New York State Adjutant General's Office General Orders

General orders: Chronological by year and therein by order number.

Divisional and Brigade Orders: Numerical by division or brigade name (i.e. 1st Division, 2nd Brigade) and therein chronological.

This series consists of bound general orders issued by the adjutant general and commanding officers of specific military units (usually divisions) to direct those under their command in carrying out specified operations and policies. General orders are permanent orders which apply to all members of a command and usually concern policy or administrative matters. General orders deal with the military system as a whole and should not be confused with special orders, which deal with specific units and individuals. Typically included with the orders are copies of circulars and bulletins published for "the information and guidance of all concerned." These were issued by the adjutant general as replies to questions relative to the general orders or approving regulations.

In volumes dating from 1929-1937, training circulars and post orders (administrative orders pertaining to specific military installations) are bound together with the general orders and bulletins. Divisional and brigade orders (1867-1917) appear in separately bound volumes at the end of the series.

The general orders deal with numerous topics pertinent to New York State Militia, Naval Militia, and later National Guard units. Included are orders dealing with assignments, detachments, and reorganization of units; rescindment, corrections, and amendments of previously issued general orders; pay, promotions, demotions, and transfers of personnel; issuance of arms, uniforms, equipment, and accoutrements to units and training institutions, including site selection, expenses/accounts, and authorization for repairs to armories; courts martial and appeals; details for special occasions; appointments of aides to the governor; changes in designations of units; discharges, re-enlistments, and retirements; training exercises; issuance of regulations; grants or suspension of leaves of absence; and awarding of prizes. More recent volumes include Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) forms.

14405 Special Orders contains additional Adjutant General's orders.

14404 Letter Orders contains additional Adjutant General's orders.

A0172 Certificates of Appointment and General and Special Orders contains additional Adjutant General's orders.

B1576 Orderly Book contains additional Adjutant General's orders.

Indexing is irregular. Some volumes contain a name/subject index to the general orders; some volumes (also/only) contain a separate index to bulletins and circulars. Indexing of division and brigade orders is very limited.

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