Final answer:
The NCO ranks during the Revolutionary War included Sergeant, Corporal, and variations such as Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Major, critical for commanding troops and maintaining order under leadership like General George Washington.
Step-by-step explanation:
The NCO ranks during the Revolutionary War were not explicitly mentioned in the provided excerpts. However, it can be inferred from historical context that the usual ranks included positions such as Sergeant, Corporal, and various grades of Sgt. including Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Major. These NCOs played critical roles in commanding troops, maintaining discipline, and executing the daily operations of the Continental Army under leaders like General George Washington.
Notably, the Revolutionary War saw various individuals ascend in rank due to merit and necessity, such as Boston King and Boyrereau Brinch, who played roles as Black veterans. The conflict provided opportunities for rise in social and military status amidst the struggle for independence and even affected those not typically involved in the military, such as women and different ethnic groups.
It's essential to acknowledge the social dynamics during the war, as depicted in the stories of key figures like General George Washington at Cambridge, Major General Benjamin Lincoln, and Major Benedict Arnold. Their leadership was supported by the stout structure of NCOs, who were the backbone of the army.