Civil War Terminology

I've been getting ready for my Civil War Pension lecture this weekend and decided to go over some of the terminology. I think I'm close, but somebody usually has some other ideas. So if you do, please let me know.

Battalion - Two or more companies, several companies of soldiers.
Company - A unit of 100-200 soldiers, most companies are formed into 3-4 platoons. Usually at least two companies commanded by a Colonel.
Brevet - Someone who hold a higher rank temporarily.
Picket - a detachment of one or more troops.
Calvary Company - aka troops.

Colonel - Brigade = 2,000 - 5,000 soldiers
Colonel - regiment = 3 - 4 battalions
Lt. Colonel - battalion = 2 -6 companies
Capt/Major - Company = 100 - 300 soldiers
1st or 2nd Lt. = Troop = 30 = 40 soldiers.

100 men = 2 platoons = 4 sections = 8 squads

1st Regiment = 10 companies (July/August 1861), commander Kit Carson - mustered at Ft. Union.

2nd. Regiment = 10 companies (July/August 1861), commander Col. Miguel Pino and Lt. Col. Manuel Chaves, mustered at Albuquerque.

3rd Regiment = 14 mounted companies (Sept/Oct 1861), mustered at Albuquerque and Ft. Union.

4th Regiment = few companies (Fall 1861).

5th Regiment = few companies (Fall 1861).

Within all of these are sub-companies of troops. Check your Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers. Ancestry.com has many of the pension index cards which you need to order your soldier's file.

© 2012 Henrietta M. Christmas