How to Salute in the Civil War

Join us for a fun look into knowing when and how to properly salute during the Civil War. For more information about Berdan Sharpshooters and Civil War Reenacting, check us out at: www.2ndUSSS.com
Like us on Facebook: / 2nd-us-sharpshooters-c...

[@QuickerJoey]

The slaps heard round the world

[@guynemer53]

That first slap was the best.

[@Dr_Will_Tarr]

The US regulations is very, very specific than an officer will not strike, hit, whip enlisted in any manner! The screen in Movie Glory when he is whipped is 100 illegal by US regulations. Punishments such as Ball and Gage, tied to a tree by your thumbs, “riding a wooden horse” and walking around camp with a sign on you and fifers playing “the Rouge’s March” was to suffice. Pay roll deductions and detention in your tent (close arrest) was often used.

[@earthwoolandfire9715]

Good video on a much overlooked topic. Once, when I was Sgt. of the Guard (under arms), I had a senior Marine reprimand me for wearing my cover indoors. Even in the modern military some get confused on this...and require a slap.

[@DMEII]

Thanks. I was curious about some of that. The part about how to salute with your weapon answered an old question.

[@thehistoadian]

Really interesting to see the way our Southern Neighbors did their Drill. Keep up the great work!

[@5.7moy]

I take it you’re a Canadian too, eh?

[@galvinacdrake1139]

The slaps from the Captain were brilliant and the Pvt's and corporal were awesome, great video my man

[@StegerMatthew]

Good video.. As a corporal in the 53rd PVI, I will definitely share it with my pards.

[@Thatshow-fe4kv]

“We’ll work on you.” 😂

[@MikeDubya]

I'm not an expert in civil war customs and I appreciated the humor, I would just add that officers do not correct enlisted men or even really talk to them, they use NCOs. So in this case the officer would just walk past and get 1SG and tell him there are men not saluting and that would trickle down into a corporal slapping the private.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

True. In this case, though the 1st Sgt. was behind the camera. Thanks for the comment!

[@joecoppens]

What gets more confusing is that etiquette, both civilian and military, changes over time and varies by not only country, but also by branch of service. For example, in the U.S. Army during the 1930's and 1940's, one was not automatically required to remove his head covering upon entering any structure. Civilian etiquette called for this upon entering a church, or when dining at a restaurant, though not when sitting at the counter or if the establishment didn't provide a coat rack. The Army followed this, appending to it in regards to officers, being armed, etc. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps kept it simple: enter a structure, take your head covering off unless armed. Period Army manuals state that an enlisted man is to remove his head covering if indoors and reporting to an officer, unless under arms. If removing one's head covering was automatic, stating this would be superfluous. This is supported in this training film at the 18:30 mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmasgaGPobyHj9E I was under the impression that in Victorian times, rules regarding the removal of men's head coverings while indoors were more relaxed to say mid-late 20th century norms. Where did you find it referenced that the norm, or even the rule, would be for men to remove their caps while indoors during the mid 19th century? I just checked through the "1865 Customs of Service for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers", as well as Beadle & Company's "The Military Hand Book & Soldier's Manual of Information" and didn't find reference to it. In fact in the Beadle's Hand Book, I found the following: "When a soldier without arms, or with side-arms only, meets an officer, he is to raise his hand o the right side of the visor of his cap, palm to the front, elbow raised as high as the shoulder, looking at the same time win a respectful and soldier-like manner at the officer, who will return the compliment thus offered." It makes no reference to indoors versus outdoors that passage or near it, and I couldn't find anything regarding head covering in a quick flip through of either book. I do have a few others to check, but knowing where to find it would save me some time. Thanks!

[@thomasbaagaard]

That quote come directly from Regulations 256. (It is also in Kautz as number 50.) It state in 54 that: "When a soldier enters an officer’s quarters armed, he simply makes the required salute, and does not take off his cap; but without arms, or with side-arms only, he takes off his cap and stands in the position of a soldier, and delivers his message or communicates what he came for in as few words as possible and to the point." Also note that Officer of the day and the commanding officer is also saluted with Present arms. So if the regiment is commanded by a captain, something not unheard of, he would also get a "Present arms"

[@joecoppens]

That references taking off the hat when reporting to an officer though. My take away from that portion of the video was that it was expected during the period to always be removed when entering any building. The need to state specifically that it is to be removed in the presence of an officer (unless under arms) seems redundant then and makes me think it isn’t automatically removed otherwise.

[@vynlazer]

Pretty neat.

[@richarddick1842]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!! Keep those slaps going!

[@ttype89rifle]

Thank you 1st sergeant and captain,This video is great help for my activity in Japan

[@ShootFirstSev]

Perfect!!! I've been waiting for something like this.

[@wadedog4280]

What are the rules for soldiers when greeting ladies , could be a good video idea ?

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

That slapping Captain must be George Patton’s grandfather.....seems to run in the family.

[@captainred22449]

That cap throw was personal 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheKevinNewsom]

Thank you so much for this video. And for keeping the WBTS history alive!

[@HistoryBoy]

Howdy pards, fantastic video! Appreciate the help with my impression. You all should join the USV, United States Volunteers. Hope to see you on the field.

[@tomservo5347]

Considering how informal and loose discipline was, especially during the earlier years with volunteers many officers were addressed with familiarity or nicknames depending on any quirks or habits of the officer. Late war however with conscripts, draftees and bounty men the discipline turned harsh as the old volunteer regiments were largely shot up or mustered out. The army was quite different from what it was when the war finally ended.

[@hoodatdondar2664]

Recommend Mark Twain’s ‘Private History of a Campaign That Failed’. Goes into great detail about how green troops dealt with Army life. And, as you would expect from Twain, pretty funny. But a valuable historical document, too.

[@scottdunkirk6710]

The one thing overlooked in MANY time periods is customs and courtesies, that why we are starting a ww2 basic training immersion camp.

[@candengorman1213]

Where is that camp at?

[@scottdunkirk6710]

@@candengorman1213 it will be at Wendover Utah

[@Dr_Will_Tarr]

The Revised Regulations are very detailed on when an officer/enlisted salute! If you are off duty, YOU DO NOT NEED TO SALUTE. The Regulations say the higher rank officer just has to “recognize” the salute. Just tipping your hat would be fine. The officer only has to acknowledge the salute. Only the highest Rank (Major and above) and Officer of the day get the Present Arms. And the Regulations say the present Arms is only done ONCE PER DAY.

[@bachgauer1899]

I am a Reenactor from Germany and think there are two mistakes in this Video. Gen. Kautz Coustums of Service, Nr 54 ....but without Arms, or Side Arms only, he take off his cap and stands in the Position of a Solider...... Next Point: In the Army Regulations you can read, that present Arms ist given to the Officer of the Day, no Matter wich Rank. Please exuse for my incorrect English. Best regards !

[@charlesvitanza8867]

Bruh, your English is fantastic!!! No need to apologize.

[@5.7moy]

Soldier: Hey. Captain: You have forfeited your living privileges.

[@ancientspinner9755]

Question: In the various discussion here, I don't see the officer returning the various salutes. Is that correct, or just a function of how the video was made?

[@StonewallSharpeson]

Question, what about in instances where an officer of company officer is performing the duties of a field officer? Is it dependent on the rank or role of the officer? From which manuals are you getting this stuff? Thanks!

[@jakez6851]

It's actually very similar to the Australian Defence Force Salute, mostly Army and Airforce. Sharp longest way up, palms facing outwards with the middle fingers touching near the eyebrows then sharp shortest way down. Interesting indeed.

[@lucasspurgeon1240]

Hate to be a bother, but does anyone know where he got his saber belt, I cant find one like his at all on the internet, any help would be very appreciated.

[@wesleyfilms7342]

So according to the regulations/Kautz officers of the day are included in the courtesy of present arms, just bringing it up because it wasn't mentioned in the video.

[@michaelelliott172]

Bravo gentlemen

[@baywanderer4199]

Very informative. I didn't know about the horizontal arm salute when on guard. I watched "Glory", and just had to understand what that was. Thank you.

[@mister-v-3086]

Long ago, when I was in ROTC, that was called "Rifle Salute." I don't know if they've changed the name in 50 years...

[@axillaryfox3912]

Make a video about the correct way to do support arms, then use this thumb nail as an example on the incorrect way

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

I have to say you get the gold star for catching the teaser to a future video.

[@stevensheldon9271]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS I would also like to know about what the salute given to General Gordon - Carry Arms - at his surrender. What did that look like? www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/last-salute-army-northern-virginia

[@mackenzieblair8135]

@@stevensheldon9271 "Carry Arms" is simply Shoulder Arms. Chamberlain's men were at the position of Order Arms and as a sign of respect he ordered them to Carry or Shoulder Arms. Gordon's men who were likely at route step were also ordered to Carry Arms which is just Shoulder Arms while moving; Chamberlain even describes Carry Arms as a marching salute. If you're curious what it would've looked like, Troiani did a painting titled The Last Salute that depicts the encounter between Chamberlain and Gordon. Troiani is notable for his obsessive attention to detail and exhaustive research when creating his historical artwork.

[@bzeak1121]

This was very well done. Even as a Sergeant, some of these were some things I have forgotten. (Don't tell my First Sergeant). And the 8th FL Co. G says hello and good job.

[@kristalange6824]

Just one guy is getting it trudorl.

[@FlyingTooFast]

At least these guys know how to have fun

[@davidellis7081]

Nice, informative piece. I appreciate that the EMs allowed the Captain to "abuse" them a wee bit in their roles as "demonstrators". Good job, now carry on!

[@AustrianTommy]

Great info, thanks a lot for this Video. Keep on slaping...😂

[@alantaylor3329]

This is excellent. In terms of, however, NCOs such as first sergeant down to say a corporal, if all just privates sitting around in camp with nothing to do, and such an NCO comes into camp, or indoors, what are the requirements for the privates with respect to the NCOs?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

We will be doing that video soon!

[@captainpanda5533]

In the case of a group of just privates or just corporals milling about when an officer arrives, who would salute then? Would it be the man that called 'Officer present?'

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Ooh, good question. The senior ranking person would take the lead. Seniority would be based on date of enlistment.

[@wesleyfilms7342]

Great video once again!

[@wadedog4280]

Awesome job.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Thanks. We felt like having a laugh while sharing some useful info.

[@jacobthompson9871]

Can you provide research to back up these practices? Its all well and good, but context would make this better. Especially explaining customs and courtesies would have been enforced differently or not at all depending on the circumstances. Regular infantry units vs state raised volunteers, campaign vs garrison environments, etc.

[@cblodg1]

My understanding is that soldiers under arms on guard duty do the following: Lieutenant to Captain - shoulder arms Major and above - present arms

[@ethanbugs17]

Partly correct on the Lt. to Capt. for saluting under arms. Once at the should the left arm would come horizontally across the chest pal down for the salute.

[@cblodg1]

Ethan Whitehall Interesting. I just went through some manuals and there does appear to be some variation. Gilham has it first to ‘carry arms’ Captain and below; then he fires further to a sentry in a box to give the rifle salute. I can’t find my Sentries and Outpost Duty manual to see if there’s any change there.

[@ConnorLundeen]

I was paying attention to the background and I was like "haha that kinda looks like the barn at Goldendale" and then I kept watching and I was like "wait, that IS the barn at Goldendale"

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Most certainly is!

[@gunslinger2172]

Do you go to present arms for Civilian leaders such as State Governors, City or Town mayors, or Towm Eldermen or state senators?

[@erwin669]

Governors, yes, as they are the commander-in-chief of the state militia/military forces. Honors would also be given to the Secretary of Defense (or in the case of the Civil War the Sec. of War and Sec. of the Navy) because they are part of the chain of command under the President. Other elected officials do not get military courtesies as they are not part of the chain of command.

[@FatJoe98100]

Where does one find a high-quality Officer or Sergeant Waist Sash?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

S&S Sutler out if Gettysburg has some really good ones for both officer and NCO

[@gen_robert_lee]

4:04 hahahah, you make my day XD

[@1stnylightartillerybattery41]

Another great video gentlemen! What are your thoughts about escorting officers through camp as well? We are firm believers in random slapping of enlisted men. We usually use a well-dampened sponge head though.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Hey 1st NY! That's a good question. I feel like our battalion staff usually just sneak up us...well sneak up on Capt. Whitehall. I never had a chance to say how great your first video was. It was solid all away around. We can't wait for you to do more. I subscribed and I just made sure our channel subscribed, too.

[@1stnylightartillerybattery41]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS it's in the works! I hope you will do more like this! There are so many aspect you could talk about! We have to harp on on boys about asking permission to go under the Captain's or Lieutenant's fly, removing their cap after entering the fly, using proper greetings throughout the day and the fact that you don't have to salute every time the Captain or LT passes you. I'm sure 1st Sgt Koepp, like myself also get very tired of being called 'Sir'... Please do more! I'm sharing this with the boys!

[@gabeking9444]

My great grandpa was apart of the sharpshooters

[@LK-ni1bz]

Berdan’s?

[@tice4783]

This is a great video

[@Dan-mw1le]

I understand the purpose of this video is to represent the military courtesy of the Union armies and military, but as someone who’s getting involved in re-enacting on the Southern or Confederate side of things, how much of this would translate across the Mason-Dixon? I know that Southern military practices were based on pre-existing US regulations and practices that pre-dated succession, but do you know of any innovations or changes to this that would apply to the Confederates? About how much of this information could be translated without much change?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Great question. Pretty much everything translates, or should. Our Casey's Tactics was essentially a rebranded version of Hardee's since the Union couldn't use a manual written by the president of the Confederacy. Many confederate officers were career military or West Point graduates (at least at the beginning of the war) so military courtesy and professionalism would have been just as important. Some confederate officers were notoriously rigid when it came to military protocol and justice.

[@The09po0]

I enjoyed the slapping the most 😆

[@welltoastybread8838]

this is really cool!

[@Kargush]

"Darn it, Tom! Don't call me Lawrence!"

[@roadhound101]

Bloody hell that's complicated!! lol :-o

[@leonroberts7273]

How do you attain rank?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Each unit is different but in our unit we have a list of criteria including length of service, advanced knowledge both historical and reenacting fields, completeness and accuracy of kit, leadership skills, and commitment to name a few.

[@briandenison2325]

How do you know who gets “shot” during your re-enactments?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Your question might be a good video idea. There are lots of ways to "know" when you're shot. Sometimes it's based on the scenario and you know your unit is supposed to take a lot of hits. Sometimes you take a hit if your rifle malfunctions, or you're hot or injured. I'd say most common for us, is when we're "dead to rights." That means we are shooting at another reenactor and they get the draw on us first, or maybe our rifle misfires and theirs doesn't. There are all sorts of ways to get "shot."

[@charlesvitanza8867]

​@@CompanyD2ndUSSS"The ground sure looks a lot more comfortable than my brogans right about now"

[@logandavis4719]

What kind of hat is that?

[@nicholaschittenden342]

Which cap? The one in the first few seconds of the video or...?

[@logandavis4719]

@@nicholaschittenden342 Yes the first few seconds that was grey

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

That is a whipple cap. Issued to some New England state militias and a early war winter cap for the USSS.

[@mr.angelosonassis3069]

Americans used the French-style open palm salute. Slightly different from the British army salute.

[@alantaylor3329]

👍

[@TheOGChippy]

Remember the officer should always ask the 1sgt to enter the company street as he would have enlisted men to talk to the officers

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

That is a great video idea for the future!

[@mattzulauf1166]

Flag of the 20th Maine. Bravo.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

No sir, both marked with 2nd United States Sharpshooters on the regimental and national.

[@Brian-xi8ug]

Do the Confederates salute the same way as the Union Army?

[@NSYresearch]

I say ! Did that Officer strike that private soldier??? A very rum thing to do sir!

[@jeffreygraf3358]

Slap happy!

[@gavinbarbee5894]

Does this work with the confederacy also

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Absolutely!

[@gavinbarbee5894]

Company D 2nd USSS where are y’all from

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

@@gavinbarbee5894 Washington state

[@gavinbarbee5894]

Company D 2nd USSS oh wow do y’all travel To go to events

[@jamiesale9460]

Fun

[@coltonregal1797]

I was always told it's disrespectful to a host to wear a hat indoors.

[@joshualewis1993KY]

7th KY Company H

[@scotthalladay2210]

I’m guilty I don’t salute as much as I should

[@TheHistoryGuy1993]

Spoken like a true officer *knife hand* no no no no

[@smunilla74]

Will Smith would’ve made general in lightning speed.

[@user-zf7jn7yr7r]

Maybe you were just trying to use humor with the slapping crap, but it you want to teach a subject seriously, do so. It was against regulations for officers to strike an enlisted man and could bring a world of hurt down on that officer. A lot of newbys may watch this and wind up doing it in reenactments. To have an effective armym courtesy must go both ways between officer and enlisted. (BTW-reenactor here for over 20 years and US Army veteran).

[@braydenhelton298]

I feel like this whole video was just to slap people

[@stephenandersen4625]

wish i could slap civilians who won't take their hats off in doors or at table. it's just so rude

[@Hi-lb8cq]

😅😅😅😅

[@bengregory2184]

But he did a “British salute” we don’t jump when it’s done how you did the actual salute is a British salute.

[@rockz6931]

whats up with your hat?

[@bikernu]

Hahahahahaa

[@jwhiskey242]

Good lord that New Hampshire hat is - hideous....

[@lestergreen1190]

Guaranteed to never get laid.😀

[@Burkholder1994]

^ Guaranteed to die alone.

[@rev.jeremy2017]

How is providing a demonstration to Civil War customs and military courtesy as based on period documents a guarantee of someone’s personal life without evidence?

[@pvt.hugendongvanlongenwien1352]

Guaranteed to never touch another human

[@lestergreen1190]

@@rev.jeremy2017 Just a wild guess.😀

[@un1onjk]

A 'REAL LADY' loves a man in uniform, especially when he is also a well disciplined gentleman. Only the worst kind of a woman would settle for a lesser man.