Were there integrated units in the Civil War?

[@TLDsProductions]

Great video! I had to Google what an Under Cook was... So what I found was interesting (to me at least). On September 28 1863 the Union Army established this new rank. The Under Cook (of African Decent) were enlisted for each Cook. The Under Cooks were treated in all ways like other soldiers, but only paid $10 per month, receiving the same pay as a private in the USCT (United States Colored Troops). They were to be carried on the roster underneath the privates. It seem like they were at a lower rank than the privates. They were in fact part of the Union Army and did serve directly with White Units, just in the supporting role in the kitchen/mess area. Though not actually "integrated" in the sense most people mean and you were meaning in this video. So, based on my military expereince in the modern army, any able bodied person can and does fill in as needed (and other duties as assigned). So, it s very likely he had supported the other troopers either because he had to (ordered) or more likely (in my opinion) volunteered as an excuse to break up the monotonous tasks of daily life in the kitchen...

[@fathead8933]

There's only 2 Infantry MOS's but there is 6 that we'll call brother currently. It's because in a combat unit everyone is a rifleman. My supply NCO had to bring us supplies. My NBC NCO was part of the commander's entourage. I lived with my medic on deployment and my FO was wounded right alongside my squad leader. 3 of those are non combat roles. The second he took fire and didn't run, he never had an issue with anyone in the unit ever again. The leadership culture undoubtedly prevented any racial dispute issues. I believe he was just "another guy" to them, so had the ability to take a position on a patrol. It's also entirely possible that his cooking was garbage and there was a white soldier that was a cavalryman that could cook better so they changed jobs. lol

[@itsapittie]

My experience in combat was that you pretty quickly put aside prejudices when your life is on the line. If the guy can fight and will have your back when things get festive, you'll overlook things like race.

[@jon9021]

Excellent video well done!

[@itsapittie]

That's fascinating! I would never have guessed it. I suppose if he was seen by the other soldiers as competent and capable, they may have decided the usual conventions could be put aside under exigent circumstances.

[@Emperor54mm]

So who wrote the note?

[@Elk6903]

Still don’t know for sure. We are still looking into it!

[@jill-ti7oe]

👍