Thread: Rank and Age
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Old 05-19-2009, 11:31 PM
Abbott Shaull Abbott Shaull is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rainbow Six
I think the War would see lots of people holding high rank at a relatively young age, with the emphasis being placed on an individual's ability to do the job rather than age and / or length of service.

Wasn't George Custer promoted to General really, really quickly? Or is that an urban legend?
George A. Custer was another one of handful child Generals. One thing is Custer was had just Graduated from West Point so he and those in his class were at least 21-22 at the start of the war. I believe he was 23, and he was brevet promoted from 2nd Lt to Brigadier General, due to the fluid career path. Due to the fact that Civil War Officer held ranks in the Volunteers and Regular Army. Their Volunteer Rank could and general would be much higher than say Custard Regular rank of 2nd Lt which as Paul pointed out was an oversight. Also in the Civil War several Colonels had more or less purchase such ranks, due to the fact they help outfit the Regiments they had inducted into the Army with. Of course, many of these Colonels who couldn't do the job, were out of the job quickly or made aide-of-camp and shuffle around and got lost, much like happen to Custer.

Also it wasn't unheard of a NCO on becoming a field commission Officer due to the immediate need of having Officer.

Also Major Winter of the 2nd Battalion of the 506th comes to mind. The story of Band of Brothers, many of the officers of the 506th that were Majors and Lt Colonels all started out as 2nd Lt, and 1st Lt when the regiment formed. Winters went from 1st Lt to Major, from D-Day to the time he was released back into Civilian life. If the war had lasted much longer he would of been Lt. Colonel due to the fact he had been 'Acting' Battalion Commander for practically 6 months for 2nd Battalion, even though there were Majors and Lt. Colonels who probably should of been place in the position over the Captain in the Regiment and the Division. Yet so many other position were being done, by people of lesser rank, they let the Captain led the Battalion, since the same Majors and Lt Colonels were holding staff positions. Besides even in combat what a Colonel who is Regimental Combat Team CO wants he gets.

There are numerous stories such as this that happen in Civil War, where people where brevet promoted into positions due to their ability and rarely did an officer who held rank would go after the position. Largely due that for many, they would be going backwards, or they had been moved to their position for the safety of the men, to begin with.

In the Civil War, and some Spanish American War Regiments still elected the Officers of the Regiment. Once they had been inducted many of these elected Officers were found to be incapable of their jobs and replaced, with these officers being sent home, or reduced in rank and sent to some other unit.

Last edited by Abbott Shaull; 05-20-2009 at 12:07 AM.
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