Reproduction edition of the Civil War era guidebook. Indispensable for historians and reenactors.

The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer BACKBONE of the Armed Forces. Introduction The Backbone of the Armed Forces To be a member of the United States Armed Forces--to wear the uniform of the Nation and the stripes, chevrons, or anchors of the military Services--is to continue a legacy of service, honor, and patriotism that transcends generations. Answering the call to serve is to join the long line of selfless patriots who make up the Profession of Arms. This profession does not belong solely to the United States. It stretches across borders and time to encompass a culture of service, expertise, and, in most cases, patriotism. Today, the Nation's young men and women voluntarily take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and fall into formation with other proud and determined individuals who have answered the call to defend freedom. This splendid legacy, forged in crisis and enriched during times of peace, is deeply rooted in a time-tested warrior ethos. It is inspired by the notion of contributing to something larger, deeper, and more profound than one's own self. Notice: This is a printed Paperback version of the "The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer BACKBONE of the Armed Forces". Full version, All Chapters included. This publication is available (Electronic version) in the official website of the National Defense University (NDU). This document is properly formatted and printed as a perfect sized copy 6x9".

In 1950, when he commissioned the first edition of The Armed Forces Officer, Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall told its author, S.L.A. Marshall, that "American military officers, of whatever service, should share common ground ethically and morally." In this new edition, the authors methodically explore that common ground, reflecting on the basics of the Profession of Arms, and the officer's special place and distinctive obligations within that profession and especially to the Constitution.

• The "rules of warfare" and "government of the army" as they existed in the American Civil War • All 101 Articles of War as amended through June 1863 including the famous Lieber Code (General Orders No. 100), directed by President Lincoln, which expanded the laws of land warfare and General Orders No. 49 on the granting of paroles • Copious extracts from the Revised U.S. Army Regulations through June 1863 This compendium of laws and rules is a testimony to America's reverence for the rule of law as well as its high regard for "civilized" behavior on the battlefield. The Articles of War were normative rules covering military duty and punishments allowed for violations. The Lieber Code was a new and profound law for the conduct of armies in the field, to include humane treatment of prisoners and protection of property and civilians. It had a profound affect on the evolution of the laws of land warfare in use today. Army Regulations, on the other hand, dealt with the administration and management of the army-from personnel assignments to supply and recruiting operations-all three sets of rules were used by both the Union and Confederate armies. An essential reference for students, historians, writers, reenactors, and those interested in how our Civil War armies operated.