Dennis --

Prior service did not exempt a former soldier or officer from conscription. For example, an officer might resign his commission in early 1864 due to being overage (45 or older). He could then be conscripted later that year and become an enlisted man in the Alabama senior reserves. If you wish, I can offer the specifics of just such a case.

A soldier or officer who had a discharge for physical disability would have to pass a review by a board of surgeons set up for each Congressional District. If passed by the board, service in the senior reserves would be required.

The intention of senior reserve legislation was not to recruit another combat-ready command. Those who drafted the law wanted older, able-bodied men who could replace younger, able-bodied men currently assigned to rear-area services. For example, senior reserves could easily replace younger soldiers detailed as guards at prisons, supply depots &c.

Many senior reserves received exemptions from the Secretary of War as 'agriculturalists.' These men signed a bond to provide certain amounts of pork, corn and other food products for the army.