And considering the times, the Confederate Conscription Act of 1862 was a big paradigm shift. In the prior invasion, the War of 1812, boys were often enlisted into the regular U.S. Army. I have the military records of three brothers who took five year enlistments with their father. The boys were 12, 14, and 16 and they completed their obligation. Their father was 44 and died in service at 45.....also completing his obligation.