until commanded to post by the Colonel (Casey, S.B. 700-701).

When the battalion is to fire, the two front ranks of the color guard step back, so the color rank is even with the rear rank of the battalion (Casey, S.B. 47). The color guard does not fire, but reserves itself for the defense of the color (Casey, S.B. 44).

If the battalion has to march in retreat, at the command "Face to the rear" the color rank and general guides return to the line (Casey, S.B. 731). At "About, face" the color bearers pass into the rear (file closer) rank, and the men whose places are taken fill in behind them (Casey, S.B. 731). At the command "Forward" the color rank steps out six paces, and remaining rules given above apply (Casey, S.B. 736). The color bearers resume their proper places at the commands "Face to the front. Battalion, about -- face" (Casey, S.B. 744). The same principles will be observed if the battalion marches to the right about (Casey, S.B. 747-748).

In any other formation (column, etc) the color guard remains in ranks with the color company; the color rank does not step out.

Customarily colors will not be carried or displayed unless the battalion has a least five companies. Exceptions can be made for reviews (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 45).

As a practical matter, the colors can be used as a rally point when making a rapid retreat on the reenactment field. A rally location will be chosen and the color guard will be sent in that direction. Having done so the command or signal "Disperse" will be given. The men will immediately leave the ranks, run to the rally point and re-form on the colors.

The taking of colors is customarily only permitted by agreement, and in a historical context. However, in practice situations may arise where the color guard is cut off from friendly forces with no hope of breaking through. In such cases colors will not be surrendered, but common sense and safety will be preserved. One strategem is have the color bearers "take hits" over the flags and have the remaining guards "pile on" so capture is not possible. Another is to put the flags in the center of a circle of men standing at "Arms Port".

General Guides

Each battalion is authorized two general guides (Casey, Ti I, Art I, para 47). These NCOs march parallel with the color rank, six paces in front of the battalion, near the flanks. Their purpose is to mark the direction and step for the companies near the flank (Casey, S.B. 683). They do not mark the ends of the battalion, and it is not necessary for the men to try to squeeze into the space they occupy.

When the battalion is in line of battle, the general guides are in the line of file closers, near their respective flanks. On the command "Forward" they take their places even with the color rank (Casey, S.B. 653). When the battalion halts, they remain in front until ordered to post, at which time they return to the file closer rank (Casey, S.B. 700-701).

In any other formation, general guides remain with the flank companies as file closers. Contrary to "reenactor myth", they are not used to mark wheeling points on the road.

James M. Ruley

Commanding.

Special Order # 1

S.O. No 1

Headquarters

Army of the Ohio

February 24, 2005

Special Order No. 1

Duties of Adjutants

The Adjutant (fr. Latin aiduare, "to assist") is the principal staff officer of the battalion. He acts as the Commanding Officer's personal assistant, and also coordinates the efforts of the other staff members. This position is so important that both an Adjutant and Assistant Adjutant have been assigned, either one of whom should be prepared to perform all of the required duties. Other eligible officers should also study these against the possibility of both assigned officers being absent.

The Adjutant's ceremonial duties include the dress parade and guard mount ceremonies. References for these include the 1861 US Army Regulations and August Kautz's "Customs of Service". The Adjutant is also responsible for determining the position of line for other battalion formations, and placing the color company on it.

The Adjutant's administrative duties are more extensive and important than his ceremonial ones. Generally speaking he is responsible for knowing where all battalion personnel are at all times, and how to reach them if needed. Specifically he is responsible for collecting the company morning reports, and preparing a consolidated report for the commander by the specified time. He assists the commander in determining the arrangement of companies in the battalion line. If guard and fatigue details are wanted, he is responsible for preparing the lists, with the assistance of the sergeant major and first sergeants. He is responsible for preparing or collecting any other battalion-level paperwork which may be required (such as weapon inspection reports at First Federal Division events) and keeping the commander informed of any other relevant information.

The Adjutant has a somewhat delicate position with respect to the other officers. While he is the Commander's personal assistant, as a lieutenant he is junior to the youngest captain. Company commanders need to realize that instructions delivered by the Adjutant ultimately come from the Colonel; but a wise Adjutant will remember to say "the Colonel wishes" rather than "I order you."

Since the Adjutant is in charge of battalion paperwork he absolutely MUST have something to write with and something to write on at all times. This should include at least one pencil and paper in a weatherproof container. Adjutants should also carry the following in the field:

- Sufficient quantities of morning reports and consolidated morning reports for the duration of the event.

- Other historical forms as required for the event.

- Sufficient blank paper or forms to construct a battalion roster.

- Order book (containing copies of all current battalion general and special orders).

- Event schedule, maps, and any other event-specific paperwork.

- Articles of War (these are found in several reprint military books).

For events with a static camp, adjutants are encouraged to bring some form of a field desk, and such other military books as may be appropriate. The Army Regulations, tactics books, Kautz's works, and the "Army Officer's Pocket Companion" will all be found useful. The Adjutant's goal should be to prepare himself to answer any question which may arise with appropriate period references.

James M. Ruley

Commanding