Georgia Militia Rank

[Andrew Kasmar]

Hi,

Do to the fact that I am going to be a corporal at Bummers, I have this question. Should corporals (and other officers) in the militia wear rank? Thanks for any help.


All the best,


Andrew

[unclefrank]

Re: Georgia Militia Rank

Andrew, I sent you a PM on the subject.

[Coatsy]

Re: Georgia Militia Rank

Andrew, I sent an email your way about your question as well.

[DBAR1918]

Re: Georgia Militia Rank

Andrew:

Since no one else chimed in publically on your question, I'll throw out my chuck-a-luck tokens on the temporary rank subject. These suggestions come from observing the rank insignia of Americans from the War of Independence through the Civil War. At events as far apart as Wilson's Creek to Tippecanoe, I've seen these used for new volunteers and recently-promoted leaders.

Two simple rules to remember- the right is always the point of honor, and NCO rank usually goes on the arm/sleeve and commissioned rank is displayed on the shoulder. In addition, branch colors are for enlisted men (at least the wide trouser stripes, etc.) and silver or gold are reserved for officers. That said, here is how it breaks down for tied-on, or pinned-on, rank insignia. "Loop" could simply be a long strip of cloth tied in a knot on the inner side, towards the chest:

Corporal- loop tied, or patch pinned, on the left upper arm above the elbow.


Sergeant- loop tied, or patch pinned, on the right upper arm above the elbow.

Orderly Sergeant- loops tied, or patches pinned, on both upper arms above the elbow.

Ensign (2nd Lieutenant)- white buff, or silver-colored, strap or patch on top of the left shoulder.

1st Lieutenant- white buff, or silver-colored, strap or patch on top of the right shoulder.

Captain- 2nd Lieutenant)- white buff, or silver-colored, strap or patch on top of both shoulders.

Major- 2nd Lieutenant)- gold-colored, strap or patch on top of the left shoulder.

Lieutenant-Colonel- gold-colored, strap or patch on top of the right shoulder.

Colonel- gold-colored, strap or patch on top of both shoulders.

These are fairly easy to obtain from a variety of sources, even in the field, and are also simple for all the troops to remember. Even at late war events, an "acting Jack" NCO could be appointed from the ranks and marked this way. For all of us who have hand-stitched corporal through sergeant-major stripes and then chain-stitched them on, we know that this takes time and most men are missing the necessary chain thingy in their chromosomes to do this effectively.

These are only suggestions from 36 years of putting on funny clothes and would certainly require approval from the big bugs, not from a high private in the Goober Gallery. By the way, this is how the Confederate Guard marked their leadership at Wilson's Creek in 1980, etc, when portraying a company of the Missouri State Guard.

Dave Stieghan
aka, "Ten Thumbs"