<Tr> <Th> </Th> <Th> </Th> <Th> no insignia </Th> <Th> no insignia </Th> </Tr> <P> Branch colors were used for color of chevrons--blue for infantry, yellow for cavalry, and red for artillery . This could differ with some units, however, depending on available resources or the unit commander's desire . Cavalry regiments from Texas, for example, often used red insignia and at least one Texas infantry regiment used black . </P> <P> The CSA differed from many contemporaneous armies in that all officers under the rank of brigadier general were elected by the soldiers under their command . The Confederate Congress authorized the awarding of medals for courage and good conduct on October 13, 1862, but war time difficulties prevented the procurement of the needed medals . To avoid postponing recognition for their valor, those nominated for the awards had their names placed on a Roll of Honor, which would be read at the first dress parade after its receipt and be published in at least one newspaper in each state . </P> <P> The C.S. Army was composed of independent armies and military departments that were constituted, renamed, and disbanded as needs arose, particularly in reaction to offensives launched by the United States . These major units were generally named after states or geographic regions (in comparison to the U.S. Army's custom of naming armies after rivers). Armies were usually commanded by full generals (there were seven in the C.S. Army) or lieutenant generals . Some of the more important armies and their commanders were: </P>

Who determined overall strategy for the armed forces of the confederacy