The basic fighting unit was the regiment. Each regiment was theoretically composed of 20 independent companies, each 120 strong, totaling 2,400 men each, but in practice few maintained anything close to their rated strength. Most were at little more than half-strength, with some barely fielding 500 men.
On campaign the regiment was normally grouped in a vanguard of three companies, a main body of 10 companies, and a rearguard of three companies. The van and rear were usually commanded by lieutenant colonels, and the main body by either the colonel or lieutenant-colonel. Within the main body, the companies were positioned based on experience, with the most senior companies leading the column and the least experienced bringing up the rear. As a unit prepared for battle, the vanguard halted and faced the enemy, while the main body and rear doubled forward until they were the same length as the vanguard, thus creating a solid line.
The colonel was the commanding officer of the regiment. At the start of the civil wars, a few colonels were commoners in the parliamentary army, notably Sir William Fairfax and the famous Oliver Cromwell. But for the most part, the rank was restricted to the nobility or wealthy gentry. Colonels were almost always veterans of foreign service, and expected to be paid out of the rents and profits of their estates.
The lieutenant colonel was the second in command of the regiment. In the royalist army, he sometimes doubled as the major. Colonels sometimes delegated more responsibility to their lieutenant colonels than others. For instance, Cromwell's lieutenant colonel, Edward Whalley, exercised far more authority than did that of another famous parliamentarian, Lord Fairfax, under whose command Whalley later served. Lieutenant colonels were sometimes commoners, but more frequently members of the gentry, and usually had experience in the field before the start of the war.
The sergeant major was the chief administrator of the regiment, and responsible for issuing orders and collecting intelligence. He was responsible for the physical well-being of the soldiers, and ensuring they were provided with clothing, food, and shelter. Most regimental sergeant majors were seasoned veterans.
Each company was commanded by a captain. As with colonels, captains were almost invariably members of the gentry. Although technically the commanding officer of the company, on the battlefield, captains rarely issued orders once battle was joined. Instead, they concentrated on fighting and setting an example for their men.
The senior subordinate to the captain was the lieutenant. His duties were roughly equivalent to the modern day adjutant, acting as the captain's second-in-command, and often relaying orders to the sergeants and corporals. The lieutenant was generally a younger member of the gentry or the local yeomanry.
Subordinate to the lieutenant were two ensigns. Like the lieutenant, they were subordinate officers, but with no special duties. They carried the company colours and ensured they remained uncaptured as long as possible. Ensigns were frequently the youngest sons of the local gentry. The third most junior officer was the sergeant, who was responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the company, and acted as the adjutant. He kept track of the company's muster roll, and distributed clothing, food, and ammunition. Sergeants were usually former corporals or experienced soldiers.
Below the sergeant in the hierarchy were the three corporals. They maintained order and discipline within the company, and carried out the sergeant's orders. Corporals were chosen for their martial qualities, and were either volunteers from the ranks or transferred from other regiments. They were always experienced soldiers. There were also a few musicians in most companies, who acted as signalmen, as well as a doctor, chaplain and surgeon.
Cyprus
The Venetian Military Forces in Cyprus were as follows:
- Captain-General: The overall commander of the Venetian forces on Cyprus, often a nobleman from Venice with extensive military experience.
- Governor of Nicosia: The military and civilian leader of the capital city of Nicosia, the most senior military post on the island after the Captain-General.
- Governors of Famagusta, Kyrenia, Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca: Military and civilian leaders of the other major cities and towns on Cyprus, responsible for their defense and administration.
- Colonels: Commanders of infantry regiments, responsible for training and leading their units in combat.
- Captains: Commanders of individual companies within the infantry regiments.
- Lieutenants: Subordinate officers who assisted the captains in leading their companies.
- Ensigns: Junior officers who carried the company's standard and assisted with administrative duties.
- Sergeants: Non-commissioned officers who oversaw the training and discipline of the soldiers in their units.
- Corporals: Non-commissioned officers who led small groups of soldiers and assisted the sergeants.
- Private Soldiers: The main body of the Venetian military forces, drawn from both professional soldiers and local recruits.