Congress Approves Increasing the Size of the Corps

After the First Battle of Bull Run, the need for a more effective Marine Corps became clear and Congress passed an act that increased the strength of the Corps. The act stated that the Marine Corps should consist of the following:

1 Colonel Commandant

1 Colonel
2 Lieutenant Colonels
4 Majors
1 Adjutant and inspector
1 Paymaster
1 Quartermaster
2 Assistant Quartermasters
20 Captains
30 1st Lieutenants
30 2nd Lieutenants
1 Sergeant Major
1 Quartermaster Sergeant
1 Drum Major
1 Principal Musician
200 Sergeants
220 Corporals
30 Musicians for the band
60 Drummers
60 fifers
2,500 Privates

Under the new act, all commissioned offices were required to be between the ages of 20-25 years old and were subjected to an examination to their qualifications.

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