Common Sense and a Common Bond
This, our solemn declaration to our history,
our comrades and to each other.
Mission
- To create a tool to build an environment in Civil War Reenacting in which history is first, last and foremost. To foster ownership of events, proceeds, scenarios and schedules for the betterment of the hobby for the men in the ranks, the public and each other. Ownership- To secure a respectable future for our hobby, we will continue to organize and/or assist in the responsibility of elevating the standards of the Civil War events we support, with the goal to represent history. We will strive in every area to depict the ‘patriots of the war’ to the best of our ability. We consistently seek opportunities to further the education of others and ourselves about the sacrifices of our forefathers. Authenticity is our perpetual journey; our endeavor is to always improve. It is our responsibility to assist and encourage others on their journey and it is hoped that the future generations that attend our events will leave with a new and correct vision of the sacrifices made by our ancestors.
WE BELIEVE THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY:
I. Historical Progressive Scenarios – with unit specific researched scenarios, historical ratios, good combat distance, and background information so each unit can properly research their role in the event.
~ Scenarios must be staged on sufficient acreage (where practicable) to insure good combat distance and background information must be distributed prior to the event so each unit can properly research their role in the event.
~ Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery will be used as they historically were at the given scenario, and will participate accordingly.
~ Scripted public scenarios are in essence a play, and it is key that each participant researches their part, that the timing is exact, that forces are brought into action properly and historically; in general the stage is set in such a way as to permit the actors to excel.
~ Pre-battle ‘walkthroughs’ for all field grade commanders from both sides are required at events, so that we can provide the troops and the public the best interpretation possible, and also create ownership and mutual accountability.
1. Whenever the proper execution of a scenario fails, the respective army commanders will meet with whatever officers they deem necessary, afterwards, to discuss what transpired. If this happens to be a recurring problem with the same individuals and/or organizations at our events, removal from the event and a one-year suspension from command will apply.
2. Any officer intentionally, and with malice, deemed guilty of failing to follow his assigned role in a scenario will be removed and will not be allowed to participate in a command role at any event that we organize for a probationary period of no less than 1 year.
II. Preservation Dollars
~ Since (at our expense) we are the tool necessary to generate the gate revenues, we offer to participants of our events the right to view the financial records which will be published as soon after the event as practicable, and we demand the same for our constituents. We highly encourage total donation of all net proceeds be directed towards Civil War historical preservation or conservation efforts.
III. Bringing back the fun of the hobby
~ We deserve/demand good battles, plenty of living history and reenactor education programs, and good camping areas for both campaign and garrison troops.
IV. Enforce event rules.
~ Since the non-enforcement of written rules and regulations compromises the quality and safety of events, we fully champion a fully functional Assistant Inspector General department and a Provost with the authority to enforce the event rules, and further will support all their efforts as required.
V. Educating the public.
~ Our goal is to provide high quality demonstrations in order to better educate the attending public, and create in them a better sense of our collective history.
WHY ARE THE SPECTATORS
LAUGHING AT US?
The spectators who attend reenactments today are far more educated than in the past, so it is our responsibility to them to raise our standards so not to disappoint or mislead them. As leaders, consumers, owners and participants, we require any event we sponsor, command and/or organize, to at a minimum, adopt the following guidelines. While we realize we cannot dictate to others, we encourage those who wish our support to address the following-
Safety Regulations
1. No illegal drugs. THIS IS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. You will be expelled immediately from the event.
2. No excessive drinking will be permitted.
3. Only commissioned officers will be allowed to carry side arms, with the exception of mounted troops who will be allowed one pistol per person.
4. No Modern Weapons, period. We don’t care if you have a "carry" permit or not. Leave your modern weapons (and all live ammo) at home.
5. Artillery...We all have been in the hobby long enough to know right from wrong. The moving armies that we portray used tubes on carriages supported by 57" wheels (or sometimes bigger). Yes there were some smaller wheels used to transport guns in mountainous campaigns but that was the exception rather than the rule. No scaled down tubes..period! NO mortars or other silly "little bangers" unless prior permission is secured. This too is a speciality impression.
Military Impressions
1. Use common sense! If your uniform looks like it could have been worn in a John Wayne movie or if you could attend a rodeo in your uniform and not stand out, then it’s time to upgrade!
2. Each participant will, to the best of their ability, adapt their impression to the campaign being portrayed. This may mean no dead animal parts on uniform or weapons, corps badges or other insignia (unless specific scenarios call for such), no specialty impressions unless pre-approved, and carry the proper gear (heavy marching order or light) depending on the scenario.
3. If a woman desires to impersonate a male of the 1860's, she must not be identifiable as a woman. If we can spot it, SO CAN THE PUBLIC! It is our ambition to honor the brave soldiers of 1861, not to mock them.
Over all Visual Standards
(in camp and in the field)
1.No modern items are to be open to public view.
2.Military Camps will be treated as such, and adjacent civilian camps will have separate civilian management.
3.NO modern glasses, face or ear jewelry, shoes, watches or any other modern clothing item will be allowed. This is a zero tolerance policy.
4.ALL participants must be in period dress from 7 a.m. Saturday through Sunday after the battle. Anyone not attired in period dress will be asked to leave the period camps.
5.No use of modern tobacco products in view of the public in camps or in battle scenarios. NO SMOKING period when in ranks or handling a firearm. You and/or your file partner may be handling explosive black powder. BANG!
Sutlers
1. Event organizers will be required to honestly and accurately communicate to prospective sutlers the number of participants expected, registration numbers and any other requested information to insure good business practice.
2. The number of sutlers at any given event shall be managed carefully, and their registrations be accepted in proportion to the number of participants.
In Conclusion
Individual Responsibilities- Only through firm and fair application can this resolution achieve the mission we have chosen. It is our personal responsibility to pledge our dedication to the enforcement of this proclamation. It is our responsibility to provide for our constituents and brothers the Civil War experience for which we all joined this hobby.
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