Copyright 2006 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
Winfield Scott had a long and illustrious military career. He fought bravely in the War of 1812. Outnumbered in the Mexican American War, he won a series of victories including the capture of Mexico City. Scott knew that the Civil War would be a long, drawn out affair. His "Anaconda plan" was refused at the start of the War, but eventually was employed to defeat the South.
Scott was called upon to produce an "Abstract" of infantry tactics for training the militia. He presented a concise and clear manual of the techniques that had been used in the War of 1812. It was printed in 1830. At that time, the same tactics were still considered current. Scott went on to transcribe Napoleonic manuals for American use.
What you have before you is a standard set of poses for the 1812 era. These are intended for musketeers.
|
Ordered Arms |
Port Arms |
Present Arms |
|
Shouldered Arms |
Support Arms |
Secure Arms |
|
Marching |
Inspection Arms 1 (part of inspecting officer's arm is shown) |
Inspection Arms 2 (part of inspecting officer's arm is shown) |
|
Trail Arms |
Charge Bayonet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Load  |
Tear Cartridge and Prime  |
Charge Cartridge  |
|
Draw Rammer - Ram Cartridge  |
Ready!  |
Ready  |
|
Aim - Fire
This position is for the first standing rank |
Aim - Fire
This position is for the rear standing rank |
Aim - Fire
Front and Rear kneeling ranks
|
Scott's drill called for a 28" step. The pace was 90 steps per minute for the Common Step, and 120 steps for the Quick Step.
Disclaimer: the fighting methods shown here are for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended as actual instruction in bayonet fighting and should not be used as such. Close combat training is dangerous. It can be as dangerous for the user as it is for the target. If you wish to learn close combat, seek a qualified instructor. One should never attempt close combat without the instruction and supervision of a qualified expert instructor .
