U.S. ARMY RANK INSIGNIA

The Later Revolutionary War Era / 1779

In 1779, Gen. Washington devised a plan to take advantage
of the new found wealth he believed the alliance with France would bring.
The volunteer regiments of the United States would be grouped into Corps Areas by geographic region.
The troops of each Corps Area would wear a distinctive outer coat.
All coats to be blue with facings in white, buff, red, and blue; respectively.

Unfortunately, Washington's plan was countered with a Congressional plan and it is unclear to what extent either was carried forth. One order did stand, a white center was added to the black cockade of officers to outwardly signify the French alliance. French officers wore white cockade and coat.

Artillerymen were the elite troops of this era.
The need for a knowledge of mathematics and engineering made them a cut above other army branches.
The uniform reflected the distinction; it was virtually the same in any army world wide.