Odd Ranks

[CaptBluker]

Good evening,
Were there any "odd ranks" before, during the war or after?
Example: During the Napoleonic Wars there were "Chosen Men" in the British Army (equivalent to a Lance Corporal).
Were there any "special ranks" in the infantry? Maybe Pioneers, Engineers, Marksmen or anything like that?

Many thanks in advance!
Otto

 

[Don Dixon]

Artificier = skilled engineer in engineer units or blacksmith in artillery and cavalry units. Equivalent to a corporal, or to a specialist in the modern U.S. Army

 

[Coonewah Creek]

In early 1864 the Confederate Congress created the Army rank of Ensign. The Duty of the Ensign was to carry the Regimental Colors. Although they did not have command authority of a commissioned officer, they had the same privileges and were paid at the rate of 1st Lt. The authority to promote men to Ensign rested with the Confederate War Department. Regimental Commanders would forward recommendations for promotion and once approved would promote those candidates. In Early 1865 Confederate Congress abolished the rank, however the men holding the position still were color bearers and retained the same pay. - from a Reddit post 3 years ago. But I know of a case in the 2nd Mississippi where this process was documented and did take place as described.

 

[CaptBluker]

Thanks! Anything else out there? What about Pioneers and "sharpshooters" or detached individuals?

 

[thomas aagaard]

Thanks! Anything else out there? What about Pioneers and "sharpshooters" or detached individuals?

That was functions, not ranks.

suggest you take a look in Kautz NCOs.
a pdf can be found here:

https://musket.dk/wp-content/uploads/1864-Kautz_NCOs.pdf

 

[Nathan Stuart]

There was a difference between military rank and functional roles carried out.

Rank referred to one's position in the hierarchy of authority in the military organization. Examples of ranks are, Private, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and the like.

In contrast a person of any rank could perform a functional role. These functions could be categorized broadly or specifically. Functions included: infantryman, engineer, sharpshooter, scout etc.

However, apparently there was a separate rank of 'Musician' recognized during the civil war. It was held by military band members (eg bugler, piper, fifer, drummer) and was roughly the equivalent rank of a private or slightly above (but below a corporal).