HISTORY

Officers: Army VS. Navy

The British Army was still allowing individuals to buy commissions in 1812, up to the rank of Lieutenant. Colonel. Although not a good starting point, it did mean that generally senior officers were in place on the basis of merit, not money or where political appointees. The Royal Navy was in much better shape. To become an officer in the Royal Navy one needed six years of experience and pass a seamanship test. That made a much better class of officers from the start . . . although it was not perfect. See the example of Capt. Bligh.

Senior American Army officers on the on the other hand were political appointees (serious Republicans) or relics from the Revolution who never advanced beyond the rank of Colonel. Both methods proved to be a disaster. The better officers were junior officers with a West Point education . . . although they were in short supply due to the institute's tiny class size from 1802 to 1812 . . . less than 100 students.