CUSTOMS OF SERVICE FOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS THE SOLDIER. 1. THE soldier commands respect in proportion to his capacity and length of service. A youth of military pride and bearing, who wears his uniform with neatness and grace, and does his duty faithfully and with energy and determination, deserves admiration, and generally receives it; but the veteran whose scars and wounds are the reminders of many battles, and whose numerous service-chevrons and gray hairs mark a life devoted to the service of his country, chains the listening ear of the citizen to the story of his heroic life, and the greatest chieftain will raise his hat with respect to return his punctilious salute. 2. The decisive events of a soldier's life are few and far between, and the intervals are devoted to • waiting for these turning-points. If the time he spends in waiting is usefully occupied in preparing himself for the critical moments, he will thereby enhance his chances of success, and add lustre to the promotion which his achievements are sure to obtain for him. 3. The military profession involves a knowledge of almost every art, and information accumulated and held in store for the fortunate moment is suddenly demanded and called for, and he who can come forward and say, "I possess it," is the victor. A soldier can, therefore, never be placed in any situation in which his leisure moments may not be devoted to something that may some time win him a grade. 4. All knowledge, however, is the more readily obtained if sought after methodically. Thus, a soldier should be conversant first of all with the proper and legitimate duties of his grade, and, these attained, his next step is the acquirement of a knowledge of the duties of the next highest position; for success in military life is usually a succession of progressive steps from a lower to a higher, and the omission of one of these steps is an important deficiency, that should be repaired as soon as possible. Those officers who undertake the duties of a position without having made themselves familiar with those of grades below them are at a great disadvantage. 5. Beginning at the moment the soldier enters the ranks, we shall endeavor to make known to him all his duties in detail, in the order in which they are likely to be required of him, up to the grade of a commissioned officer. THE PRIVATE SOLDIER. 6. In the fullest sense, any man in the military service who receives pay, whether sworn in or not, is a soldier, because he is subject to military law. Under this general head, laborers, teamsters, sutlers, chaplains, &c. are soldiers. In a more limited sense, a private soldier is a man enlisted in the military service to serve in the cavalry, artillery, or infantry. He is said to be enlisted when he has been examined, his duties of obedience explained to him, and after he has taken the prescribed oath. 7. "Any free white* male person above the age of eighteen, and under thirty-five years of age, being at least five feet three inches high; effective, able-bodied, sober, free from disease, of good character and habits, and with a competent knowledge of the English language, may be enlisted as a soldier." (Reg. 929.) This regulation makes exceptions in favor of musicians and soldiers who have served *The enlistment of negroes and Indians is a peculiarity of the volunteer service, and has not yet been authorized for the regular service. one enlistment, although they should be under the prescribed height and age. A soldier cannot claim a discharge in consequence of any defect in the above requirements, unless, in case of a minor, he can prove that the requirements of the law have not been complied with in his enlistment. 8. In case of a minor under eighteen years of age, the written consent of the parents or guardian must be appended. 9. In time of peace, married men are excluded from enlistment, except in cases of re-enlistment, except by special authority from the AdjutantGeneral's Office. (Reg. 930.) It is but just to the soldier to know that his being such does not exclude him from getting married, or annul in any way the marriage contract. At the same time, he cannot claim exemption from any duty because he is married. 10. Whilst it is impossible for an officer to prevent a soldier from getting married, it is recommended, if he wishes to do so, that he should procure the consent of the company commander; otherwise he may subject himself to great unhappiness, as the officer is not required to recognize the wife in the army, and no provision is made for her; she cannot claim quarters or subsistence, nor any exemption for her husband from the duties of the soldier on her account. 11. Four laundresses are allowed to each company, and soldiers' wives may be, and generally are, mustered in that capacity. They are then entitled to the same quarters, fuel, and rations as a soldier, and the established pay for the washing they may do for soldiers and officers. 12. The term of enlistment at present in the regular service is for three years. In the volunteer service it varies according to the call under which they enter service. (Act July 29, 1861, sec. 5.) 13. After enlistment, no soldier can be discharged before the expiration of his term of service, except by order of the President, the Secretary of War, the commanding officer of a department in case of disability, or the sentence of a general court-martial. (Art. 11.) No soldier can leave the service without a proper discharge, without subjecting himself to the penalty of desertion. Any soldier who leaves his command, without permission, more than one mile, subjects himself to the penalty of desertion. (Art. 41.) 14. Any officer of the regular army is authorized to administer the oath to a soldier upon his enlistment. (Act Aug. 3, 1861, sec. 11.) 15. Whilst officers are required to have the Articles of War read to soldiers, no soldier can plead, in bar of punishment, that this regulation has not been complied with, although he may plead it in extenuation of his offence. Soldiers are not subject to arrest for debt, except where the sum is twenty dollars, or more, and then it must be contracted before enlisting. (Act Jan. 11, 1812.) 16. "Every soldier who, having been honorably |