Command Simulation - Casualties by Company

It was not uncommon for regiments to be detached from their brigades or companies detached from their regiments during the Civil War.  Units were detailed to guard supply trains, depots or points along a supply line. This reduced the number of men available for engagements, but helped ensure the ability to keep the army in the field.

In the B & O WINTER command simulation, strategic victory will be based on an army's ability to occupy towns in the campaign theater, damage the enemy's railroad, and defend its own railroad. The orders of battle used in the simulation include cavalry companies that can operate independently to threaten supply lines and depots and damage rail lines. Detaching units to guard supply trains and vulnerable locations can deter marauding cavalry. 

The ability to detach companies affects how unit strength is calculated compared to previous simulations. Spreadsheets used to run the simulation break down regimental strength by company. At the beginning of the simulation, company strength will be calculated at 1/10 of regimental strength. A formula will be used for distributed losses down to company level, including men entering the hospital and losses in action.  A detached company that misses an engagement while on guard duty is likely to have a higher strength than the companies that were engaged.

The historical company commanders for the Federal side of the order of battle have been identified for the winter of 1861-1862 period. (In most cases it is the original Captain.) I am just starting to see if their are sufficient records to do the same for the Confederates.