On Guard!
A Primer for Guard Duty
Of all the duties a soldier must perform, none is probably more important than guard duty. What about fighting in battle,
you might say? It should be remembered that times of actual combat are few, while ensuring the safety and discipline of
the Army is continuous duty. It is upon the vigilance of the Guard that the security of a camp, and in turn of an Army, and
ultimately of the nation, depends. Without a diligent Guard, the Army may never have the opportunity to meet the enemy
on the field.
The importance of guard duty is clearly implied in the Articles of War, especially Article 46, by the punishment for failing
in it:
ART. 46. Any sentinel who shall be found sleeping upon his post, or who shall leave it before being regularly relieved,
shall suffer death, or such other punishment as may be inflicted by the sentence of a court-martial…
Brigadier General August V. Kautz reminds us that when on guard, “No nobler death can fall to the lot of a soldier; whilst
no greater ignominy can befall him than to desert his post in time of danger, when the lives of others are dependent on the
performance of his duty.” (1)
Guard duty was a fact of life for officers and soldiers alike during the Civil War. Guard was a daily event for all ranks and
formed an integral part of the soldier’s experience. This fact is reflected in many memoirs and commentaries. This article
summarizes the manner in which army units of the 1860s carried out guard duty. The focus here is on what should be
known as the Battalion Police Guard, or “camp guard”; as this is what you will most commonly encounter at battalion
events, as well as living history events where we mount the guard.
The term “Guard” refers to the body of soldiers assigned to the security duty. An individual soldier standing his post is a
sentinel, or a sentry; sentinels are thus individual members of the Guard.
There are several different types of guard duty, but the basics are the same for each one.
 The Police Guard, known also as the camp, garrison, post, or quarters guard, keeps order and discipline within
the camp, prevents soldiers from desertion, protects supplies and other stores, and gives the alarm in case of
emergencies or other disturbances.
 General Officer’s Guards escort and provide protection for general officers, and protect the headquarters camp
and its stores.
 Pickets are posted in front of and on the flanks of a command in order to give early warning of the enemy’s
approach.
 Grand Guards, or Outposts, are large detachments which are posted to watch the enemy and to support the
Pickets. These detachments are positioned near enough to the camp to be supported by it, and far enough away so
that the main body of the Army has time to form if the enemy advances.
 Advanced and Rear Guards, and Flankers are mobile security forces which watch and protect the command
while it is on the march.

The Battalion Police Guard is a first-class detail that is provided on a daily (24-hour) basis. The guard personnel are drawn
from all companies of the battalion, based proportionally on company strength. The duty rosters are prepared in
accordance with paragraphs 562-574 of the Army 1863 (revised) Regulations. The purpose of the police guard is to
provide for internal and limited external security of a regimental camp or garrison. The police guard is composed of the
camp guard and the advance post. Soldiers assigned to guard duty will perform this duty in the uniform prescribed by the
commander. They are not permitted to remove their clothing while on duty and sentinels on actual guard must perform
their assigned duties wearing knapsacks (para. 569).
The overall composition of the guard typically is as follows:
 1 Captain — the Battalion Officer of the Day (OD)
 1 Lieutenant — Commander of the Guard (COG)
 2 Sergeants — Sergeant of the Guard (SOG) and the Advance Post Sergeant (APS)
 3 Corporals — Commanders of the Relief (COR)
 2 Drummers
 39 Sentinels — (The number of sentinels detailed is dependent on the number of posts and patrols that are to be
manned. 39 is sufficient to man the minimum number of posts specified in the regulations and provide for three
reliefs.)

One Soldier's First Experience on Guard:
“… We got a call for picket duty, and were told anyone could volunteer if he wanted to. I with others volunteered, and
Sergeant Mike Higgins went with us. He had been in the regular army five years and knew the drill from A to Z. He was a
model soldier and a good instructor. He was very emphatic in giving instructions and I never forgot what he told me.
He posted me and Nels Osgood at the forks of the road, Nels to watch the left hand road and I the right hand. We were to
lay down flat on our stomach and keep close watch, as they expected an attack at any time.
He told us what to do if the grand rounds came, or anyone else. We were not to know anyone until they gave the
countersign, which was never spoken above a whisper, and were never to let anyone put their hands on our guns while on
guard duty at any time. The grand rounds might come at any time, and might not come at all. They were to see the guards
were efficient and safe, as the whole army depended on the picket to give the alarm in case of attack by the enemy. He
didn’t tell us that the grand rounds might come from any direction.
It was a nice moonlight night and very still. The road was dry and dusty. The reserve was some 40 yards back. There was
thick timber all around us. This was the first guard duty I had ever done. We had lain there an hour or so when I heard a
saber tinkle against s spur. We both sprang to our feet and yelled “Halt!” as there were about ten mounted men close to
us in our rear. They halted. I waited for Nels to challenge, but as he didn’t, I called, “Who goes there?”
They answered, “Ground rounds with the countersign.”
I said, “Halt grand rounds, dismount one and advance with the countersign.”
It was a brigadier general that came. I halted him when he got within six feet. He stood there without giving the
countersign. He put his hand out to push my gun aside as I had it at charge bayonet, but I slapped his arm with the
bayonet, and told him to keep his hands off my gun. He said he had to get up so as to whisper the countersign in my ear.
I said, “You lean over the point of that bayonet and whisper it.” So he leaned quite heavily against the bayonet, and gave
a false countersign.
I stepped back a little and told him, “Right about – face! Mark time, double-quick, march!”
He obeyed, but wanted to know what was wrong, and tried to bluff me, said I could see he was a Union officer. But I told
him to do just as I told him and he was all right, but if he made a false move, I would stick the bayonet right through him.
I told Nels to call the sergeant. It seemed to me the sergeant wasn’t in a hurry to get there, and that fellow was puffing like
a steam engine. The sergeant took them back to the reserve where there was a fire. The sergeant praised me for doing as I
did, said if I hadn’t done as I did, they would have put me in the guard house, which I was mortally afraid of. I was well
pleased with myself, and I suspected afterwards that the sergeant had directed him to me as I was a greenhorn, and they
must have come by the reserve. I didn’t have to drill with the awkward squad after that. (2)
Watchwords
The countersign and the parole are issued each day from the headquarters of the local command, whether it be the post,
Battalion, Brigade, Division, or whatever.
The Countersign is usually the name of a battle… e.g., “Bunker Hill” or "Manassas". It is given only to those who are
permitted to visit and pass the line of sentries after dark (e.g., officers and NCOs on duty) and to the members of the
Guard. It is not given to interior sentinels unless by order. Soldiers and anyone else who need to pass the line of sentinels
must generally have a pass to do so. Note that the countersign as used here is a single phrase -- not a challenge and reply
as used in the present day military.
The Parole is usually the name of a general (e.g., “George Washington”). It is given only to the Commander of the Guard
and other officers who may visit, inspect, and give orders to the Guard, and make Grand Rounds. These other officers are
the Officer of the Day, the Battalion, Brigade, and Division commanders. This does not include company officers –
although a company provides soldiers for the Guard, the Guard belongs to the Battalion, not the Company. The only
exception to this is if a company officer is either the Officer of the Day or the Officer of the Guard, or if the Company is
on station alone. Giving the parole is the sign, or surety that this officer is authorized to give orders to the Guard.
No officer or soldier may give the countersign to any person not authorized to receive it, nor may he give a parole or
watchword different from what he received, upon penalty of “death, or such other punishment as a court martial may
inflict.” (3) If the countersign is lost or compromised, or if a sentinel deserts, the Officer of the Guard will immediately
change the countersign, and report that fact to his superior.
Guard Mount
Guard Mount is basically a small-scale parade and review. If you’ve ever watched the Changing of the Guard at
Buckingham Palace, or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, some of this will begin to make sense.
The Guard is mounted once per day at the time set by the unit commander, typically between 8 and 10 a.m.
At the first call for guard-mount, the men detailed for duty will fall in on their company parade ground for inspection by
the First Sergeants; and at the second call, report to the Battalion parade, escorted by the. First Sergeants. Each
detachment, as it arrives, will, under the direction of the Adjutant; take post on the left of the one that preceded it, in open
order, arms shouldered and bayonets fixed; the supernumeraries five paces in the rear of the men of their respective
companies; the First Sergeants in the rear of them. The Sergeant-Major will dress the ranks, count the files, verify the
details, and when the guard is formed, report to the Adjutant, and take pest two paces on the left of the front rank.
The Adjutant then commands "Front," when the officer of the guard takes post twelve paces in front of the center of the
formation, the Sergeants in one rank, four paces in the rear of the officers; and the Corporals in one rank. four paces in the
rear of the Sergeants-all facing to the front. The Adjutant then assigns their places in the guard, for example, “Lieutenant
Smith, you are the COG; ”
The Adjutant then commands,
1. Officer, and noncommissioned officers. 2. About - FACE! 3. Inspect your guards – MARCH!
The non-commissioned officers then take their posts. The commander of the guard then commands,
1. Order.-ARMS! 2. Inspection-ARMS!
and inspects his guard. When there is no commissioned officer on the guard detail, the Adjutant will inspect the Guard.
During inspection, the band or field music will play.
Once the inspection is complete, the officer of the guard takes his post as though the guard were a company of a battalion,
in open order, under review. At the same time, the new and outgoing officers of the day will take post in front of the
center of the guard; the old officers of the day three paces on the right of the new officers of the day, and one pace behind.
The Adjutant then commands,
1. Parade - REST! 2. Troop -Beat off!
at which time, the field music, beginning on the right, will march down the line, playing a quickstep tune, in front of the
officer of the guard to the left, and back to its place on the right, where it will cease to play.
The Adjutant then. commands,
1. Attention! 2. Shoulder - ARMS ! 3. Close order – MARCH!
At the word “close order,” the officer will face about; at "march,” he resumes his post in line. The Adjutant then
commands,
Present – ARMS!
After which he will face to the new officer of the day, salute, and report, “Sir, the Guard is formed.” The new officer of
the day, after acknowledging the salute, will direct the Adjutant to march the guard in review, or by flank to its post.
In review, the guard wheels by platoon into column and marches past the officer of the day conducted by the Adjutant
marching on the left of the first division; the Sergeant Major marches on the left of the last division.
When the column has passed the officer of the day, the officer of the guard marches it to its post, with the Adjutant and
Sergeant Major dropping out from the column The field music, which has wheeled out of the column and taken post
opposite the old officer of the day, will cease playing. The old officer of the day then salutes and gives the old or standing
orders of the day to the new officer of the day. The supernumeraries, at the same time, are marched off by the First
Sergeants to their respective company parades, and are dismissed
In bad weather or at night, or after a long marches, this formal ceremony of “turning off” the Guard may be dispensed
with, but the inspection of the Guard must always be done.
Grand guards, and other brigade guards, are organized and mounted on the brigade parade by the staff officer of the
parade, under the direction of the field officer of the day of the brigade, in exactly the same manner as described here for
the police guard of a regiment. The detail of each regiment is assembled on the regimental parade ground, verified by the
Adjutant, and marched to the brigade parade by the senior officer of the detail. After inspection and review, the officer of
the day directs the several guards to their respective posts.
Changing the Guard
The officer of the old guard having his guard in formation in front of the guard house or guard post, on the approach of the
new guard, commands,
Present – ARMS!
The new guard will march, in quick time, past the old guard, at shouldered arms, officers saluting, and take post four
paces on its right, where, being aligned with it, its commander will order;
Present –ARMS!
The two officers will then approach each other and salute. They will then return to their respective guards, and command,
1. Shoulder – ARMS! 2. Order-ARMs
The officer of the new guard will now direct the detail for the Advanced Post to be formed and marched to its post, a
roster of the guard made and divided into three reliefs, with experienced soldiers placed over the arms of the guard and at
the remote and responsible posts, and the young soldiers in posts near the guard for instruction in their duties, and will
himself proceed to inventory and take charge of the guard-house or guard-tent, and the articles and prisoners in charge of
the guard.
During the time of relieving the sentinels and of calling in the small posts, the old commander will give the new all the
information and instructions relating to his post.
For a typical Battalion camp, the police guard would consist of the following posts:
First, the Guard House (or Guard Tent), where the leadership element is stationed. This consists of the Commander of the
Guard; the Sergeant of the Guard, one drummer, and the two reliefs that are currently off-duty.
A relief consists of one Corporal of the Guard and ten sentinels (or one sentinel for every post to be manned). There are
three reliefs — typically a relief stands watch for two hours, and is off duty for four hours before being posted again;
standing four two-hour tours of duty out of the 24 it is detailed for guard.
Sentinels are typically posted as follows:
 One (Post No. 1) is posted at the Guard House to watch over the guard/picket arms stacks;
 One posted at the Battalion Commander’s tent;
 Three posted on the color line, one of whom is posted directly by the colors;
 Three posted fifty paces to the rear of the field officers’ tents;
 One posted on each flank of the battalion (total of 2).
This is a minimal number, more sentinels may be detailed if there is a larger area of responsibility.
The Advance Post is the Guard post located towards and nearest to the enemy. It serves to provide early warning of any
enemy advance, and is also where any prisoners taken by or under the control of the Guard are held. It is manned by the
Advance Post Sergeant, one Corporal of the Guard, one drummer, and 9 sentinels. These nine sentinels are formed into
three reliefs under the charge of the Corporal, with one guard posted on the arms stacks and prisoners; and the other two
on the front flanks of the Battalion.
Once the soldiers in the first relief have been named, they are marched two paces to the front and their Corporal of the
guard will take charge and go to relieve the sentinels. The first relief is accompanied by the third relief Corporal of the old
guard, who knows where the sentinel posts are and will take command of the old sentinels, when the old relief has been
relieved.
The relief marches at in two ranks at Support Arms, conducted by the Corporal on the side of the leading front rank man;
and the sentinels will be numbered alternately in the front and rear rank, the man on the right of the front rank being
designated as "No. 1." Should an officer approach, the Corporal will command the relief to Shoulder Arms, and resume
Support Arms when the officer has been passed.
The sentinels at the guard-house, or guard-tent, are the first to be relieved, and are left behind (e.g., they do not have to
march all the way around the posts with the rest of the relief). Each numbered pos is relieved in succession. It is best to
relieve the farthest post next, and then relieve each post in succession as the relief works its way back toward the guardhouse.
When a sentinel sees the relief approach, he will halt and face to it, and bring his weapon to Shoulder Arms. At six paces,
the Corporal will command,
1, Relief, 2. HALT!
when the relief will halt and carry arms. The corporal will then add, “No.1,” or “No.2,” or “No.3,” according to the
number of the post,
Arms - PORT!
The two sentinels will, with arms at port, then approach each other when the old sentinel, under the correction of the
corporal, will whisper the instructions to the new sentinel. This done, the two sentinels will Shoulder Arms, and the old
sentinel will march, in quick time, to take his place in rear of the relief. The corporal will then command:
1. Support – ARMS! 2. Forward. 3. MARCH!
and the relief proceeds to the next post in the same manner until the entire shift has been relieved.
Once all detachments and sentinels from the old guard been relieved and returned to the guard house, the old relief will be
marched, at shouldered arms, along the front of the new guard, in quick time, the new guard standing with presented arms;
officers saluting, and the music of both guards beating, except at the outposts.
The outgoing guard detail will return to the Battalion parade area, and the commander of the old guard will send the
detachments composing it, under charge of the non-commissioned officers, to their respective companies. Remember that
the Guard’s weapons are loaded! Before the men are dismissed, the loads in their weapons will either be drawn or
discharged at a target. On rejoining their companies, the squad leaders will examine the arms and accoutrements of their
men, and cause the whole to be put away in good order.
Meanwhile, back at the guard house, once the old guard has marched off fifty paces, the officer of the new guard will
order his remaining men to stack their arms, or to place them in the arms racks.
The commander of the guard will then make himself acquainted with all the instructions for his post, visit the sentinels,
and question them and the non-commissioned officers relative to the instructions they may have received from other’
persons of the old guard.
The Sentinels
Sentinels may only take orders from, and only allow themselves to be relieved by, an officer or NCO of their own Guard,
or by the Officer of the Day or the commander of the unit to which the Guard belongs (e.g., the battalion commander).
Under no circumstances may a sentinel leave his post or beat until regularly excused by an NCO or officer authorized to
give him orders.
A sentinel who needs to absent himself (for example, a call of nature, etc.) must call for his Corporal of the Guard, who
will replace him with another man or take his post himself, until the sentinel returns. Posts must never be left unoccupied;
no sentinel is to leave his post for any reason without proper orders.
The members of the Guard, including the officers, NCOs, and sentinels, may not remove their accoutrements or clothing
during the entire 24 hours they are on duty.
All persons, of any rank, must respect the sentinels. In the same manner, sentinels should not abuse their authority.
Sentinels must remain alert, observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing of their post. They are to report
every breach of general or camp orders and regulations, such as discharging weapons in camp, drunkenness, gambling,
etc. No sentinel should leave his post or have conversation with anyone not necessary to his duties.
A sentinel walks the beat that is indicated to him and prevents damage or theft to any public property, including houses,
fences, trees, etc. unless by order. If he cannot do this without leaving his post, he calls for the Corporal of the Guard.
Sentinels carry their weapons (loaded, with bayonet fixed) at Support Arms, or on either shoulder. They should never let
anyone else touch their weapon while on their post, or give their weapon to anyone else, and should never allow the
weapon to touch the ground except by order of an officer or NCO of the Guard. In wet weather, they carry their weapons
at Secure Arms. (Note: weapons are typically primed once the sentinel is placed on his post, the old sentinel then
unprimes his weapon before taking his place to march back with the relief.)
A sentinel salutes by coming to Present Arms for the Officer of the Day, the Battalion Commander, and any field officer
(major or above). For captains and below, they salute by coming to Attention, then Shoulder Arms. Sentinels do not salute
or give other courtesies during the hours when they are to challenge.
Sentinels should repeat all calls from posts more distant from the Guard’s main body. Sentinels must be posted within
hearing distance of each other, no post should be out of communication.
After Retreat (about sunset), or when visibility is limited, and until broad daylight, sentinels are to challenge at Arms-Port.
They come to the Ready if anyone advances on them without the proper countersign, and should allow no one to approach
them nearer than the tip of their bayonet.
In case of a fire, the sentinel discharges his piece and calls “Fire!”, followed by his post number. If there is any other
emergency, the sentinel discharges his piece and calls, “Turn out the Guard, Post No. __!” In either case, the two off-duty
reliefs at the guard house immediately turn out, and advance toward the alarmed sentry.
Sentinels will be relieved every two hours, unless the state of the weather, or other causes, should make it necessary or
proper that it be done at shorter or longer intervals. The normal rotation of duty is two hours on, and four hours off. Thus,
during a 24 hour tour of duty, a sentinel will be on post for 8 hours (four 2-hour tours).
A sentinel’s duties are of two types: general (for all posts) and special (for a particular post). A sentinel should be able to
recite or paraphrase these orders whenever called upon to do so by the commander, the Officer of the Day, or an officer or
NCO of the Guard.
The General Orders for all sentinels at all posts are as follows:
“I am required to take charge of this post and all public property in view; to salute all officers passing, according to
rank; to give the alarm in case of fire, or the approach of the enemy, or any disturbance whatsoever; to report all
violations of the Articles of War, Regulations of the Army, or camp or garrison orders; at night, to challenge all persons
approaching my post, and to allow no one to pass without the countersign until they are examined by an officer or
noncommissioned officer of the Guard.”
The diligence with which the sentinel performs these duties is indicative of his qualities as a soldier. The Sentinel should
know what is meant by the above, and be able to explain it in detail.

Thus, to take charge of his post means to walk diligently the length of his beat, the limits of which are generally
indicated to him; to take charge of all public pro-perty in view is to prevent, if possible, any damage being done
to houses, fences, tents, trees, etc. by any unauthorized persons: if he cannot do so with-out leaving his post, he
calls out for the corporal of the guard, and his number, and reports the matter to him.
 To salute all officers, according to rank, who may pass near his post, means to halt and face out-wards, and stand
at a "carry," (Shoulder Arms) until the officer has passed, if the officer is of the rank of captain or below; if above
the rank of captain, the sentinel must "present arms." He must, also, "present arms" to the officer of the day and
commanding officer, whether they are above or below the rank of captain. This last task involves a knowledge of
the uniforms of officers. A safe guide is the fact that all officers above the rank of captain in the army have a
double row of buttons on their coats, whilst captains and lieutenants have only a single row. Armed bodies of
men passing near the sen-tinel's post, commanded by an officer, are entitled to a "present;" if under a noncommissioned officer, they are saluted with a "carry."
 To give the alarm is to call out "the guard," to fire off his piece, or to cry "fire."
 To report all violations of camp or garrison orders, or Regulations, or of the Articles of War, is to call the
corporal of the guard and report the facts of the situation to him. This includes all the irregularities usually
prohibited among troops, such as discharging firearms, committing nuisance, drunkenness, disorderly conduct,
sale of liquor, gambling, im-proper or excluded characters, and, in general, every thing that is known to be
prohibited or improper.
 To challenge is to call out, "Who comes there?" Sentries usually commence challenging after taps, (e.g., 10 p.m.)
and continue until reveille; although it is sometimes ordered to commence challenging immediately after retreat.
An important point to remember: A soldier on duty knows no one. Even his closest pard needs the proper
countersign.
Special Orders are peculiar to each post. For example, special orders which apply to many of the standard camp guard
posts would likely be:
 Sentinel over the colors — allows no one to move or touch the colors except the color bearer or the SOG under
the escort of two armed men.
 Sentinels along the color line — allow no arms to be taken from the stacks unless ordered by an officer or NCO
of the guard.
 Sentinel by the Colonel’s tent — will warn the Battalion Commander of any unusual movements or activity in the
camp.
 Sentinels on the front, flank or rear posts — insure that no enlisted soldier leaves the camp with a horse or
weapon, unless accompanied by an NCO. Insures that no enlisted man or NCO passes out of camp at night,
except to visit the sinks. Arrests any suspicious persons at any time and arrests any and all persons who attempt
to enter the camp at night.
 Sentinels on the front — insure that no enlisted man or NCO passes out of camp without first going through the
advance post. Sentinels will warn the advance post of the advance or approach of any armed body of men.
Challenging
After retreat (or the hour appointed by the commanding officer), until broad daylight, a sentinel challenges every person
who approaches him, taking, at the same time the position of Arms-Port. He will allow no person to come nearer than
within reach of his bayonet, until that person has given the countersign.
A sentinel challenging, will call out – “Who comes there?” If answered, “Friend, with the countersign”, and the sentinel is
authorized to pass persons with the countersign, he will reply, “Advance, friend, with the countersign.” If answered
“Friends”, he will reply, “Halt, friends! Advance one, with the countersign!” If answered, “Relief”, “Patrol,”, or “Grand
Rounds,” he will reply, “Halt! Advance, Sergeant (or Corporal), with the countersign!” and satisfy himself that the party
is what it represents itself to be. If the sentinel does not have authority to pass persons with the countersign, if the wrong
countersign is given, or if the person or party does not have the countersign, the sentinel will come to the Ready, arrest
and hold the approaching party and call “Corporal of the Guard!, Post No. __!”
In the daytime, when the sentinel before the guard sees the officer of the day approach, he will call - “Turn out the guard!
Officer of the day.” The guard will be paraded, and salute with presented arms.
When any person approaches a post of the guard at night, the sentinel before the post, after challenging, causes him to halt
until examined by a noncommissioned officer of’ the guard. If it be the officer of the day, or any other officer entitled to
inspect the guard and to make the rounds, the non-commissioned officer will call “Turn out the guard!” when the guard
will be paraded at shouldered arms, and the officer of the guard, if he thinks necessary, may demand the countersign and
parole.
When the officer of the day wishes to make the rounds to check on and inspect the sentinels, known as the “grand rounds,
he will take an escort of a non-commissioned officer and two men. When the rounds are challenged by a sentinel, the
sergeant will answer “Grand rounds” and the sentinel will reply “Halt, Grand rounds! Advance, sergeant, with the
countersign!”, Upon which the sergeant advances and gives the countersign. The sentinel will then cry –“Advance,
Rounds” and stand at Shoulder Arms until they have passed.
When the sentinel before the guard house (Post No. 1) challenges, and is answered “Grand rounds” he will reply – “Halt,
grand rounds! Turn out the guard – grand rounds!” Upon which the guard will be drawn up at shouldered arms. The
officer commanding the guard will then order a sergeant and two men to advance; when within ten paces the sergeant
challenges. The sergeant of the grand rounds answers – “Grand rounds.” The sergeant of the guard replies-”Advance,
Sergeant, with the countersign!” The Sergeant of the rounds advances alone, gives the countersign, and returns to his
round. The Sergeant of the guard calls to his officer, “The countersign is right!,” upon which the officer of the guard calls,
“Advance, rounds!”. The officer of the rounds then advances alone, the guard standing at shouldered arms. The officer of
the rounds passes along the front of the guard to the officer of the guard, who keeps his post on the right, and gives him
the parole. He then examines the guard, orders back his escort, and then, taking a new escort, proceeds in the same manner
to other guards.
All material instructions given to a sentinel on post by persons entitled to make grand rounds, ought to be promptly
notified to the commander of the guard. Any General officer, or the commander of a post or garrison, may visit the guards
of his command, and go the grand rounds, and be received in the same manner as prescribed here for the officer of the
day.
Footnotes:
1 Kautz, August V., Customs of Service for Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers, 1864, Para. 93.
2 Stockwell, Elisha, Jr., Private Elisha Stockwell Sees the Civil War, Abernethy, B.R., Ed., University of Oklahoma Press,
1958, pp 11-13.
3 Articles of War, Article 53.
References:
 Dominic dal Bello, Instructions for Guards and Pickets, 2nd Edition. Army of the Pacific Press, (1998). The
basic manual for reenators today.
 Regulations for the Armies of the Confederate States (1863), Articles III and XXXIII.
A Treatise on the Proper Execution of Guard Mount
in Garrison or in the Field
by: Maj. Gregg Benefiel, AIG
US Frontier Brigade-1999
I. Assembling the Guard
A Battalion level Guard consists of:
- Officer of the Guard(not to be confused with the Officer of the Day or for brevity from here on noted as O.D.).
This is usually a Lieutenant.
- At least one sergeant and corporal of the guard.
- Enough privates to cover the posts as well as at least two extra for when the O.D. makes the Grand Rounds. These
extra men are posted at the guard-room/guard-tent. This averages out to be approximately 8-10 men or
half a company.
II. Inspection of the Guard
When the new guard is formed, prior to releiving the old guard, the men warned for duty will at first call be turned
out on the company parade and inspected by their 1st Sgt. At second call, they will proceed to the battalion parade
where they will form at arms shouldered and bayonets fixed. The Officer of the Guard (O.G.) will allow the Sgt.
Major to open the order and inspect the guard and at that time the Sgt. Major will hand the O.G. the guard report
form and inform the Adjutant that the new guard is formed.
Upon notification from the Sgt. Major that the new guard is formed, the Adjutant may inspect them. If he chooses
to do this he commands:
1. "Officer and non-commissioned officers"
2. "About, face!"
3. "Inspect your guards, march!"
The O.G. then commands:
1. "Order, arms!"
2. "Inspection, arms!"
After the inspection, the O.G. and NCO's take their place with the guard. The Adjutant then commands:
1. "Parade, rest!"
2. "Attention, guard!"
3. "Shoulder, arms!"
4. "Close order, march!"
5. "Present, arms!"
If the O.D. is present, the Adjutant will salute and reply, "Sir, the guard is formed!" If not, the Adjutant will
command:
1. "Shoulder, arms!"
2. "Order, arms!"
The O.D., after acknowledging the salute of the Adjutant will direct the Adjutant to march the new guard by
the flank to its post.
III. Relieving the Old Guard
The officer of the old guard, at the time of relief, will have his guard paraded and upon the approach of the
new guard commands:
1. "Present, arms!"
The new guard will march past the old guard in quick time at shouldered arms and take post four paces on its
right, where, being aligned on it, the new guard commander will order:
1. "Present, arms!"
The two officers will approach each other and salute. Then they will return to their respective guards and
command:
1. "Shoulder, arms!"
2. "Order, arms!"
The officer of the new guard will now be responsible for the list of the guard being made out and divided into three
reliefs (which shall be posted on or inside the guard house or tent) and will himself proceed to take possession of
the guard house or tent and the article and prisoners in the charge of the guard.
Once the first relief has been designated, the corporal of the new guard will take charge of it and go relieve the
sentinels, accompanied by the corporal of the old guard who will take command of the old sentinels when they are
relieved.
The relief, with arms at SUPPORT, in TWO ranks, will march by the flank conducted by the corporal on the side
of the leading front rank man. The men will be numbered alternately in the front and rear rank and the man on
the right of the front rank man being number one.
Should an officer approach, the corporal will command, "Carry arms" and resume the support when the officer
has passed. The sentinel at the guard house or tent will be first relieved and left behind; the others are relieved in
succession.
When a sentinel sees the relief approaching, he will halt and face to it with his arms at the shoulder. At six paces
the corporal will command:
1. "Number one!" (or whatever the number of the post)
2. "Arms, port!"
The two sentinels will, with arms at port, approach each other and the old sentinel under the direction of the new
corporal of the the guard will whisper any instructions to the new sentinel. When this is accomplished, the two
sentinels will shoulder arms and the old sentinel will pass to his place in the REAR of the relief.
The corporal will command:
1. "Support, arms!"
2. "Forward, march!"
The releif will proceed in the same manner until the whole is relieved. The sentinels from the old guard coming in
will be marched at SHOULDERED ARMS along the front of the remaining new guard (YES, they are still outside
the guard house or tent until the new guard is relieved. It doesn't say what ther remainder of the new guard does
while waiting on the relief of the old guard, but, since they are "paraded" in front of the guard house or tant, I would
asume they can be given "Parade, rest!") with the new guard at PRESENT ARMS, officers saluting.
On arriving at the Battalion parade, the old officer of the guard will relinquish the command of the guard to the
NCO.
Before the men are dismissed, the NCO's will see to it that the old guards arms will be discharged at a target. (This
makes the assumption that while on guard duty ALL members of the guard will have their LOADED in addition to
bayonets being fixed.)
When the old guard has marched off fifty paces or so, the officer of the new guard will order his men to stack their
arms or place them in the arms racks.
IV. Execution of the Guard
1. Sentinels will be relieved every two hours or sooner in the case of bad weather.
2. Each relief, before mounting, is inspected by the O.G.. The corporal reports to him and presents the old relief
on its return.
3. As soon as the new guard has been marched off, the O.D. will visit the Commanding Officer and report for
orders.
4. The O.D. visits the guards during the day as he sees fit and makes his rounds at night AT LEAST ONCE AFTER
MIDNIGHT.
5. Upon being relieved, the O.D. will make remarks in the report of the O.G. as circumstances require and report
such remarks to headquarters.
6. O.G.'s leaving their post for any other duty are to mention their intention and probable time of return to the
next in command of the guard.
7. The O.G.'s are to REMAIN at the guard quarters, except while visiting sentinels, or unless required somewhere
else due to extenuating circumstances.
8. Neither officers or soldiers are alloowed to remove their clothing or accoutrements while on guard.
9. If any alarm is raised in the garrison, ALL guards are immediately to be under arms and prepared to depart the
guard house or tent to react to the situation.
10. Inexperienced officers are assigned to the guard as observers for the purpose of instruction.
11. Sentinels will not take orders or allow themselves to be relieved except by the following: O.G., NCO's of the
guard, O.D., or the commander of the post.
12. Sentinels will report any breach of orders or regulation they were instructed to inforce. These will be noted
on the guard report form by the O.G..
13. Sentinels may carry their arms in any oposition but will NEVER relinquish physical control of their musket.
In wet weather and without shelter, the sentinel will secure arms at his post.
14. No sentinel shall forsake his post unless relieved. Conversation not necessary to the discharge of his duty
is forbidden.
15. ALL ranks are required to observe respect toward the sentinel or risk report to the O.G.. This includes
officers.
16. In case of disorder or alarm, the sentinel must clearly call out "THE GUARD, POST NUMBER ___",
identifying the number of his post. If the danger is extreme he must discharge his musket before calling out.
17. When a sentinel see an officer approaching his post, he will stand at attention, saluting with the left hand,
shoulder high, across the musket.
18. The sentinel at the guard house/tent, when he sees any body of troops, a field grade officer (major and above),
O.D., or Post Commander approach must call, "Turn out the Guard!", and announce who approaches. All members
of the guard not on post will turn out on parade in front of the guard house/tent to render compliment.
19. Guards do not turn out for compliment after retreat, but the sentinel at the guard house/tent will, when an
officer in uniform approaches, come to attention with the arm at the shoulder.
20. After retreat until broad daylight (or hour appointed by the commanding officer), the sentinel challenges
everyone who approaches him by taking the position of port arms. He will allow no one to come nearer than the
reach of his bayonet until the person has given the countersign.
21. The contersign, or watchword, is given only to persons entitled to pass during the night.
22. The parole is given only to officers who have a right to visit the guards and to make the grand rounds.
23. The countersign is usually the name of a battle. The parole is usually the name of a General grade officers
This is from Paragraph 558 in the 1861 US. Regulations.
24. The O.D. must see that the O.G. is given the parole and countersign before retreat.
25. When the sentinel challemges he will call out, "Who comes there?". If it is one person he should answer,
"Friend, with the countersign". The sentinel will reply, "Advance, Friend , with the countersign". Upon which
the friend gives the countersign. If the countersign is wrong or there is no answer after "Who comes there?",
then the sentinel will cause the individual to stand fast and call out "Corporal of the Guard!". Upon arrival, the
Corporal of the Guard will verify the status of the individual and/or request or relay that information to the O.G.
or take the individual into custody to be interrogated by the O.G. as to his intent.
26. If the answer the sentinel receives after challenging is, "Friends" (i.e., more than one person) the sentinel
will reply, "Halt, Friends. Advance one with the countersign". The the sequence of number 25 will be resumed.
27. If the sentinel is answered, "Relief", the sentinel will call out to the relief, "Halt! Advance corporal with the
countersign". Then the sequence of number 25 is to be resumed. The relief sequence at night differs from the
daytime due to challenging sentinels. After the sentinel is given the countersign by the corporal of the relief, the
corporal resumes the daytime sequence of relieving the sentinels as explained in Section III.
28. The O.D., wishing to make the rounds will take an escort of an NCO and two men. When the rounds are
challenged by the sentinel at night, the Sgt. will answer, "Grand Rounds!" and the sentinel will reply, "Halt Grand
Rounds! Advance, Sergeant, with the countersign." Once the sergeant has given the countersign correctly the
sentinel will say, "Advance Rounds" and stands at the shoulder until they have passed.
29. When the sentinel in front of the guard house/tent challenges and is answered, "Grand Rounds", he will reply,
"Halt, Grand Rounds. Turn out the Guard. Grand Rounds!" Then the guard will turn out in front of the guard
station at shouldered arms. The O.G. commanding the guard will send out an NCO and two men of the guard to
challenge the grand rounds. When challenged, the sergeant of the grand rounds will answer, "Grand Rounds".
The NCO of the Guard will reply,"Advance, Sergeant, with the countersign". The sergeant of the grand rounds
advances and gives the countersign the which the NCO cries out to the Guard, "The countersign is right!". Then
the O.G. will answer, "Advance, Rounds". The O.D. then passes to the front of the O.G. and gives him the parole.
Then the two officers return to the guard house/tent.
V. Epilogue
I know this sounds pretty rigid and formal, but when properly applied to a campaign setting or garrison duty, it can
be very impressive. It is also a very authentic thing to do, as, other than drill, the second most time consuming thing
soldiers did in the field or garrison was guard duty. This also lends some "military bearing" to an otherwise
collection
of tubby, bearded guys in wool.
Nineteenth Century Guard Duty
(this ran in the 1999 Oct., Dec., and the Jan. 2000 Regimental Dispatch.)
Guard Duty
Data compiled
By
R. W. Gregory
INTRODUCTION
The duties of a guard are among the most important responsibilities in the military. It is the sentry who prevents the
theft or destruction of vitally needed supplies. The sentry protects public and private property; and most importantly
he protects his comrades while they rest.
Guard duty was viewed as solemn responsibility during the Civil War. One of the hardest tasks for commanders
early in the war was to get their new civilian volunteers to understand the importance of guard duty. It took many
examples of stern justice to those men failing in their duty to impart the proper respect towards the responsibility of
guard duty.
Inattentive sentries have been key factors in many military disasters. The failure of guards to alert Union troops to
the initial Southern assault at Shiloh almost caused a major catastrophe to Union forces. The failure of the Eleventh
Corps guards to warn of Jackson’s attack at Chancellorsville was a key element in Jackson’s victory.
Guard duty was a highly structured affair. The entire procedure from the parading of personnel chosen for guard
duty to the relief of the guard was a very formal affair.
In either garrison or camp a great number of guards were needed every day. Besides being detailed for regular guard
duty for the protection of the bivouac area, guards were needed to protect fatigue details, and to watch over the
quarters of generals and high ranking visitors. If men were confined to the guard house, men were needed to watch
over them. In addition, the homes of citizens may have been placed under guard to protect them from overzealous
foraging parties.
Organizing the Guard Force
All guard duty and details for fatigue originated at either the divisional, brigade, regimental or company level. The
officers would discuss what work needed to be done and who would provide it. A duty of the field and company
grade officers was to ensure that they were not over extending their manpower reserve by taking on needless duties.
Once everything had been settled, the officers turned this information over to the senior NCO’s.
It has long been a byword in the Army that officers propose and NCO’s dispose. It was the job of the senior NCO’s;
usually company and regimental 1st Sgt.’s to balance the available manpower against the demands placed on the
unit. These NCO’s had a very difficult task as their available manpower resources could fluctuate greatly every day.
Factors such as sick lists, deserters, and combat engagements could cause rapid changes in available manpower.
Adding to these factors were men who were carried on the company strength but were assigned such jobs as
teamster or medical steward and thus were exempt from all details.
The axiom that an army travels on it’s stomach may be true, but an army moves daily on paperwork. The 1st Sgt.’s
were responsible for the various documents that were needed to sort out who was assigned what duty. Rosters were
needed for the unit’s daily strength, and for the various classes of duty that could be assigned. In general terms there
were three classes of duty that concerned the NCO’s. The first, second, and third class. Each of these duties was
further broken down into various sub sections.
NCO’s were responsible for seeing that men were detailed for the various duties assigned. Should a unit be assigned
duties beyond it’s capabilities, the NCO’s would concentrate on providing men for duties of the first class and then
second and third class duties if men were available.
Duties of the first class were 1. Grand guard and exterior posts, 2. Guards of the interior (magazine, hospital, and
guardhouse), 3. Orderlies, and 4. Police guards. Soldiers assigned to these duties were always under arms and
required by regulations to take their knapsacks with them unless told otherwise.
Second class duties were 1. To protect laborers on military works, 2. Providing details for labor on military works
and 3. To protect fatigue details. This class of duties was also under arms.
The third class of duties was to provide fatigue details. Unless otherwise ordered the men when leaving camp would
take their arms and equipment.
The NCO’s were required to keep a separate company roster for each of the class of duties. Along with these rosters
were rosters that listed the corporals and sergeants assigned to each duty. Officers were responsible for their own
duty rosters.
The rules of who stood what duty were simple. Longest off, first on. Simply stated this meant that the longer it had
been since your turn, the more likely it was that you would be picked. For example, on Monday you were assigned
the grand guard. Since this duty lasted twenty-four hours and you were not relieved until late the next afternoon, you
would not be assigned any duty on Wednesday. Thursday may find you detailed to provide a guard for a fatigue
detail. Depending upon the actual strength of your company you may find yourself standing grand guard again on
Friday.
Men assigned any duties of the first class could not be assigned to second or third class duties. They were required
to stay in camp until the either the guard mount parade or if the parade was dispensed with until the guard relief
detail was formed . Should the soldier be dismissed from his original duties, he could then be assigned to other
duties.
Guard Formation and Parade
The guard mount and inspection was a highly formal affair. It was in essence a miniature parade and review. It took
place once a day at a time set by the regimental adjutant usually between 8 and 10 a.m.
Musicians were an integral part of the guard mount. Thirty minutes before Guard mount was to take place the chief
musician would play The Drummer’s Call/Assembly of the Buglers whichever was appropriate. Fifteen minutes
before guard mount the musicians would assemble on the parade ground and play Guard Assembly. It was with this
call that the details under the guidance of a corporal would march to the parade ground. While awaiting the final call
the 1st Sgts would conduct a preliminary inspection of the detail.
The final musical call was Adjutant’s Call followed by a quick step. At this musical command the Adjutant with the
Sgt. Major on his left would march onto the field. While the adjutant marched to the center of the parade ground, the
Sgt Major would post himself twelve paces to the left of the field music facing to the left. The details march onto the
field.
The 1st Sgt. will be posted on the far left of his detail. The first file aligns on the Sgt. major while facing the front.
The 1st Sgt. takes one pace out, turns to the right and faces the Sgt. Major. He then commands:
To the rear in open order-March
Right Dress
Corporals would be 5 paces behind the second rank
The 1st Sgt. dresses the ranks, commands
Front.
The 1st Sgt. will salute With Arms and give the report:
All Present or Accounted For.
The Sgt. Major will acknowledge by hand salute. The first Sgt. will then face front, take one pace forward, face to
the right and march around by the right hand side of the Sgt. major and post himself five paces behind the corporals.
As subsequent details arrive they will dress on the left of the first detail and their 1 st Sgts will make similar reports
and post the same marching all the way around the Sgt. Major to the rear of their respective detail.
After all details have reported to the Sgt. Major, he will then equalize the ranks and dress them to the right. To
ensure that enough men have been detailed he will draw his sword, place his sword in the position of Carry and
order:
In each rank count: Two’s.
If enough men have been detailed, the Sgt. Major will march to the center of the guard detail; face right and march
halfway to the adjutant.
He will salute the adjutant and report:
All Present and accounted for.
The adjutant will return and the salute and command the Sgt Major to;
Take Your Post.
The Sgt. Major will about face and march to within two paces of the front rank, face to his right and post himself
two paces to the left of the front rank.
The Adjutant draws his sword; places it in the Carry, and then orders:
"Front".
At this command the Officer of the Guard (usually a Lt.) comes to the front of detail by marching to the left of the
field music and places himself twelve paces in front center of the guard detail. The Sgts and corporals will follow by
marching behind the guard detail and to the left of the field music. The Sgts will be eight paces in front of the detail
and the corporals 4 paces. At this time the Adjutant will inform the officer of the Guard and the NCO’s of any
special duties they are to perform.
Once this task is completed the Adjutant will order:
Officers and Non Commissioned Officers-ABOUT FACE-Inspect your guards-MARCH.
At the command MARCH, the NCO's assume what would be their normal positions in the company. The Officer of
the Guard will order:
Order Arms, Inspection Arms
and along with the Adjutant sheathes his sword. The Officer of the Guard will inspect the arms of the men, the
Adjutant will inspect the men for general appearance.
At the conclusion of the inspection, the Officer of the Guard will redraw his sword and post himself in the normal
position for the company commander for a company in open ranks which is four paces forward of his normal spot.
During this interval the current Officer of the Day and the previous Officer of the Day will take a position
approximately 60 paces from the center of the guard. The previous Officer of the Day will post himself three paces
to the right and one pace behind the current Officer of the Day. The Adjutant will draw his sword and place it in the
position of Carry. The adjutant will march half the distance to the Officers of the Day.
He will then order:
Parade Rest (2) Troop Beat Off.
At this command the field music will face to their left, and playing a quick march, move down the line of the guard.
Upon reaching the end of the line they will countermarch by the right and still playing a quick march return to their
place on the right of the line.
The Adjutant will now order:
Attention, Shoulder Arms Close Order March.
On the command Close Order, the officer of the guard will about face and on March assume his position in the
company. The Adjutant will now order:
Present Arms,
and saluting the current Officer of the Day reports;
Sir, the Guard is formed.
Should the Officer of Day desire he could have the guard pass in review, however that evolution is enormously
complicated and far beyond the scope of this lesson. We are primarily concerned with guard formation, and the
duties of the grand guard and police guard. For simplicity’s sake the Officer of the Day will order:
March the Guard to its post.
The adjutant would face about and order:
Shoulder Arms, 2. Guard to its post,
3. Right Face, 4. Forward March.
The guard would face to the right, without doubling and march off to its assignment.
Duties of the Guard
The two main types of guard duty we are going to be concerned with here is the Police Guard and Grand Guard. The
Police Guard was the interior guard of the camp; while the Grand Guard was the exterior guard or what we most
commonly refer to as picket duty.
The Police Guard served a number of functions in camp. They were to guard the headquarters area, the living
quarters of high-ranking officers, the colors, the magazine and guardhouse should any men be sentenced to it.
The Police Guard was to furnish specifically ten men at all times; one was detailed to watch over the arms of the
guard, another in front of the Colonels tent, three on the color line (one to specifically watch over the colors), three
men to guard the rear of the field officers quarters and one on each flank of the regimental camp to observe the area
of other regiments camped to the side.
The guard over the colors was under specific orders not to permit them to be moved except in the presence of an
escort. Nor was he to let any one touch them but the color bearer or the Sgt. of the Police guard and then only when
he is accompanied by two armed men.
The sentinels on the color line were not to allow the removal of any arms except by order of an officer or the non
commissioned officer officer of the guard.
The duty of the sentinel at the Colonel’s tent was to notify the Colonel of any unusual activity in the camp or the
approach of visitors.
The sentinels on the front, flank and rear were to ensure that no soldier left camp with arms or with a horse unless
accompanied by a non-commissioned officer of the guard. They were cautioned to prevent men slipping out of camp
at night. They were to arrest at any time any suspicious persons, which included soldiers from other units. Any
persons who were arrested by the guard were escorted to the officer of the guard who would determine if they
needed to be sent to the officer of the day.
Another ten men were detailed to watch over any prisoners. These men were under specific orders not to leave the
area of their post and would have their meals brought to them.
Another important function of the police guard was to provide a stable guard. Even an infantry regiment had a large
number of horses attached to it. The stable guard’s main duties were the safekeeping of the regimental horses and
ensure none wandered away from the stable area.
The Grand Guard was the advanced posts of any camp or bivouac. They would cover the approaches to the camp
and would provide first warning of any enemy movement.
The Grand Guard was divided into three watches or reliefs. Each guard was expected to stand two hours of duty and
then have four off. Each man was assigned to a specific post and he would be continuing to go to that post as his
turn for sentry duty came up.
While on sentry duty, the guard was expected to carry his weapon at either the Support Arms or at the Shoulder. In
inclement weather the guard would carry his weapon at the Secure Arms.
During daylight hours the sentry would salute all officers. Field grade officers would be saluted by going to Carry
Arms, which allowed the soldier to go from Support to the Shoulder Arms. Staff Officers were saluted by going to
Present Arms.
At the approach of a either a staff officer, VIP or other dignitary near the guard post all off watch personnel would
be turned out to render honors. This was known as turning out the guard. The personnel would line up in single file
at Shoulder Arms. They would Present Arms at the command of the Officer of the Guard.
After retreat, rifle salutes and turning out the guard could be dispensed with, but sentries were still to show proper
military respect to all officers.
The sentinel was guided by regulations, which addressed his conduct while on duty. These duties were laid out in
Regulations For the Confederate States Army-1861. Articles 400-408 were very specific and are very similar to the
ten general orders of a watch stander in the military.
Sentinels were not to take orders or allow themselves to be relieved, except by an officer or non-commissioned
officer of their guard party, the officer of the guard or officer of the day or the regimental commanding officer.
Sentinels were to report any breach of regulations or orders they are instructed to enforce.
Sentinels were to keep alert, observing everything that took place within their sight or hearing.
No sentinel was to quit his post or to hold conversations unnecessary to the proper discharge of their duties.
In case of disorder the sentinel was expected to call out the guard. In case of fire he was to cry "Fire" and his post
number. In case of extreme emergency he was to discharge his firearm into the air to attract attention. It was also his
duty to repeat all calls from posts more distant than his own.
Sentries were particularly cautioned about who could inspect their weapon or ask for it. Only the Officer of the Day,
Guard Officer of the Day, Sergeant of the Guard could request to handle the sentries weapon.
Guard Relief
Posting and relief of sentinels was a very formal affair. Each watch detail would be under the command of a
corporal who would escort the guard detail to each post in turn and see to the relief of the sentry posted there.
The relief column marched in two files. Generally in the first files, the front rank #1 would assigned to post 1 and
the rear rank #1 would be assigned to post two, the second file front rank #2 to post 3 and the rear to post 4. The rest
of the post assignments would follow in a similar manner.
The relief detail was to march at Support Arms. If the column approached an officer the corporal would order Carry
Arms. (Shoulder Arms) and return to Support Arms when the officer had passed.
During daylight hours when the relief detail approached a sentry, the sentry would face the relief and come to the
Shoulder Arms. When the relief detail was six paces from the sentry the corporal would order:
Relief Halt.
The relief will halt and come to Shoulder Arms. The corporal will then order:
Post no. ___, Arms Port.
The old sentinel and his relief approach each other at Arms Port. The old sentry will pass on any orders or
information to the new sentry. When the new sentry takes his position, both go the Shoulder Arms. The sentry who
was relieved will fall in at the end of the detail. The corporal will order:
Support Arms, Forward-March
and proceed to the next post.
The Grand Round
The Grand Round was any time the Officer of the Guard, Commander, General Officer or Officer of the Day felt
like inspecting the sentries at their post. Any officer conducting Grand Rounds was required to take a sergeant and
two men as an escort.
As the party would approach; the sentry would call out:
Halt! Who Goes There?
The sergeant would answer:
Grand Rounds
The sentinel would then direct:
Halt Grand Rounds
Advance Sergeant with the Countersign
The sergeant would advance and give the countersign and then return to his party. He will inform the officer;
The countersign is correct.
The officer will then command:
Advance Rounds
The party will continue on to each post in succession.
The Parole and Countersign
The Parole was a watchword that was given to those officers who were authorized to issue orders to the guard, go on
the grand rounds, or otherwise visit or inspect the guard. Although the company would furnish the men for guard
duty, the guard detail belonged to the battalion staff. It was the battalion staff who would issue new orders to the
guards and the parole was a means whereby the Officer of the Guard could ensure that new orders came only from
the battalion staff. The parole was usually the name of a General Officer.
The countersign was given to those personnel who required to pass through the guard posts. It was usually the name
of a battle.
The correct method of using the Countersign is as follows. A party approaches a sentry post. The sentry comes to
Port Arms and calls out;
Halt! Who Goes There?
The reply would be;
A Friend with the Countersign
The sentry will direct;
Advance Friend with the countersign
The sentry will come to the low ready, or guard against infantry as the party approaches. The sentry should not
allow the party to get any closer than the point of his bayonet. The party will whisper the countersign.
If the sentry is authorized to pass persons through his line he will command:
Pass, Friend
The party will continue on. If the sentry is not authorized to pass people through the line he will call for the corporal
of the guard who will escort the party to the officer of the guard.
If a large group approached the sentry was to allow only one member of the party to advance. The sentry will direct:
Advance One Friend with the Countersign
Mounted men; either a single one or a group were required to dismount and have one of their party give the
countersign.
If the party did not know the correct countersign the sentry was to hold them there and call for the corporal of the
guard. He was not to fire at the party unless they made an attempt to force their way past him or attempted to escape.
References:
Gilham, William, Manual of Instruction for Volunteers and Militia of the United States,
1860, Reprint of 1861 edition
Hardee, William, Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics-1855, Reprint of 1855 edition.
Revised Regulations for the Confederate States Army-1863, Richmond VA
Scott, Winfield, Infantry Tactics-1835, Reprint of 1835 edition
United States Army Regulations-1861, 1863, Washington D.C.
Instructions for Guards and Pickets, Dominic J. Dal Bello, AOP Press, 1996
Bugle Call Ditty: Bugle Calls for an ACW Reenactor-Infantry
Infantry
General Calls on the Bugle Bugle Call Ditty:
1. Attention. I know your are tired, but still you must go. Off to Atlanta [Virginia]
to see the big show!
Attention, attention, attention to all. You'd best be heeding this bu-ge-ler's call!
Put on your leathers and pick up your gun, now's not the time to be thinking of fun!
(are there others?...)
2. Signal of Execution. They're lost a-gain, they're lo-ost a-gain (x2)
The General. Gen Ral Gen Ral Giddyup giddyup giddyup giddyup
Gen Ral Gen Ral Giddyup giddyup giddyup giddyup
Pack Up Pack Up Pack Up Pack Up
Giddyup giddyup giddyup giddyup GOOOOO!
The Assembly. We are the strongest men in the who-ole wide world!
[straightest shots], etc.
CAREFUL...this can [and should] get pretty RAUNCHY!
To the Color (E) Red Whi-ite a-and Blue {I haven't seen any words to this
one....but there's got to be some patriotic lyrics to this tune}
The Recall Come back here now, come back here now.
Co-ome, Co-ome, Co-me back here now [repeat]
Quick Time Well, it's time to march and it's time to march
so let's Pick up the pace boys and step right out
Double Quick Time bum taTA taTA (light and quck staccato)
(I'm sure the troops were too tired to sing while doing the DQ).
The Charge The Cha-rge The Cha-rge For-ward! we go to win the battle boldly
The cha-rge, the cha-rge let's sally forth to win the fight to-day!
Let's charge across the breastworks boys, across the field to glor-y!
for God and Country, Fight! My lads and and be victorious my boys
The Cha-rge The Cha-rge now here we go to win the battle boldly
The cha-rge, the cha-rge let's sally forth to win the fight to-day!
(Many other words to this one...in battle of course you yelled and went in with the bayonet....)
General Calls on the Bugle Bugle Call Ditty:
10. Reveille I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up,
I can't get 'em up, I tell you.
I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up
I can't get 'em up at all.
The corporal's worse than the private,
the sergeant's worse than the corporal,
the lieutenant's worse than the sergeant,
But the captain's worst of all.
I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up,
I can't get 'em up this morning.
I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up,
I can't get 'em up today.
[Modern] It's time to get up...
Infantry:
General Calls on the Bugle Bugle Call Ditty:
11. Retreat Now is the ti-ime to fall out and rest, we kno-ow that we-e have given our best...so take a rest
12. Tattoo CCCC GGGGG EEEEE and then a trumpet-like solo
13. To Extinguish Lights
Gentle men it's time to Ex Ting guish lights, snuff out your lamps and go to sleep!
Gen tle men it's time to Ex Ting guish lights,
snuff out your lamps and go to sleep!
Taps [I don't have ** any ** notes that this was ever sung during the Civil War]
The penalties for talking after the 3 drum taps were severe enough to keep the men quiet!
14. Assembly of the Buglers Damn them stink-ing rot-ten li-ttle BUUU GLEEERS
(soldiers should start throwing shoes, tin cups, and loud epithets towards the bugler)
15. Assembly of the Guard
Time to post for Guard Mount, it's time to post the Guard!.
(tuka tut tut)
Time to post for Guard Mount it's time to post the guard....
Re-e-lief Re-e-lief is posting now! Guard , Mount!
16. Orders for Orderly Sergeants *** This is a herky jerky rhythm ***
Call for the Sarge, Call for the Sergeants , Orders! At the Double Quick
[they are, calling all the clowns]
Call for the Sarge, call for the Sergeants, look at them run!
17. For Officers to take the place in line after firing Officers get back in line!
tuka tuka ta ta taaaa! (higher notes mean officers)
18. The Disperse Dis-per-erse Dis-per-erse it's time to lie down out of sight
Dis-per-erse Dis-per-erse it's time to lie down out of sight. NOW.
19. Officers' Call They're the biggest brASSes in dear Mr. Lincoln's Arrr Mee
{They're the sharpest dressers in...] eatin' all the suttler's food while [and] hiding behind the lines!
20. Breakfast Call
Break Fast...Come and get your peas
Breakfast...Come and get your peas
Breakfast is the time of day for all to drink their coffee
Beef and bread and marmalade, Oh! what a taste delight!
Breakfast...come and get your peas!
MANY VARIATIONS ON THIS
21. Dinner Call Roast Beef
triple tongue..and not a cavalry call!
22. Sick Call
Dr. Jones Says Dr. Jones Says
we are sick a-gain, we are sick a-gain
we are sick a-gain, we are sick a-gain
23. Fatigue Call
(I can't find the opening lines, something about shirkers and slackers]
Fall in Right Now for Work
Fall in Fall in for DEEEEEEEEEE - TAILLLLL
24. Church Call Come to the church and say your Prayers! Time for Church
Come and pray, come and pray
come to the church NOWWWWWW
25. Drill Call It's time to fall in for Drill call,
to the field, to the field, where we'll march to the beating drum,
and it's marchin' time again 'til the Colonel [Sergeant, Old man, whatever] says we're done.
REPEAT
Marching to the beat, What Fun, In the Heat, as we march to the drum Havin' fun
Dr-ill Call, Dri-ill Call it's time to march as we shuf-fle along
26. School Call School Bell! School Bell!
Time to go to scho-ool, little Yohnny {insert your favorite period ethnic nickname, Ole}
want to read
time to go to scho-ool, learn to read and write.
Infantry:
General Calls on the Bugle for Skirmishers
Bugle Call Ditty:
[and for troops on the march/in battle]
Fix Bayonet It's time to stick pigs and it's time to stick pigs now......
Unfix Bayonet Take them o-off Take them o-off,
put them Back in-to your scabbard.
Insert right Now
Quick Time Well, it's time to march and it's time to march
so let's Pick up the pace boys and step right out
Double Quick Time Something like Bonanza
The Run Sounds like Hollywood cavalry charge at first
{lighting fast}
Deploy as Skirmishers Deploy as skir-mi-shers, skir-mi-shers, skir-mi-shers,
Deploy as skir-mi-shers, skir-mi-shers, NOW
Forward Swing your legs, Swing your legs, swing your little leggies;
Swing your legs, Swing your legs, swing 'em real fast (x2)
In Retreat Fight your way Back, Fight your way Back, keep up the FI-RE
but don't turn your back (x2)
Halt Tuck-a Tut! Tuck-a Tut! (double tongue!)
By the Right Flank Forward +To the RIGHT! To the RIGHT! (ending notes go up!)
By the Left Flank Forward + Turn-to the LEFT! Turn-to the LEFT!
(ending notes go down)
Commence Firing One Two Three Four, 1 & 2 & 3 & {FIRE} this is a time pulse
Cease Firing Cease Fire! Cease Fire! Cease Fire! Cease Fire!
Change Direction to the right A Whe-el A Whe-el it's time to go merry-go ro-und
Whe-el Right! Whe-el Right (ending notes go up!)
Change Direction to the left A Whe-el A Whe-el it's time to go merry-go ro-und
Wheel..To the Left! Wheel..To the Left!
(notes at the end go down)
Lie down Li ie down (downward notes) (G E C)
Rise up Ri-ise UP (G E C (sounds like NBC notes))
*These 3 skirmisher rally's are from CASEY's, not Hardee's! Not used by CSA at all
*Rally by fours Come Back Here (x3) and then repeat
*Rally by sections Come Back Here (x3) Gee E-C-G (Downward notes)
*Rally by Platoons Come Back Here (x3) tuka tut tuka tut tuka tut tut tut….
Rally upon the reserve They whipped our butts (x2) It's time to get back out of there
Rally on the battalion They whipped our butts (x2) It's time to get back out of .
tut ta tut ta tut…ta Geeeeeeeeeeee
Assemble on the battalion We are the straightest shots in the who-ole wide world
(1st and 4th lines of Assembly!)