HISTORY

US Unit Classes

There are four classes of troops engaged in the War of 1812 for the United States:

Regulars: Troops who enlisted with the US Army for five years or the duration of the war. Regular troops were supplied, paid and trained by the War Department of the United State Government.
U.S. Volunteers: Troops who enlisted in specific units for one year. Regular troops were supplied and paid by a mix by the War Department and/or state/territorial Governments depending on the unit. These units were designed to be self-training or presumed to be already trained.
Militia: These units were called up for up to six month’s service. They were supplied, trained and paid by state governments. These units were supposed to receive annual training, but in practice these events had devolved into social gatherings by 1812.
Volunteer Militia: These units were assembled Ad Hoc for service up to a year. Maintained and paid by state or territorial governors. Typically these units served for a single campaign.