2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

[RebelReefer]

Guys,


What would a 2nd L.T. assigned to a Battalion Staff, "like me" ,have carried in his "paperwork" haversack? I'm an ADC on the battalion staff of the 1st C.S. Inf Batt under Col. Paul Whaley. As members of the 1st C.S. Division we are called to galvanize alot, so we portray C.S. about 40% of the time and the other 60% U.S.. Any help on both fields would be great.


sinc,

Ethan Gallo

[Tom Ezell]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

What would a 2nd L.T. assigned to a Battalion Staff, "like me" ,have carried in his "paperwork" haversack? I'm an ADC on the battalion staff of the 1st C.S. Inf Batt under Col. Paul Whaley. As members of the 1st C.S. Division we are called to galvanize alot, so we portray C.S. about 40% of the time and the other 60% U.S.. Any help on both fields would be great.

Ethan:

Battalion/regimental commanders aren't authorized aides de camp... that's a position on a general officer's personal staff, only found occasionally at brigade, more commonly at Division, Corps, and Field Army level. A regimental (battalion) commander's working staff is the Lt. Colonel, Major, Adjutant, and Sergeant Major; these fellows do the work for the colonel that an aide de camp would do for a general officer.

As a staff officer at any level, though, there are a few key items that you need to function effectively. Always have something to write with. For me, that's a couple of pencils and a field notebook always stashed somewhere on my person. Usually in a jacket pocket, and I might have a spare in my haversack. A candle stub, and something to light it with, since you often have to try to write in the dark.

In the haversack, I usually have a few sheets of foolscap or note paper folded up, as well as a couple days' supply of key forms. For me, that's the mornng report form, a couple copies of the Division weapons inspection forms, and a couple of blank guard reports. A couple of blank copies of the returns for ration and ordnance issue, and that should tide you through any paperwork crises that may come along. A collapsible cup, a small tin plate, and one or Mr. Kindred's cute little combination knife/fork/spoon thingies takes care of the commissary department so that if I'm able to scrounge a meal somewhere, I've got something to eat it with. A small tin of pistol caps and a spare pack of cartridges for the revolver that always seems to be back in the wagon when I need it. A small bottle of ink, a couple of nibs, and a pen holder, because this being the Army, they don't always accept stuff in pencil. A comb and a toothbrush.

That's pretty much it... provided you've got something to write with and something to write on, maybe a light to write by, you're pretty much in business.

A spot on the local cross-country track team would be a benefit, 'cause if you ain't got a horse, you're going to be doing a lot of running in your line of work.

your pard,

Tom

[RebelReefer]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

Thanks Tom,


Do you know where i could get copies of those said documents? I would try Sullivan Press, but i think their out of business. I know the rank of A.D.C. wasn't was never on the Battalion level, i just refer to myself as that, sorry. My rank is "Junior Adjutant" something Paul came up Dave, "Our L.T.C.", came up with. I'm 20, the Col. is 56, the LTC. i 41, and the SGTM. is 38. So guess who does most of the running?......Me! My other question, is a general issue enlistedmen's haversack being used by me, "An officer", authenic? Or did most federal officers use private purchase ones?


thanks again,


Ethan Gallo

[smithjub]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

Do you know where i could get copies of those said documents? I would try Sullivan Press, but i think their out of business.

Hi there,

The website for Sullivan Press seems to be up and running again, so I'd go there for all your form needs. Bob is a great guy, and helped me out a lot when I was first putting my kit together. I had the good fortune of being able to go to his shop to get my order and he showed me all of the original forms in his collection that he's used to produce his reproductions. While a few of his personal paper items (Furlough comes to mind) have some errors (missing words and blanks) all of the documents listed above for you to have are great, and look very professional. And you can't beat his prices, so stock up.

Good luck with your impression! Being in a similar situation myself I know how hard it can be. Drink plenty of water and stretch yourself out before and after getting on that field. Running back and forth from HQ to HQ in CW boots may seem alright while your doing it, but the next day you'll be all but crippled if you don't stretch out before and after and keep yourself hydrated.

http://www.sullivanpress.com/Civil_war.htm

[Adjutant]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

If you are acting as Adjutant or Assistant Adjutant than your haversack should be stuffed with paperwork! As the Adjutant is responcible for all of the paperwork for the battalion, books and forms abound. If you have not yet looked into it I highly recommend Kautz's Customs of Service for Officers. This gives you references to most of the paperwork you will need and Sullivan can provide you the forms or the blank books to fill out your supplies.

[37NC]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

I have been a staff officer for a Major General for Seven Years. E-mail me if you have any questions.
PKSCowboy@aol.com

Sgt. Daniel Curran
37th NC com A


alter ego

Lt. Daniel Curran
1st lt. Adc


How to explain my job I am a paper pusher

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

I have never heard of the position of "Regimental Assistant Adjutant". Is there any historical basis for it?

Here's what I understand the positions are and what they do...someone please help me if there's something that's not correct here:

Some “Battalion Level” Positions That Are Not Part of the Field & Staff:

1) Regimental Clerk – Usually a private or non-commissioned officer who assists the Adjutant, Sergeant Major, and other members of the field and staff with battalion paperwork. Excused from other duty.

2) Officer of the Day – Usually a Captain, but may be a Lieutenant; often drawn from the roll of the company commanders. On duty for 24 hours (he is allowed to sleep during this time but must always be ready for duty), he is the battalion commander’s verbal communications link with his subordinates and reports to the battalion commander. He has general charge of the camp, and generally superintends the Guard and, if used, the Police. He communicates the countersign and parole to the Officer of the Guard. With the Sergeant Major, he is the regimental timekeeper and ensures that duty calls are beaten by the musicians at the guardhouse throughout the day. He wears his sash across his chest to identify himself as the Officer of the Day.

3) Officer of the Guard – Usually a lieutenant. The Officer of the Guard supervises the camp police guard and is on duty for 24 hours or other period specified for the Guard’s tour of duty. Analogous duty includes leading skirmishers, patrols, and advanced and rear guards.

4) Officer of the Police – Usually a lieutenant. When used, responsible for the details that police the camp and its environs. Probably not used while on campaign.

5) Sergeant of the Guard – A sergeant (not Orderly Sgt) from one of the companies, detailed to the Guard to assist the Officer of the Guard and provide general supervision to the soldiers and corporals of the guard.

6) Commander of Pickets/Grand Guard – Grand Guards are guard details mounted at the brigade level. The rank of the commissioned officer selected to command picket details or Grand Guard will depend on the degree of responsibility and the number of men placed under his command.

7) Color Sergeant and Color Guard – Non-commissioned officers initially selected from the various companies, responsible for keeping the colors when not stored on the stacks or in the Colonel’s tent. Exempt from other duty. Actually these are assigned to the Color Company.

Battalion Field and Staff – What They Do

1) Commissary Sergeant – Assists the Commissary Officer with the procurement and distribution of rations, and assists the regimental clerk with commissary-related paperwork. Has direct charge of the commissary stores and directly superintends their issuance. If his duties are heavy other men may be assigned to assist the Commissary Sergeant.

2) Quartermaster Sergeant: Assists the regimental Quartermaster Officer by taking direct charge of the regimental property, and assists the regimental clerk with quartermaster-related paperwork. He directs the details sent to work for the Quartermaster. He usually has a wagon-master under him to look after the regimental wagons and animals. He obtains forage for regimental animals and fuel for the men in garrison. Regarded as having greater responsibility than the Commissary Sergeant.

3) Sergeant Major: The ranking non-commissioned officer of the regiment. He assists the Adjutant. He assists at parade and guard mounting, supervises the regimental clerk, keeps the duty roster of regimental sergeants, assists with keeping time at regimental headquarters, supervises the Orderly Sergeants, assists the principal musician (supervises musicians in his absence),

4) Adjutant – A Lieutenant who serves as the regimental commander’s official communication organ with the regiment. He has charge of the regimental records and is responsible for keeping its books and filing necessary reports; with the Sergeant Major he superintends the regimental clerk. He keeps the duty roster for commissioned officers of the regiment. He superintends dress parade and guard mounting. He keeps the regimental fund. The Adjutant receives morning reports from the Orderly Sergeants unless he details the Sergeant Major (or even the regimental clerk) to this task.

5) Quartermaster – Commissioned officer (Lieutenant) responsible the company’s ordnance stores, baggage and wagons, and other military and public equipage, and camp selection and layout. He superintends the Quartermaster Sergeant, and coordinates with company commanders regarding the needs of the men and obtains and, with the Quartermaster Sergeant, issues the necessary equipment. He may also have the duties of the Regimental Commissary Officer. He is responsible for all public monies received by the regiment. A very responsible position.

6) Commissary – Commissioned officer (Lieutenant) responsible for the procurement and distribution of rations to the companies. He supervises the Commissary Sergeant and is responsible for the regimental commissary stores. He may be responsible for purchasing food for the regiment. His duties may be merged with those of the Quartermaster.

7) “Major” – Assists the battalion commander, responsible for handling effects of deceased officers. He is a wing commander and may command detachments from the regiment that are larger than one company. May be detailed to other duty by the brigade, including Field Officer of the Day and commanding Grand Guards.

8) “Lieutenant Colonel” – Assists the battalion commander, ready to take command should the battalion commander be unavailable. He is a wing commander and may command detachments from the regiment that are larger than one company. May be detailed to other duty by the brigade including Field Officer of the Day and commanding Grand Guards.

9) Battalion Commander – Typically a full Colonel but may be lower rank if necessary. Responsible for the overall fitness and functioning of the regiment, including its training, gear, conduct, movements, and other matters.

10) Principal Musician – A non-commissioned officer in charge of the regimental field music and musicians.

11) Chaplain – "Equivalent" to a commissioned officer who serves the spiritual needs of the regiment; he often serves as a regimental postmaster of sorts as well.

12) Medical Personnel: Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, Hospital Steward – each regiment was allowed one of each, who oversaw the regimental hospital and provided medical treatment. The Steward (a non-commissioned officer) also served as a dentist and pharmacist.

Others – What They Do

1) Brigade “Staff”: Provost Marshal – “head of military police” charged with the security of a given town or military command. Provost Marshals were used at the brigade level and above and were usually junior field officers, although sometimes line officers were used.

2) Brigade Staff: Acting Assistant Adjutant General – the brigade equivalent of the battalion Adjutant.

3) Brigade and General Staff: Aide-de-Camp: Staff officer detailed as an aide to a brigadier or higher rank. Not used below the brigade level.

4) Brigade: Field Officer of the Day – Usually a junior field officer (Major or Lt. Col.) but may be a Captain. Duties are analogous to those of the battalion Officer of the Day, except at the brigade level.

5) Others Not Listed Here!


If some of these are incorrect, or if there were other common positions not stated here, please e-mail me or post a reply on this thread.

[37NC]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

They are all the officer's jobs but on Grants personal staff after he became a lt. General he had the position of Military Secretary. There names were Lt. Col William R. Rowley and Lt. Col Adam Badeu.

A good book for any one doing a staff officer impression is

The Right Hand of Command Use & Disuse of Personal Staffs in the Civil War R. Steven Jones. Stackpole Books, 2000.

Can be had on line for around 25.00 new


Sgt. Daniel Curran
37th NC co A


alter ego

1st Lt. Daniel Curran

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

They are all the officer's jobs but on Grants personal staff after he became a lt. General he had the position of Military Secretary. There names were Lt. Col William R. Rowley and Lt. Col Adam Badeu.

With all due respect, I think that it's pretty rare that the staff of an army commander or commander-in-chief is portrayed in reenacting. Most of what we see are battalion staffs, and maybe the occasional brigade or even division staff, and on staffs of such groups I've never heard of a "military secretary", nor something like an "Assistant Adjuant" for a battalion.

Reenactors should, I believe, generally be attempting to portray the ordinary, instead of the extraordinary, undocumented, and high-ranking.

[Dave Grieves]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

Kevin,

Great glossary of military positions. That's a cut-and-paster.

[KeystoneGuard]

Re: 2nd L.T. Staff officer Info.

Kevin,

Great info! It's a keeper, I'm storing it into the abyss I call a library!