How were company officers chosen for the civil war?

During the Civil War, company officers were typically chosen through a combination of election and appointment. In volunteer regiments, soldiers would often elect their company officers, such as captains and lieutenants, from among their ranks, fostering a sense of camaraderie and accountability. In contrast, some officers, particularly in regular army units, were appointed by higher authorities based on merit, experience, or political connections. This dual system reflected the diverse nature of leadership in the Union and Confederate armies.