Copyright 2006 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
The series of drill maneuvers illustrated here are taken from Casey's Tactics, one of the most influential drill manuals of the Civil War. Previously, Hardee's Manual was most popular. When Hardee joined the Confederacy, Casey's was written to take its place. The same drill methods were used by units in both North and South.
American militia units, the fore-runners of today's National Guard, had greater autonomy in the 19th Century. They could choose their own drill manuals and uniforms. A variety of manuals were available. The methods were almost identical, but each had its differences which made it unique. Most were influenced by French drill. In fact, the Regular Army manual of 1861 - 1862 stated in its preface that it used French drill methods.
As you can see below, the drill of the Civil War is very different from that of the 20th Century. Be aware that it is also different from that used for muskets. Casey's drill is for Rifles. In the 19th Century, techniques for smoothbore muskets were different from those of rifles and rifle-muskets.
Casey's drill used a 28 inch step. There were 90 paces per minute in Common Step, and 110 per minute in Quick Step.
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