Question of the Week: With what branch would you have enlisted for the Civil War?
If you had to join a Civil War military organization, what branch would you join (army, navy, Marines, Revenue Marine) and what branch of arms within (infantry, artillery, cavalry, etc)?
I would have signed on as a Landsman so I could serve with my Great-grandfather to understand what he did and what he saw. Or else I would have ridden with Buford’s cavalry. I would have been at Gettysburg.
Army cavalry. Always liked the idea of reconnaissance and a quick getaway!
I would join the Federal Army/infantry, for a chance to be a member of Berdan’s Sharpshooters.
I’m a terrible coward, so I would have joined the navy to find a safe shore job in a shipyard somewhere far from the action.
Army, artillery. Reenacted 35 years so I feel comfortable going in. Did logistics as a senior NCO for 27 years, so that’s a close second.
I would have joined Kilpatrick’s cavalry. Maybe a death wish but it would be constant excitement.
Since the 10th Mountain Division didn’t exist (they actually pay you to climb???? – sign me up), USN – blue water.
Artillery. I was always intrigued with the ‘Long Arm’. If I survived, however, I’d probably live the rest of my life deaf as a door!
I would like to have joined the cavalry to serve alongside my ancestor but the chances are I would have been in the infantry although I really like engineering.
Commissary Corps. No matter how tough times were I don’t think I’d go hungry being part of that. Any chow heading for the troops would have to come through me first! At least I like to think so.
Army, Staff, specifically in the role of Chief of Staff or Assistant Adjutant General to a top commander in the field. Chance for seeing action but close to the seat of power, allowing for a great opportunity to write post-war memoirs.
Second choice, lawyer in the Judge Advocate General Corps (or whatever the Army was calling that organization at the time; Bureau of Military Justice?) in a position close to JAG Joseph Holt. Opportunity to observe that interesting character.
The US Sanitary Commission, so I wouldn’t have to kill anybody
I’d hope to tie in with “Professor” Thaddeus Lowe’s Balloon Corps. Maybe I could have helped keep the Corps in effect after the Peninsula Campaign to avoid the AotP’s Chancellorsville debacle.
For excitement: Army Sharpshooters, particularly those armed with scoped rifles. That way I get better training and relief from regular drill while not endangering myself as much as the average sharpshooter.
Real answer: Ambulance Corps, help wounded soldiers and it’s probably the best way to avoid being wounded myself.
Cavalry. Get to ride (much of the time)instead of marching. Also have not seen any related statistics but I believe the KIA rate would be lower than infantry and artillery. Plus I love horses.
Either Army as member of staff, or Cavalry as scouting and some freedom of movement would be exciting.
Army, light artillery battery.