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Unit History
The First Louisiana Zouaves were organized and trained for twelve months on March 27, 1861. The unit fought in many major battles throughout 1861-62, following the battle of Sharpsburg, the battalion was so reduced in strength that they were reorganized as regulars in Confederate service. The initial enrollment of the battalion's six companies was 616 officers and men, of these 52 were killed in battle, 26 died of disease, and 2 died accidentally. The actions of the Zouaves on and off the battlefield led to their being referred to as Jeff Davis' Pet Wolves, and ultimately to all Louisiana soldiers eventually being called "Tigers."
"Jefferson Davis himself gave Gaston Coppens his commission as a Lieutenant Colonel, as well as permission to form the Zouave battalion. As a disciplinarian and organizer, Coppens would fail miserably, but on the battlefield leading his men, he excelled. Coppens used his position and influence to grant some of his family members positions within his unit. His younger brother, Marie Alfred, commanded Company F, and eventually would take over the battalion. Leon, another brother, was a sergeant, and his father, Baron August De Coppens served as quartermaster for much of the war. While family members received some favoritism, Coppens was savvy enough to find and recruit officers into his staff with experience in either the state militia or in European armies. Most notable was his second-in-command Major Waldemar Hylsted, from Switzerland, who served with the United States in the Mexican War, the French Army in the Crimean War, and as a Captain in the Danish Army. Also of note were Fulgence de Bordenave, a French officer with Algerian and Crimean War experience, who spoke no English, and commanded Company B, and Paul F. DeGournay, commanding Company E, who served as an officer in the Louisiana Militia's Battalion d'Artillery d'Orleans."
In the Antietam Campaign:
"The Battle of Shaprsburg began at first light with Federal artillery firing on the brigades of Douglass, Trimble, and Hays. The Second Louisiana Brigade held its reserve position, until finally called upon to help repel the assault of General Hooker's Division. Starke's men came down the west side of the sunken road, through a small patch of woods, and crashed headlong into the attacking Federals. General Starke fell dead, pierced by three balls, as both sides unleashed tremendous volleys into each other. It was once again the tough western regiments of the Iron Brigade that the Louisianians battled in the West Woods and along the Hagerstown Pike this day. Although their stand was defiant, the overwhelming pressure of the Union numbers forced the Brigade to fall back to new positions near the Dunker Church where the remained for the remainder of the battle. The Zouave Battalion which had marched so proudly out of New Orleans with 600 men, now presented only 12 men present for duty. As the lists of the casualties from the bloodiest day in American history were compiled, the name of Lieutenant Colonel Gaston Coppens was numbered with the dead. Marie Alfred Coppens was to remain in command of the Zouaves as the retreat south began."
Company Role
The company will predominantly be an infantry unit, but we will also train in light infantry tactics and maybe even artillery. Sharpshooting will not be our role in game but we will pride ourselves with being expert marksmen. As the unit grows we will add more companies and will eventually add an artillery unit (Co. E Heavy Artillery.) We aim to be an elite unit and will train hard to attain that status. We will take missions that are too dangerous for most men and do what few have done. We will win honor and glory on the field of battle. We will be the envy of our southern brothers and will instill terror in the yankees.
Rank & Roles
-ENLISTED-
Recruit:
This is the bottom of the totem pole, all he has to do is follow orders. The Recruit will be trained in basic drill and marksmanship skills so that he will be able to work in the unit and be decent in combat. He should be able to follow simple commands and be accurate at ranges of around 50-75 yards. He must go through basic combat training in order to advance to Private.
Private:
The Private is the next step up the pole, he has proven that he is capable in combat and following orders. He is proficient in drill and basic marksmanship. He will now move onto more advanced training in drill and marksmanship, once he completes his training he should know most of the commands and be able to hit targets at ranges of around 100-200 yards.
-NCO's-
UxgZCTN.png Corporal:
The Corporal is to be an example to their juniors in how they should act and compose themselves, He will help keep formation in combat and help to maintain a proper line. They should conduct themselves honorably and be respectful to others. They must have some level of leadership skill and be capable of commanding men on the battlefield. They are to be expert marksman and should be able to hit targets out to 300-500 yards. They need to be brave and level headed in combat, they should never panic.
EaiwbMW.png Sergeant:
The Sergeant is the Bull of the unit, he is to be stern but fair. He will be responsible for disciplining the men and training them to the highest level possible. He must have good leadership skills and be excellent in drill and marksmanship. He will be responsible for 1 section of the company. He will also be responsible in helping guide troop movements and keeping the men in order.
bXh5XYQ.png 1st Sergeant
The 1st Sergeant will be the first to take command if all the officers are killed. He must be a leader and be capable of commanding large groups of men. He is to meet the needs of the men below him, and make sure that they are being trained properly. It is his job to take after action reports, and to make sure that the men maintain a good standard of readiness. He will also be the main recruiter for the company.
-OFFICERS-
k8f146S.png 2nd Lieutenant:
The 2nd Lieutenant is the junior of the officers. He will be in command of one platoon. He will help the senior officers with selecting men for promotion and managing men in the company. He will help schedule and organize events and training. He will need to know how to lead men in combat and be a decent strategist. He needs to know how to do things by the book but should also know how to improvise when the situation dictates.
lxWJam6.png 1st Lieutenant:
The 1st Lieutenant's role is similar to the 2nd Lieutenant, He will be responsible for the other platoon. He will be responsible for screening the men to see who is ready for promotion and who is capable for leadership positions.
FddN2oC.png Captain:
The Captain is the head of the company, it is his job to lead them men into combat. He is responsible for every man below him; the well being of the company rest on his shoulders. He must make sure that every man below him is doing their job and preforming adequately. He must be competent in all roles below him.
Uniforms
Coppens Zouaves were merged with Wheats Tigers after the battle of Gaines mill, Coppens Zouaves had a more traditional Zouave uniform compared to the Tiger Rifles, men will have a choice in which uniform to wear if they add Coppens uniform to the game, if not then we will stick with the Tiger Rifles uniform shown in the picture above. Coppens uniform is shown below.
Below is a picture of the Tigers rifles uniform with the stripe pants, and coppens zouaves with the red pants and yellow trim.
Code Of Conduct
1. Every member of the company will be expected to conduct themselves in an honorable manner and treat others with kindness and respect at all times in every circumstance. Trolling, racism, griefing, and discrimination will not be tolerated. Repeated offenses will result in the offender being removed from the company.
2. Respect of Senior Officers is required during battles/events. Men must not question orders during battle/event, men will have an opportunity to discuss their concerns and criticisms during training. During battle men are expected to listen only speak when given permission. Men will have a chance to let loose and cut-up but during battle they will be required to act appropriately.
3. Attendance to training and events is highly encouraged in order to get the most out of the company, we understand that people have lives and can't always attend so we will not count lack of attendance against you, however we will require you to complete basic training in order be promoted.
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