McNerlin is a career officer who has served since the beginning of the war. He is a strict, no nonsense, by-the-book type.

During the most recent conflict at the fort, in which a band of “Wichita Witches” from the Black River rail line had aligned themselves with the Confederates and his own scientist, he had proven to be an able commander, though with a blind spot as far as his own prejudice against a certain Lt. Goree. Goree was killed in that action, though not due to any actions or inaction on the part of McNerlin.