are generally in charge of larger details and have corporals under their command to assist them. Since they are usually entrusted with more responsible duties, they are supposed to have greater experience and to be nearer the commissioned officer in knowledge of military matters. Sergeants generally have a more general supervision of the men, while the corporals have more of the details to attend to (365- 366).
Sergeants must be able to teach the School of the Soldier and the skirmish drill, and have a working knowledge of School of the Company. They must be prepared to take over the responsibilities and duties of the first Sergeant in case of absence or incapacity. The most important duty of a sergeant is that of a file- closer. Posted in the rear of the company when paraded, it is the file closer's duty to see that the men pay attention, preserve order, march properly, and keep the ranks closed to the proper interval.
In time of battle, it is the sergeant's duty to keep the men in ranks, not allow them to fallout on any pretext, and to prevent them from misbehaving before the enemy. He is even required to shoot men down when they attempt to run away in times of danger (368-369). In reenacting, the position of sergeant is especially important because he is the person the man in the ranks gives his weapon to if it becomes fouled. Only sergeants should ever be allowed to draw a rammer on the field to clear a fouled piece. The
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