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Re: [Gen'l Info] "Lance" Rank for NCOs

Posted By: David Winfred Gaddy
Date: Monday, 2 January 2006 1538 hrs. EDT

In Response To: Re: [Gen'l Info] "Lance" Rank for NCOs (Billy Markland)

Billy, in the time since posing the question (in the context of the Confederate Army) I have seen several references that have led me to conclude that the term "lance" (in that context) was a temporary "boost" in authority (but not in pay). An officer needing a sgt or cpl quickly could authorize a chosen private to "wear the stripes" and be regarded as exercising the authority of the higher rank until relieved. This appears to have been time-limited, but also must have afforded an opportunity for a potentially promotable private to "show his stuff." With a bit of tongue-in-cheek, I've likened it to a brevet for an officer

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