FEDERAL INFANTRY UNIFORM GUIDELINES 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps Most of the Federal troops participating in the assault on Fort Blakely were refitted to full regulation in New Orleans December ’65 – March ’65 before starting the campaign .

ENLISTED MEN: (by order of preference)

1) Headgear

A. Issue US Army Hat

B. US issue Forage Cap

2) Coats

A. Federal issue Fatigue (4 button) Blouse

B. Private purchase fatigue blouse

3) Trousers

A. US Enlisted issue “Sky Blue” trousers

4) Shirts:

A. US Issue Domet flannel shirt

B. US Issue Contract variant wool shirt

C. Civilian shirt (Strongly discouraged and should only be used if the above listed shirts are not available)

5) Drawers:

A. US Federal issue canton flannel

B. Christian Commission (of proper material and construction)

C. Civilian (of proper material and construction)

6) Socks:

A. US issue woolen

B. Civilian

7) Footwear:

A. US Army issue bootees

B. US Army issue boots

C. Civilian shoes or boots

**NOTE** It is historically documented that many members of the brigade were carrying an extra pair of shoes! This is noted but not a requirement for the event.

8) Greatcoat:

A. US issue Foot Pattern overcoat of sky blue kersey

9)Accouterments:

A. US issue, mid to late war, complete with polished box and belt plates

10) Haversacks:

A. Painted US issue haversack

11) Canteen:

A. US issue smooth side canteen

12) Rifles:

A. M63 or M64 Springfield rifle preferred

B. M55 and M61 Springfields,

C. P53 Enfields (These are known to have been used in our Brigade and are acceptable)

D. Repeating Rifles (See your individual battalion specific impression guidelines for any repeating rifles. If your battalion did NOT have them historically, you can NOT use them at the event.)

13) Knapsacks:

A. US Issue double bag knapsack - preferred

B.. Horse collar/blanket roll – accepted

14) Blankets:

1. US issue gray or brown blanket (preferably with “US” stitch on center)

15) Ground Cloth: 1. US issues rubber blanket

16) Tents:

A. US issued shelter half (it is STRONGLY suggested that every man carry a shelter half of proper material and construction)

 

NCO GUIDELINES: NCOs are expected to wear proper, period correct, sleeve rank insignia. Sergeants are expected to carry proper gun tools and ball pullers in the cartridge boxes

 

OFFICER UNIFORM GUIDELINES: Headwear: 1. Private purchase slouch hat without brass or embroidered device 2. Private purchase cap without brass or embroidered device Coat: 1. Private purchase fatigue blouse or sack coat of proper material and pattern Rank insignia on coat: 1. Subdued rand insignia – preferred (Photographic images of Union Officers indicate that a number removed the shoulder straps, choosing the sew the specific rank emblem directly to the coat’s shoulders as per WD Gen Orders from November ’64. Trousers: 1. Private purchase military cut trousers of correct material and construction Sashes: 1. Sashes will only be needed if you are called upon to act as Officer of the Day (OD). So, it isn’t necessary to have one…unless you are asked to serve as OD. That duty will be assigned before the event and you will know if you need to bring a sash, or not. Haversack: 1. Private purchase, period correct haversack of leather or painted canvas Footwear: 1. Period correct private purchase shoes 2. Period correct private purchase boots Sword, sword belt, and pistol: 1. Each officer is expected to have a period correct sword (appropriate to his rank) worn on a period correct US sword belt. 2. Personal sider arms (period correct makes and appropriate for infantry line officers) are encouraged and to be worn on the sword belt Baggage: 1. Officers will be expected to carry their own baggage and personal effects 2. Knapsacks, blanket rolls, and blanket slings are acceptable Tents: 1. Each line officer should carry as US issue shelter half 2. Field Grade officers may choose the bring a period correct fly for their HQs. 3. We will be moving so Common or Wall tents are not to be used