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The structure of the opposing armies was quite similar. The Union army had a slightly higher percentage of infantrymen, who were the workhorses of combat, while the Confederacy had a higher percentage of cavalrymen. Cavalry were more mobile and could better counteract Union manpower superiority. As the war dragged on, however, Confederate logistics broke down, and the army’s ability to feed its horses (supply, cavalry, and artillery) reached a critical stage, compelling Gen. Robert E. Lee to reduce the numbers. (Guy)
Nearly all the men on the two sides enlisted in the army. Although records are incomplete, perhaps 8% of total men in the Army of Northern Virginia were drafted or served as substitutes for draftees or volunteers. In the Army of the Potomac, approximately 3% were drafted and 6% entered as substitutes. (Guy)
Soldiers in the Army of Northern Virginia were married at a slightly higher rate than their Union adversaries, most likely a reflection of age and background. There was a considerable difference in parenthood, though. Only one in every five Union men was a father, whereas almost one in three Confederates had children at home, suggesting how deeply recruitment cut into the Confederate population. (Guy)