Soldier Life || The Colonel || Episode 13

Hello and welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! Today, I’m going to be sharing my first History post of the year! I’m thrilled to bring you Episode 13 of the Soldier Life Series! Today we will be looking at the duties of an 1860’s Colonel!

Just a disclaimer, I am not an expert on the War Between the States, though I am considered an amateur historian on the topic. I try my best to be accurate. This series is designed to educate the history buff/reader and assist authors in their research. If you find that some of my information is incorrect, I would love to hear from you! With that said, let’s hop into it!

The Colonel

As I mentioned in this post, I wasn’t able to find a whole lot of information. I’m pulling this information from Kautz’s Customs of Service for Officers of the Army. It’s a fantastic resource!

Colonel is the highest rank in the regiment. Above him is the Brigadier General, who commands a brigade. About four regiments make up a brigade, so that’s four Colonels in the unit. As with most units, the regiment takes on the personality of its Commanding officer. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the Colonel’s demeanor.

The primary duty of the Colonel was commanding the regiment. He could serve in other capacities (aide to a general or political figure, medical officer, adjutant, etc.), but usually, he was a battle officer. He might be called upon to serve in place of a Brigadier General if the need arose, serve on a court-martial or some other special assignment.

Colonels were also responsible for approving requisitions for his regiment as they were submitted to him by the quartermaster. He also has a say in the amounts of rations issued to each member of the regiment. (For more organizational and administrative details, check the above link!)

 
Want to research some famous Colonels of the War Between the States? Check out Col. Alexander “Sandie” Pendleton (CSA) and Col. Robert Gould Shaw (USA)!
 
Writing Prompt: Have any facts about Colonel’s you care to share? Know of another interesting colonel?
 

That’s all for now!
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22