Formation and Early History of Rough Riders:
The volunteers for the rough riders were gathered in four different areas: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The people gathered mainly from the southwest because it was a hot climate region that the men were used to similar to that of Cuba where they would be fighting. They gathered a bunch of men coming from cowboys, gold or mining prospectors, hunters, gamblers, Native Americans and college boys, police officers, and military veterans all of whom were capable on horseback and in shooting.
Equipment that the Rough Riders used:
For private soldiers and noncommissioned officers, they used the M1892/98 Springfield bolt action rifle in .30 Army (.30-.40) caliber "They succeeded in getting their cartridges, revolvers (Colt 45), clothing, shelter-tents, and horse gear and in getting the regiment armed with the Krag-Jorgensen carbine used by the regular cavalry.
Officers of the regiment each received a new lever-action M1895 Winchester rifle, also in .30 caliber Army. The Rough Riders also used Bowie Hunter knives. A last minute gift from a wealthy donor were a pair of modern tripod mounted, gas-operated M1895 Colt-Browning Machine Guns in 7mm Mauser caliber.
The Rough Rider uniform was a slouch hat, blue flannel shirt, brown trousers, leggings, and boots, with handkerchiefs knotted loosely around their necks. They looked a lot like Cowboys.
Training the Rough Riders:
Training was very standard, even for a cavalry unit. They worked on basic military drills, protocol, and habits involving conduct, obedience and etiquette. It was decided that the men would not be trained to use the saber as other cavalries often used, because they had no prior experience with that combat skill. The men proved to be eager to learn what was necessary and the training went smoothly. Although the men, were already experienced horsemen, the officers polished their techniques in riding, shooting from horseback, and practicing in formations and in skirmishes.
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