Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

[orngblsm]

Re: Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

It could shoot into the ground but also could shoot your file mate in the leg or foot. Honestly in a situation that required a musket to be carried loaded, I find it hard to believe that a soldier would be carrying it in a relaxed position such as sling arms. Then again the picket line can be such a relaxing place.

In my previous post I'm sorry if I sounded as if I was scolding Mr. Hicks. That was not my intention. Instead I was trying to express that an incompetent officer is just as historically correct as a competent one. Though we as living historians feel jipped and jived when we are commanded by someone who has not done their proper homework, in my opinion, we are glancing over a very relevant historical situation. I do realize the amount of work we all put into our impressions and I do feel jipped when an officer is lack luster. But he is the officer non the less and it is his company to command as he see's fit.
Finally, It is true "There's no God given right to command", but the captain or lieutenant that looks down the company line and makes a choice that the muskets that are slung should be un-slung, should count more as an order from an officer, not as a gross offense against the manual. Officers make mistakes now just as they did then, take a breath

[BrianHicks]

Re: Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

..... Finally, It is true "There's no God given right to command", but the captain or lieutenant that looks down the company line and makes a choice that the muskets that are slung should be un-slung, should count more as an order from an officer, not as a gross offense against the manual. Officers make mistakes now just as they did then, take a breath

Perhaps... but in the specific situation I described back at the beginning if this thread...

1. We were at the route Step.

2. The Officer who came up from behind, was not even an officer of our Company.

3. Regardless.... now, just as I'm sure happened historically....ignorance of the manuals on such a minor issue, when on a march, at route step... which causes further discomfort to Privates.... is very unlikely to be tolerated by some grizzled old veteran who is not afraid to... errr educate? such an officer.

(And yes.... I am equating myself to a grizzled old veteran. If any of you would like to inquire as to why, I'll be glad to compare or match mileage under foot, with a full combat loaded pack and weapon, with any man on these forums.) :D

[Brian Baird]

Re: Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

Brian,
The real problemwith what you are saying is that an officer that is not in command of your company has no business saying anything to a private or a NCO that he does not command unless he is command of the battalion.
Brian Baird

[tmdreb]

Re: Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

I personally think an officer misquoting or even fouling up a drill command is far more authentic than some private blurting out loud to everyone, "no, no, that's not how you do it!" This has to be one of the more idiotic things I've witnessed during drill.

[ohpkirk]

Re: Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

I've never witnessed a private correct an officer like that...except during artillery drills at Mansfiled in Jan. 2005, when we had a conscript from Idaho.

But I have witnessed a first sargent correct a captain in front of the company about his incorrect procedures in the minutae of drill.

Made me glad to drive 20 hrs to get there to see it.....worth losing work over.

[Silas]

Re: Carrying The Rifle At Sling Arms

That was an insubordinate second sergeant, not a first sergeant, who did that.