In each rank, count...

[KentuckyReb]

Don't have my Hardee's in front of me...loaned it out a while back and haven't gotten it back yet. And when I had it, this never occurred to me. Might not be in there anyhow, but perhaps somebody can help. Wanting to get some of this stuff lined out before the season starts. Question--when a company forms, and the command 'right dress' is given and has been carried out, would it be correct for the NCO forming the company NOT to give the command to 'front' at that point, but instead to leave the men facing to their right, each man facing forward only when he sounds off? I ask because in my outfit, somehow, even though all our other drill always looks good, this is something where we always manage to screw it up. And being something that requires yelling, everyone nearby knows when you do it more than once for some reason. Sucks. Thought this might take care of the problem. I figured that this way, everybody's lookin' at the man to his right, so he d__n well KNOWS when it's time for him to sound off and has no excuse for lousin' it up. Either he wasn't at the proper 'right dress' position because he was beatin' his gums with his buddy, or he was just daydreaming, or whatever, but NCO can justifiably have a good ol' time dining on his posterior. I'd wondered that for some time, but never said anything, until if finally occurred to ask on here if such a thing would be acceptable practice when forming.

[LibertyHallVols]

Micah,

The manuals are available on-line at http://home.att.net/~Cap1MD/Drill.htm

According to Hardee's 1862 ( http://home.att.net/~MrsMajor/1862SotC.htm )...
"4. The company will always be formed in two ranks. The instructor will then cause the files to be numbered, and for this purpose will command:

In each rank-Count Twos.

5. At this command, the men count in each rank, from right to left, pronouncing in a loud and distinct voice, in the same tone, without hurry and without turning the head, one, two, according to the place which each one occupies."

The link for Gilham's was not working when I accessed the site.

I hope this helps,

[markmason]

Taken from Casey's School of the Company, 1862

May be found at

http://www.usregulars.com/library.htm

ARTICLE V.

Alignments, and Manual of Arms in Closed Ranks.

30. The ranks being closed, the instructor will cause to be executed parallel and oblique alignments by the right and left, forward and backward, observing to place always two or four files to serve as a basis of alignment. He will give the commands prescribed, No. 21.
31. In alignments in closed ranks, the captain will superintend the front rank, and the covering sergeant the rear rank. They will habituate themselves to judge the alignment by the lines of the eyes and shoulders, in casting a glance of the eye along the front and rear of the ranks.
32. The moment the captain perceives the greater number of the front rank aligned, be will command FRONT, and rectify afterward, if necessary, the alignment of the other men by the means prescribed in the S. S., No. 329. The. rear rank will conform to the alignment of the front rank, superintended by the covering sergeant.
33. The ranks being steady, the instructor will place himself on the flank to verify their alignment. He will also see that each rear-rank man covers accurately his file leader.
34. In oblique alignments, the instructor will observe what is prescribed No. 24.
35. In all alignments, the file closers will preserve the distance of two paces from the rear rank.
36. The alignments being ended, the instructor will cause to be executed the manual of arms.
37. The instructor, wishing to rest the men, without deranging the alignment, will first cause arms to be supported, or ordered, and then command:

[KentuckyReb]

Exactly what I had in mind. I was hoping it was in Hardee's so we could do it. I'm going to make sure our 1st Sgt. knows about it. Thanks guys.

"5. At this command, the men count in each rank, from right to left, pronouncing in a loud and distinct voice, in the same tone, without hurry and without turning the head, one, two, according to the place which each one occupies."


I may be just an illiterate bumpkin, but this paragraph seems to imply that you don't look to your right when counting off.

[KentuckyReb]

Ah, poop. I read 'without' as 'while' or something, I suppose.

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Pronouncing in a loud and distinct voice, in the same tone, without hurry and without turning the head.

This does not mean yelling and screaming your number for the whole field to hear either.

It's unnecessary to scream out your number in line, but I often hear units in the field who do. It cracks me up....

[markmason]

To clarify...Heads are turned to the left to align oneself upon the person to the their immediate left. When properly aligned, the command "FRONT" is then given.

[KentuckyReb]

Definitely gonna keep all this in mind. Especially 'say it don't spray it'. The intrepid men of Company K are, indeed, rather vocal when sounding off.

[Yellowhammer]

When counting off, I always yell "three" when it comes to be my turn. That always gets a laugh.

I also like to yell "comin' over" when firing from the rear rank and "Which one's Will" when the officer says "fire at will." Hilarity inevitably ensues.

Feel free to try them out boys. They are always a scream at reenactments.

(Author's note: All the above is a joke.)

Seriously, read the manual. Most of the answers are in there in convenient written form. ;^)