1st Lieutenant

[TheBloodySixthMS]

I have recently been promoted to 1st Lt. in my group. I was looking for the duties of the rank but have found hardly anything. Anything would be appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Republican Blues]

Written a little post war, but still applicable to war time service

http://www.64thill.org/drillmanuals/kautzs_customsofservice/officer/index.htm

Also try this.

https://archive.org/details/regulationsforarconf

 

[1stMN]

I suspect it will vary from regiment to regiment, probably platoon or company duties. I'm not expert but from the structure I've in my studies, reading, etc. I'd maybe look at that.

 

[captaindrew]

The short answer is at a company level 2nd in command of the company, I'm sure your captain will fill you in on what he expects from you.

 

[JOHN42768]

Congrats

 

[thomas aagaard]

Your captain didn't tell you to read kautz's ??

His two books "CUSTOMS OF SERVICE FOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS"
and "CUSTOMS OF SERVICE FOR OFFICERS OF THE ARMY"

They should be the first thing anyone read when getting any sort of rank... it tell you exactly what the different ranks did back then... (no need to read every page, but everything relating to the ranks you got in the company is relevant)

Then obviously you should know the school of the company So you can take command of the company if your captain is not there.
Also you should have a general understanding of school of the battalion... you might never actually need it, but it do help understand why things are done as they are in the SoC.

Then talk to you captain and find out how you do things in your units.
(in my group we have split the duties of the 1st sergeant since my main interest is drill and the practical issue that I usually travel further than anyone else and do so by train/bus. So another handle the part that involve cartridges, food, tents and other equipment)

 

[gary]

Know how to drill a squad (sergeant's job), a platoon (lieutenant's job) and a company (in the absence of the captain). Know how to post a guard and be officer of the guard. Know how to command a skirmish line.

In short, know Hardee's.

 

[Republican Blues]

Know how to drill a squad (sergeant's job), a platoon (lieutenant's job) and a company (in the absence of the captain). Know how to post a guard and be officer of the guard. Know how to command a skirmish line.

In short, know Hardee's.

There it is... and know the admin...

 

[TheBloodySixthMS]

Thank you all! Hope to see you on the field

 

[mofederal]

Congratulations on making the rank of Lt. now you have to carry a pistol and a sword. Pocket pistols are lighter, and were used in the war. To which extent I do not know, I know they were carried.

 

[gary]

As an officer, you should gracefully accept the stolen game your men offer to you and when the civilian comes to complain about the thieves, you should insist it was the German regiment camped next to yours. Pvt. Alfred Bellard wrote of it in his memoirs (published as Bound to be a Soldier).

 

[TheBloodySixthMS]

Whoa Mr. Gary! I am part German. lol!

 

[TheBloodySixthMS]

Congratulations on making the rank of Lt. now you have to carry a pistol and a sword. Pocket pistols are lighter, and were used in the war. To which extent I do not know, I know they were carried.

Thank you. I have acquired a '51 Navy. I will be toting that once I get a holster. For right now I will not tote it without.

 

[mofederal]

I understand that. I like the Navy personally, I like the grip size, and it feels good in my hand. A good choice for a pistol to carry.

 

[TheBloodySixthMS]

I like the feel as well. Feels good and weights less than a .44

 

[Greg Taylor]

I have recently been promoted to 1st Lt. in my group. I was looking for the duties of the rank but have found hardly anything. Anything would be appreciated! Thanks.

My g-g grandfather was Adjutant of the 2nd. Pennsylvania Provisional Heavy Artillery. His rank was 1st. Lieutenant.

 

[TheBloodySixthMS]

I have many Officers in the Confederate Army but just a few privates in the Union Army

 

[Frederick14Va]

The duties and responsibilities encountered as part of a reenactment unit tend to differ somewhat from what the original company officers did in many cases... Try to take the time and effectively learn both.... Each respective unit and umbrella organization has their own take and forte on it. Hopefully your unit commander will take the time to detail what you are to do and how to do it as it may reflect upon the reenactment environment...

Learn the drill... inside and out... and the proper commands thereof... also duties of the NCO's... In the ranks we drill... drill... and drill some more... the responses and movements become reactionary... Take the average guy out of the ranks and tell them to call out the commands... more times than not they aren't able too... or forget what they were... but if someone else does it... poof do it right on cue.... lol... Go to the officers meetings... any respective advance scenario walk-thorough so you also will know what your doing, where and when... If the commander is absent.... or "takes a hit"... you have to be able to quickly step up and continue the action.... knowledge is the key...

Many groups echo and use reenactorism commands and movements.... try to avoid those if possible... set a higher and more authentic example... Learn the correct paperwork that is typically required of NCO's and Officers.... Practicing penmanship of the era can highlight your position....

Lastly don't fall into the reenactorism habits that every officer must have fancy sword, pistols, sashes, gold braids, high top boots, plumes, lots of glitter and brass that we see so many other reenactor officers engorge upon, and strut about like a peacock... Keep it simple... most of the original officers did too....

 

[gary]

Whoa Mr. Gary! I am part German. lol!

Bellard's captain blamed the Germans, not I.