Bob,

The 30th Virginia Battalion of Sharpshooters was organized initially by converting 3 batteries of artillery to infantry service plus 3 new companies of troops in Sept., 1862. These were:

Adams' Battery..became Co. A
French's Battery...became Co. B
Vawter's Battery....became co. C.

These batteries had been captured at Fort Donelson. When they were exchanged they were reorganized as infantry.

Though many perceive the Sharpshooter units as somewhat elite, I tend to disagree with this perception. The 30th Virginia Battalion spent the majority of its existance in theaters of war where they had few major encounters with the enemy, until May of 1864, when it took part in the Battle of New Market, then at Cold Harbor, and the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

The aspect of Sharpshooting at the time of the Civil War had a stigma attached to it. Men did not fall all over themselves to take part in such activities, feeling it somewhat dishonorable not to engage the enemy in a stand up fight.

Most Sharpshooter units were used as skirmishers and scouts. This was the capacity in which the 30th was used by its brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Gabriel C. Wharton.

As to becoming a member, all one had to do was enlist in the unit.