To: New England Brigade Members

Re: School for Officers and NCOs



Hello all,



As requested I am posting minutes of the program last Sunday. It is hoped that the following brief summary might perk the interest of those who could not attend. If any of the below topics raise questions, or you’d like to know more, please contact the individual presenter. And presenters, please forgive me if my summary of your session is inadequate. The intent here is give just the broad strokes. Do correct me if I make any errors…



Session 1: Guard, Inspection and Review—Paul Kenworthy, Inspector General, NEB

Paul began by explaining the nature of rank, often misunderstood. Rank entitles officers to courtesy and respect, but does not entitle them to command anyone of lower rank. An officer or NCO may issue orders only to those directly within their chain of command. Also, a private empowered by the Colonel with certain responsibilities might actually issue orders to those of higher rank.
The nature of police guard was outlined on both the brigade and the regimental level. Guards were responsible for enforcing order and protecting property. Typically, police guards on the brigade level or higher (Grand Guards) were responsible for civilian property and patrols outside of camp while regimental were responsible only for the perimeter of their camp.
The timing and duties of regimental guard mount were outlined as well as the layout of regimental camps.
The nature of an Inspection and Review were outlined


Session 2: Paymaster/Quartermaster—Ed Certusi, Paymaster/Quartermaster and Daniel O’Rourke, Quartermaster Sergeant

The history of the paymaster service was outlined, beginning with its inception in 1775 with the appointment of a Paymaster General of the Continental Army
The pay of various ranks and branches of service was discussed as well as the logistics of transportation of cash and assembly for pay
The duties of the Quartermaster and Quartermaster sergeant were outlined as well as the consequences for soldiers who lost or mis-used equipment.


Session 3: Engineering, Jim Matthews, Topographical Engineers

The history of the Topographical Engineers was outlined, particularly its separation from the Army Corps of Engineers and the rivalry between the two groups during the Mexican and early Civil War.
The nature of brevet ranks was discussed which was common among the Engineers because opportunities for advancement (often due to casualties in the other branches) were few in the T.E.
The attendees were then divided into groups and given a typical topographical map, complete with symbols indicating enemy troop positions and topographical features, to interpret. Each group was then to plan an attack on the enemy position. The exercise will continue at the Camp of Instruction.


Session 4: Leadership: Matt Burbank, Colonel and Doug Ozelius, Lt. Col.

Attendees were again divided into groups and asked to consider two key questions with regard to leadership: 1) How can officers encourage participation from their unit members in various NEB activities and 2) How do we define and improve the relationship between individual units and the NEB?
Answers to the first question included:
--Reward: offering tangible rewards to certain soldiers who participate in the most camp activities (such as certificates or medals), offering awards for superlative soldiering (most authentic award, etc.), rewards for volunteering for guard mount might include relief from certain camp duties.

--Planning: For certain activities to attract volunteers and enthusiasm, they must be planned well in advance and be posted on the schedule (work details, patrols, etc.). Timing of the activities must be considered and not crammed together. Certain activities might take place in the evening. Guard mount can also be placed on the schedule and made into more of a ceremony (i.e. the daily Guard Mount usually conducted at 10 a.m. and presided over by the Officer of the Day).

--Leadership by Example: It was suggested that staff officers bring a private’s kit and take a turn at guard mount. Several volunteered to do so.

--Possible restoration of the morning tactical was discussed

--Use of the yahoo bulletin board was discussed to generate additional ideas

--Positive attitude among officers is essential

Answers to the second question included:
--Communication is key in order to improve relationships. This means sending plenty of info through email/website and better communication during events.

--Opportunities to socialize are always good

--Battalion activities are good, but it is important to allow companies their own time to drill, etc.



Session 5: Artillery, Jim Dodge

The structure and responsibilities of a battery was outlined. Captains are placed in command of a battery (typically 170 men, 6 guns). Lieutenants are each placed in command of a section (typically two guns), sergeants are designated as chiefs of a piece (although 1st sergeants duties are often primarily clerical in nature) and are usually mounted. The various roles privates filled (i.e. cannoneers, drivers, teamsters, artificers, farriers, musicians and guidons) were described.
The evolution of battery organization was described with individual batteries being attached to infantry units early in the war and eventually evolving to separate artillery brigades attached to corps. This evolution began in the Army of the Potomac and soon caught on in the west.
The command structure of an artillery brigade was outlined.


Session 6: Dress Parade, Patrick Browne

Discussion focused on certain details of dress parade often overlooked.
Stressed the importance of bugle calls to regimental camp and the need for officers and NCOs (especially 1st sergeants) to know the bugle calls. A good resource for learning these is http://www.rjsamp.com/


Session 7: Skirmish, Paul Kenworthy

The key theoretical principles of skirmish drill during the Civil War were discussed including: careful training of the men to aim carefully, choose their shots and not waste ammunition; maintaining site of comrades in arms; taking available cover.
The general execution of skirmish drill was shown in diagram


The school was attended by about 33 officers and NCOs. The discussion following the various presentations was lively and informative. In short, it was a successful day.



Respectfully submitted,

Patrick Browne

Adjutant, Infantry Battalion, NEB