The Armed Strength of Spain (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 Excerpt: ...Saddler-Sergeant. The distinctions of rank for non-commissioned officers are as follows: --Regimental Sergeant-Major.--Gold chevron on sleeve as for an Ensign, but without a star. Colour Sergeant.--A triple gold stripe on each arm, sewn diagonally across the lower part of the sleeve. Sergeant.--Double gold stripes, similarly worn. Corporal.--Triple stripes of red worsted, similarly worn. 2nd Corporal.--Double stripes of red worsted, similarly worn. Soldiers of the 1st Class are distinguished by a single chevron of red worsted, worn point downwards on the lower part of the left arm. Artificers have a similar chevron on the upper part of the arm. Promotion. Promotion is given by seniority, and also for good service in war. Privates become non-commissioned officers in the first instance by selection, and afterwards their promotion is by seniority. In the Infantry one-third of the commissioned officers are promoted from the ranks, and two-thirds are furnished by the Toledo Infantry Academy.t In the Cavalry a similar rule is followed, but in the Artillery and Engineers the rank of officer is only given to Cadets who pass through the academies at Segovia and Guadalajara respectively. Promotion of Officers.--In the different branches of the service the promotion of officers is strictly by seniority, but there is an extensive system of brevet promotion. In the Engineers all classes ot sergeants hare silver chevrons. t See page 114. This brevet promotion is of two natures, viz., Army rank, as in our service, and honorary rank. The former is only given to officers (under the rank of Colonel) of the Artillery, Engineers, Staff, and Departments of the Army, and enables the holder to command a body of mixed troops by reason of bis seniority in the Army, regardless of his..