A question on French ranks.

[Murphy]

Evening chaps.

I just wanted to inquire about the French regular infantry's use of "Private". I've seen several regiments using Soldat, and some others using Fusilier. Is one of them more historically correct than the other? Or is it just preference?

Cheers,

Merfie.

[Nipplestockings]

Here's a rather basic rank structure chart:



Soldat is roughly equivalent to private.

[Walko]

Fusilier's were the French line infantry. Having the rank "Fusilier" would be the equivalent the rank "Voltigeur" I think. I am not expert though..

[Millander]

The 21e's rank structure. The best equivelend for what your looking for is Soldat de Deuxième (Soldat 2nd Class)

Spoiler

[close]

[Gizmo]

From what I've read on French websites, Soldat is really the basic rank whilst Fusilier (or Grenadier, Carabinier, Voltigeur, Chasseur, depends on the type of soldier) is like a specialisation. Soldat de Première classe isn't really a rank, it's just a distinction given to soldiers that did something special or very brave in a battle so it's kinda useless to say Soldat de Deuxième classe in fact.

[Rikugun Taishō Ito]

Helpful link: http://empire.histofig.com/IMG/jpg/franceinf_01-2.jpg

[Archduke Sven]

The 21e's rank structure. The best equivelend for what your looking for is Soldat de Deuxième (Soldat 2nd Class)

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[close]

Yes, using ranks that didn't exist is a great idea when the guy is asking for historical accuracy.

As for your question Murphy, Soldat was the actual rank, the enlisted man, however distinctions between units lead to the soldiers often being called by their unit, those from Fusilier companies where called Fusiliers, those from Grenadier companies where called Grenadiers and so on. Both where commonly used, although Soldat was more common in the paperwork and Fusilier was a little more casual, often used by the field soldiers.

[Menelaos]

Cadets are exclusively navy, I still have no clue why infantry regiments even consider it.

[Matthew]

What about Master Cadet 2nd Class?

[Menelaos]

heres the correct list

Spoiler

Commander of all forces
Commander of the army
Field Marshal
General
Major General
Lieutenant General
Half General
Quater General
Brigadeer
Colonel
Major Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major Major
Lieutenant Major
Major
First Captain
Captain
Captain second class
Lieutenant
Second lieutenant
Sergeant Major
Quater Master Sergeant
First Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal 1 star
Corporal
Grenadier 1st class
Grenadier
Private first class
Private
Recruit Master
Recruit 1st class
phase 7 recruit
phase 6 recruit
phase 5 recruit
phase 4 recruit
phase 3 recruit
phase 2 recruit
phase 1 recruit
recruit

[close]

[Walko]

10/10

[Murphy]

Thanks a lot for the replies. All seemed to be well educated facts.

heres the correct list

Spoiler

Commander of all forces
Commander of the army
Field Marshal
General
Major General
Lieutenant General
Half General
Quater General
Brigadeer
Colonel
Major Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major Major
Lieutenant Major
Major
First Captain
Captain
Captain second class
Lieutenant
Second lieutenant
Sergeant Major
Quater Master Sergeant
First Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal 1 star
Corporal
Grenadier 1st class
Grenadier
Private first class
Private
Recruit Master
Recruit 1st class
phase 7 recruit
phase 6 recruit
phase 5 recruit
phase 4 recruit
phase 3 recruit
phase 2 recruit
phase 1 recruit
recruit

[close]

I assume that's another one of Stefiboy's regiments?


Thanks a lot!