Online drill resources?

TylerPA

Cadet
Joined
Jul 21, 2025
Location
Pennsylvania
Hello. I was just contemplating on the reeancment I will be taking part in for the first time ever this year. Being that I am absolutely new. Is there any online resources I could use to learn to drill? That way I can have a leg up when I get there. I have my drill manual, but I always been more of a learn by watching type. I can manage shouldering arms I think well enough. But nothing else so
 
If you want to immerse yourself, try the drill Network...




Hardee's 1855 (and its variants/improvements) was the standard during the war.

Vol. I School of the soldier and company.

Vol. II, School of the battalion.

The wartime tactics were modifications of Hardee's, with a few changes, but practically the same.

The Confederate wartime versions published by Goetzel have some minor modifications. Often called "revised" or "Confederate" Hardee's tactics.
Vol. I
Vol. II


Stacking arms...


The US adopted Casey's Tactics as standard in August, 1862. A revision of Hardee's.
Vol. I
Vol. II

Casey's manual of arms...



Stacking arms...


Some more video discussion.




Here's the "Rhymed Tactics" of 1862 for those who enjoy amusement and education with their drill books...
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Some general videos on the subject of battalion formations (more than one company acting together).


 
There's nothing like getting out there and doing it. Don't sweat it, we were all new at drill once and none of us are professionals doing it every day. The veterans in your new group I'm sure will be happy to help you get you up to speed. As already said make sure you're looking at the right manual. Are you doing Federal or Confederate? Federal most likely will be Casey's but some use Hardee's. Confederate most likely Hardee's but some use Gilham's. They are all pretty similar but there are a few differences with each.
 
There's nothing like getting out there and doing it. Don't sweat it, we were all new at drill once and none of us are professionals doing it every day. The veterans in your new group I'm sure will be happy to help you get you up to speed. As already said make sure you're looking at the right manual. Are you doing Federal or Confederate? Federal most likely will be Casey's but some use Hardee's. Confederate most likely Hardee's but some use Gilham's. They are all pretty similar but there are a few differences with each.
The one I have is both Hardee's and Casey's combined I think?
I have this one at home I look at at time to time for reference
711rKsVYs1L._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg
 
The one I have is both Hardee's and Casey's combined I think?
I have this one at home I look at at time to time for reference
View attachment 558447
Not familiar with this book so not sure exactly what it covers. For a new recruit though your first order of business is the manual of arms and the very basic menouevers which is covered in the school of the soldier in all the manuals. As far as the menouevers go they are all basically the same. There are some differences in the manual of arms from one manual to the other. As already posted there's some YouTube videos that would be of some help for you.
 

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