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The
Sergeant.
365.
It is difficult to draw the line between the duties of the corporal
and those of the sergeant.
There is really no great difference in their duties.
Sergeants generally have larger details under their charge, and have
corporals under their direction to assist them.
They are usually intrusted with more responsible duties, and they
are supposed to have greater experience, and to approach nearer the
commissioned officer in a knowledge of all military matters.
366.
Sergeants generally have a more general supervision of the men,
whilst corporals have more of the detail to attend to.
The company should be divided into a number of squads proportionate
to the number of duty-sergeants in the company, with a proportionate
number of corporals, who should have charge when the sergeants are
absent.
367.
They are responsible for the camp and garrison equipage which the
squad has in general use.
They have charge of the preliminary instruction of the men in their
various duties, and must preserve order in their squad, and see that
the men do not absent themselves without proper authority.
368.
The most important duty of sergeant is that of file-closer.
Posted in the rear of the company when paraded, it is his duty to
see that the men pay attention to their duty, preserve order, march
properly, and keep closed.
369.
In time of battle, it is his duty to keep men in ranks, not to allow
them to fall out on any pretext, and to prevent them from
misbehaving before the enemy.
He is even required to shoot men down when they attempt to run away
in times of danger.
370.
The men must not be permitted to fall out to attend the wounded
without orders; the battle must be won first, and then the wounded
can be taken care of without endangering the safety of the entire
command.
371.
On the march he must see that the men do not fall out unnecessarily,
and, when absolutely necessary, that the soldier turns over his gun
and accoutrements to a comrade to be carried until he can overtake
his company again.
372.
He must see that the men fill their canteens with water, and not
whiskey, before the march commences, and that they do not eat up
their rations at improper hours on the march; for the habit of
munching at all hours on the march, besides being injurious to the
health of the soldier, may defeat the purpose of an expedition based
on the necessity that a limited supply of food must last a given
number of days.
373.
Sergeants are usually appointed, by the commanding officer of the
regiment or post, from the corporals, on the recommendation of the
company commander.
374.
In advancing non-commissioned officers from one grade to another, no
claim of seniority is considered, except where the merits of the two
candidates are equal; then the senior in date should be appointed.
the pay of duty-sergeants of infantry, cavalry, and artillery is
seventeen dollars per month, with an allowance of clothing and one
ration.
375.
Sergeant of the Guard. - The sergeant of the guard has
general supervision of the corporals and members of the guard.
He sees that the reliefs are turned out at the proper time, that the
corporals obey the calls of the sentinels, receives the prisoners
and sees that they are properly secured, that sentences of prisoners
are carried out each day, prepares the guard report for the officer
of the guard, and, in general, is responsible that all the members
of the guard under him perform their duty.
376.
Where the posts are numerous, sergeants assist the corporals in
posting the sentinels.
they must see that the corporals comprehend the orders and are
capable of instructing the sentinels; and when a sentinel calls for
the corporal of the guard, it is the duty of the sergeant to see
that the corporal obeys the call promptly.
377.
The sergeant carries the keys of the prisons, sees that the
prisoners are duly locked up at night and sent out to work in the
morning, and that those sentenced to close confinement on bread and
water are not visited or fed by andy of the other prisoners or
members of the guard.
When prisoners are brought to the guard-house to be confined, he
takes charge of them, takes down their names, company, and regiment,
the charges against each, by whom preferred, and by whose order
confined.
378.
Prisoners undergoing sentence he must attend to, and see that the
penalty is executed; also that those whose sentences expire are
reported to the officer of the guard or officer of the day, in order
that they may be released; and also that they prisoners are supplied
by the cooks with their victuals.
Prisoners are usually supplied from their company by the cooks.
Citizen prisoners, or prisoners of war, are either assigned to some
of the companies, where their rations are cooked, or else, where
they are numerous, some one is detailed to cook for them.
379.
The sergeant should verify the list of prisoners, and see that they
are all present when he marches on guard.
He should also see that all the articles on the guard-book, for
which he or the officer of the guard receipts, are on hand.
These are, usually, the furniture of the guard-room, the utensils
for labor used by the prisoners, and the handcuffs or shackles,
&c.
380.
The guard report is usually made out in a Guard Report Book,
furnished from post or regimental head-quarters.
In the absence of such a book, a report must be ruled out on a sheet
of foolscap, according to the prescribed form in the Regulations,
page 63.
381.
Whatever happens during the tour of guard is mentioned in the column
of remarks.
These are usually the visits of the officer of the day, the visits
of the officer of the guard to the sentinels, the manner in which
they have performed their duty, and the incidents of note that have
occurred during the tour.
382.
The attention of the commanding officer may also be called to any
changes that may be thought necessary of matters or things over
which the officer of the day or officer of the guard exercises
supervision.
When there is no officer of the guard, the report is signed by the
sergeant and countersigned by the officer of the day.
383.
In the absence of cavalry, infantry is sometimes used on
picket-duty, to furnish the outer sentinels, particularly where the
contending armies are in close proximity, as immediately preceding a
battle, or during a siege.
384.
In this case, the same precautions are necessary in selecting
positions, remaining concealed, and being constantly on the alert,
as are enjoined upon cavalry.
The same system of posting and relieving sentinels is pursued.
the sentinels patrol in the same way in the night and during foggy
weather.
385.
During the day it is not generally considered proper to patrol.
The sentinels are usually posted in commanding positions, where they
have a good view to the front, and can see the posts on the right
and left.
386.
Sometimes, especially where the men would be expose to the enemy's
fire, the reliefs are dispensed with, and the three sentinels of
each post are posted together and relieve each other, - two sleeping
on their arms, whilst the third keeps watch.
This is particularly recommended in Indian warfare.
387.
When cavalry is used for the outer sentinels, the infantry is
usually posted in small detachments in rear, each under an officer
or non-commissioned officer, according to its strength, forming a
line of supports to which the vedettes retire on the approach of a
superior force, and with which they are connected by a chain of
sentinels within call of each other.
388.
Police. - The policing of camp is usually performed by two
kinds of details.
the roster for the company police is kept in the company, and the
duty-sergeants and the corporals alternate in taking charge of this
detail, whose duty it is to police the company-grounds twice a day,
and they are turned out by the non-commissioned officer when the
police-call sounds.
389.
General police is usually performed by the guard which was marched
off the morning previous; and the duty of this detail is to police
the grounds in general use by all the regiment or detachment, the
quarters of the field officers, and, generally, to perform all the
clearing up that it is necessary to do outside of the
company-grounds.
The police-call sounds usually twice during the day, - once in the
morning, immediately after reveille, and again in the afternoon,
just before retreat parade.
390.
The sergeant of the guard that has marched off the previous morning
parades his men, and, with the corporals to assist him, proceeds to
collect all the rubbish that has accumulated since the last detail,
and to do any other cleaning that the officer of police may direct.
Sometimes the officer of the day acts as officer of police, and
gives the instructions to the sergeant.
391.
This duty is performed by collection the rubbish in heaps by one
part of the detail, whilst another portion is engaged with
handbarrows in transporting it to some place of general deposit,
where, if necessary, it may be again removed in wagons.
392.
The men who are absent from this detail from sickness, or any other
legitimate cause, are not usually replaced.
It is, however, the duty of the non-commissioned officers to see
that all the members of the old guard parade, or are properly
excused.
393.
Where prisoners are numerous, the general police may be dispensed
with, and the work be performed by the prisoners, under the
direction of the provost-sergeant; and this is usually the case
where there is no other work for the prisoners to be employed at.
394.
A provost-sergeant is one who is detailed permanently to take charge
of the prisoners, to attend to the execution of sentences, and
perform all the duties relating to the prisoners prescribed for the
non-commissioned officers of the guard.
He is often charged with making arrests of non-commissioned officers
and soldiers.
395.
In barracks, besides being chiefs of squads, sergeants take their
turns with the corporals, a week at a time, as room-orderlies, and
are required to keep the room in order, and see that the men have
every thing prepared for inspection every morning.
(See Par. 341. [Located under 'The Corporal' Ed.]
396.
The kitchen must be supplied with wood and water.
This may be done either by special details for the purpose each day,
or by the company police.
In either case a sergeant or corporal is in charge of the party, and
is responsible that the wood and water are properly furnished.
397.
Fatigue. - Sergeants are usually placed in charge of larger
details for fatigue than corporals, and have perhaps one or more
corporals to assist them.
The same general principles that are laid down for corporals on
fatigue duty apply to sergeants.
The sergeant may be under the direction of an officer immediately
over him, or may have exclusive charge of the party and of the
execution of the duty.
398.
Fatigue duty, including as it does the entire range of labor likely
to fall to the lot of troops, may sometimes require peculiar
knowledge and special experience.
The construction of a bridge, the repairing of a railroad, or the
management of a boat, at a critical moment when there is no time to
look for competent men, may involve a success the accomplishment of
which might win an undying laurel for some sergeant who has stored
up the knowledge or experience for the favorable moment.
399.
On all occasions of police, fatigue, or guard duty, the details are
marched to and from their work in an orderly and military manner;
and any disorderly conduct or neglect of duty on the part of the men
should be promptly reported for punishment.
The neglect to enforce these minor requirements of service soon
leads to more serious dereliction of duty.
400. ARTILLERY AND CAVALRY
— The sergeants, like the
corporals, of cavalry and artillery, have duties not common to
infantry, that require to be separately enumerated. The sergeant of
artillery is generally chief of piece. He has charge of the gun,
sees that it is kept clean and in order, that the implements are in
constant repair and always in their proper places, and that the
carriages are covered with tarpaulins when not in use. He directs
the movements of the piece at drills and on the march, and
superintends its service at practice-firing and in action.
401. In battle, the importance of the position of chief of piece
can scarcely be overestimated. No individual soldier in the army is
required to be so cool or under stronger obligations to
preserve unimpaired all his faculties. The proximity of
danger, the deafening uproar, the confusion of frightened horses,
and the sometimes fearful effectiveness of the enemy’s artillery
upon his battery, test his capacity for the position to the utmost;
and to remain collected, and go through the sighting and direct the
loading and firing of the gun without excitement or mistake, at such
a time, is undoubtedly the most sublime achievement of the
individual soldier To estimate the distance, sight the gun, direct
the length of fuse and kind of shot, with such rapidity as is
sometimes necessary, and all the while be able to check the
excitement, and prevent the errors of the cannoneers, is a task that
has no parallel in the service.
402. Duty-sergeants of artillery and cavalry take their tour with
the corporals on stable-guard. There are two important duties of the
cavalry soldier in which sergeants and corporals perform an
important part: these are outpost and mounted patrol duty.
403. In outpost duty the non-commissioned officers are used in
posting and relieving the vedettes; and sometimes they have charge
of small, isolated stations, and are held responsible that the duty
is properly performed by them and the men under them. Much depends
on the care and attention with which they instruct the sentinels in
their duty, and their capacity for making them comprehend the
orders.
404. They should be particularly careful in cautioning the
sentinels not to give unnecessary alarm, and never to fire until
they feel assured of what they are firing at, and that there is some
probability of their shots being effective. Many an innocent person
has been killed by the sentinel, in his trepidation, neglecting or
forgetting to challenge, and firing without first ascertaining
whether it was friend or foe who was approaching.
405. Many false alarms have been produced, and serious
consequences have resulted, from firing unnecessarily, sometimes at
friends accidentally in the way, or at officers visiting the posts,
sometimes at hogs, cattle, or other animals, and frequently at
nothing at all. Many of these accidents can be prevented by the
judgment, coolness, and alertness of the non-commissioned officers.
406. Sometimes small posts are established on the roads or lines
of approach, and the party is placed under the direction of a
sergeant or corporal. This kind of duty is highly important, and
requires the utmost discretion of the non-commissioned officer to
guard against surprise, and send timely notice to the rear of the
movements of the enemy, and at the same time to prevent unnecessary
alarm, so that a small force making a dash at the post may not have
all the effect of a reconnaissance in force.
407. Therefore the approach of a small force should be resisted
as long as there is a possibility of keeping it back; and a bold
front will often keep back a very superior force; for if the post
has been properly selected, and the necessary precautions have been
taken to conceal the strength of the party, the enemy is very apt to
suppose that they are well supported. Information sent to the rear
should be facts, and not conjecture; and, if the report cannot be
sent in writing, a reliable and clear-minded
messenger should be entrusted with the duty.
408. A thorough knowledge of the
locality, and the routes by which the post may be approached,
as well as of the disposition and feelings of the inhabitants, their
number, and where they live, should be obtained. The people in the
vicinity should be warned to remain about their homes, and
positively not to visit the post or attempt to pass beyond the lines
in the direction of the enemy; they should also be prohibited from
visiting the adjoining houses, and, when necessary, cautioned about
revealing to the enemy any information about the locality of the
post or the numbers or intentions of the party. Frequent changes of
position are recommended; the best time for making these changes is
just after dark, and at daybreak.
409. The watering and feeding of the horses should be performed
by not more than one-third of the party at once; and, if it is
necessary to go any distance to water, the men should take every
thing with them. The men should always be prepared to be in the
saddle in the shortest possible time. They should not sleep at night
at all; during the day a portion of the men should sleep whilst the
others watch. The fact must always be borne in mind that a surprise
has no apology.
410. Mounted patrol duty requires the greatest combination of
daring, intrepidity, caution, judgement, and intelligence, that a
sergeant or corporal can possess. Only general directions can be
given for this duty, as it would be impossible to anticipate every
case or provide for every emergency.
411. The object of the patrol may be to ascertain a particular
piece of information, or simply to proceed, if practicable, to a
particular point, or as far as possible, to ascertain the vicinity
of the enemy, or the character of the country, or the amount of
forage, or to acquire any other general information that might be of
service.
412. If the patrol is small and composed of only six or eight
men, they march without advance or rear guard. Passing through thick
woods, it might be well to send two men fifty or a hundred yards in
advance. The patrol should avoid the highways and
frequently-traveled routes, and should seek to keep themselves
concealed as much as possible.
413. They must avoid building fires; and to feed their horses and
rest themselves they should seek out thickets and deep ravines off
the road, and station a look-out concealed from view. If an
inhabitant falls in with the patrol whilst resting, he should he
held until the party is ready to move on. In making inquiries of the
people, care should be taken to ask the questions in such a way that
they shall not be able to conjecture the object of the patrol.
414. The enemy should be avoided, and no attempt should be made
to take prisoners when it would endanger the expedition. If pursued
by the enemy, they should seek to make their escape; and if driven
off their route, it should be resumed when the enemy give up the
pursuit. The object of the expedition should not be abandoned for
any trivial reason, or as long as there is a hope of accomplishing
it.
415. A patrol sent to ascertain whether an enemy occupy a certain
position, and desiring to know in what strength, may do so by a
little boldness and rapidity of action. They approach as close as
they can at a walk, and with as little noise as possible, for which
purpose the sabres should be strapped to the saddle on the left
side, the hilt coming up near the pommel, to prevent rattling.
416. As soon as they appear in sight of the vedettes, they make a
dash at them, to capture them if possible, and certainly to drive
them in upon their support; and, if the force is not too large for
them, they attack it also. Here they should halt, particularly if
the support retires in good order and with obstinacy. They should
remain until they hear the alarm in the camp of the enemy.
417. The number of drums, bugles, and trumpets will furnish a
very good indication of the strength of the enemy. The enemy will be
at a loss to know whether it is an attack in force or a feint; and
the interval before they find out should be used to get beyond
pursuit. Larger patrols would generally be under the direction of a
commissioned officer, who of course should know the customary manner
of marching and conducting patrols, unless he has entirely omitted
to learn his simplest duties.
418. THE COLOR-SERGEANT —
In each regiment a sergeant is selected for his gallantry and
military hearing, to carry the regimental colors. He is accompanied
by a color-guard, composed of five corporals, who are also
distinguished for their military conduct. They parade with the
colors on all occasions when the regiment is formed for the march,
parade, review, or for battle. The sergeant is in the front rank,
the two senior corporals are on the right and left of the sergeant,
and the three junior corporals are in the rear rank. The post of the
color-guard is on the left of the right center company All the
romance and heroism of the regiment centre in the color-guard and
the emblem with which they are entrusted. On it are inscribed the
battles in which the regiment has participated and which recall the
deeds it has performed. Much depends upon the courage and daring of
the color-sergeant. Wherever he will carry the flag, the men will
follow to protect and defend it; and no non-commissioned officer
occupies a post that is so likely to bring distinction and promotion
if he does his duty; whilst none is more certain to bring disgrace
if he proves recreant to his trust.
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