From the time of the American Revolution, most junior officers in the American military attained their positions through election by the volunteer soldiers in their company, a tradition that reflected commitment to democracy even in times of war. By the outset of the Civil War, citizen-officers had fallen under sharp criticism from career military leaders who decried their lack of discipline and efficiency in battle. Andrew S. Bledsoe's Citizen Officers explores the role of the volunteer officer corps during the Civil War and the unique leadership challenges they faced when military...
From the time of the American Revolution, most junior officers in the American military attained their positions through election by the volunteer ...
