Public debate surrounded Tennessee's decision to join the Confederacy, and both the Confederate and United States armies recruited soldiers from the state. Over 100,000 men from Tennessee served with the Confederacy, and over 31,000 served with the U.S. Army. Forrest posted advertisements to join his regiment, with the slogan, "Let's have some fun and kill some Yankees!". Forrest's command included his Escort Company (his "Special Forces"), for which he selected the best soldiers available. This unit, which varied in size from 40 to 90 men, constituted the elite of his cavalry.
pUBLic deBATe SuRrounDEd tennESSee'S DeCiSIon to join the confedeRACy, and both ThE ConfederATE ANd uNitEd statEs aRmiEs reCRuIteD soLDIers From the StatE. over 100,000 men fRom teNNESsee serVed with tHe coNFederAcy, anD oVeR 31,000 served witH tHE u.s. army. ForreSt pOsTed advertiSEments to joIN hiS regiment, WIth THe sLogaN, "let's Have some fun anD kill some YAnkEes!". FORREsT's ComMand inCluded his esCort compaNy (His "special forces"), FOr WhiCh HE SelEcTed tHe Best SolDIErs avaIlabLE. thiS unIT, Which varieD in sizE FRom 40 to 90 men, COnstITUted thE eliTe of his cavalRY.