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Military By-Laws
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Bylaws for the 13th Tennessee Infantry Regiment and the Shelbyville Aid Society1. This military organization shall be known as the C Company, 13th Tennessee Infantry Regiment and the civilian organization shall be known as the Shelbyville Aid Society 2. The American Legion of Lake Zurich, IL shall be the chartering organization of CREW 862 BSA. All Venture Scout regulations will be followed. All members under the age of 21 will be Venture Scouts, and members 21 years and older will be Adult Scouters. One adult member of the command will be the Crew Advisor. 3. Associate members of the unit are those who are neither crew members nor adult scouters. 4. The organization will be commanded by a Captain and co-led by the Civilian Coordinator, who must both be an adult scouters. The captain will be responsible, and the final authority over, both the military and the civilian organizations. He may not serve more than four years in this position. 5. Male members will serve with the military organization and the female members with the civilian organization. 6. In absence of the Captain, the Lieutenant or senior ranking noncommissioned officer present will be in command of the military organization. In absence of the Civilian Coordinator, the civilians present will choose an adult temporary Civilian Coordinator for that event. 7. The company will be divided into platoons, one of venturers, and one of adults. There may also be a small platoon of mixed personnel. CIVILIANS8. Females will not be encouraged to serve as soldiers as it was highly uncommon. Should this happen, the female will stay in character at all times while at an event. She will only be able to attend event dances as a male. The standard she must follow is known as the "6-foot rule", that is that you cannot determine gender at a distance of six feet. 9. The civilians will be led by a Civilian Coordinator, who will be an Adult Scouter. She will be under the authority of the Officer Commanding. 10. The Civilians will camp in the Civilian Camp whenever one is established at an event. If no Civilian Camp exists, Civilians will camp with, but apart and separated from, the military camp. RANK11. All positions of Rank will be elected annually. The entire Company will elect the Captain, each Platoon will elect their Officers, each section will elect their non-commissioned Officers, and Civilians will elect a Civilian Coordinator. 12. While participating in other re-enacting units is acceptable, because of the greater amount of responsibility required, no soldier holding rank in another re-enacting organization will be eligible for any position in this company. 13. No rank will be attained until at least one campaigning season has been spent in the next lowest rank. A minimum of six reenactments must be attended, plus regular attendance at drill, prior to election to corporal. ALL personnel who wish to run for the office of the rank of corporal or higher MUST pass a written examination. 14. A Quartermaster Sergeant may be APPOINTED by the Captain. He will be responsible for laying out the company street when necessary, watching over company food at events, and keeping detailed records of all company property. He may serve in the ranks in battle. 15. The Captain may appoint an Adjutant Corporal to assist in company paperwork. 16. Company finances are the responsibility of the Captain, who may APPOINT a Paymaster to handle all financial matters. 17. Every Officer, commissioned or non-commissioned, elected or appointed, is expected to faithfully execute the duties of his office, to work on correctly portraying his impression, to attend all scheduled events if possible, and to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of his rank. 18. The number of officers and non-commissioned officers shall be prescribed by the following schedule. It is based on average event attendance, not overall unit membership.
DISCIPLlNE19. Minor breaches of the Articles of War will be handled by the offender's ranking non-commissioned Officer, who may on his own authority assign extra duty. The non-commissioned Officer will make a full report of this to his immediate superior. Serious breaches of the Articles of War will be investigated by the offender's Lieutenant, who will present his finding to the officers in assembly. Offences committed by a Civilians will be addressed by the Civilian Coordinator. Any member upon whom punishment is imposed has the right to appeal the case to the officers in assembly. In ALL cases, the Captain will have the final responsibility. BUSINESS MEETINGS20. A. The unit will have an annual business meeting each year to conduct appropriate business, to vote on unit events for the coming season, and to conduct any needed elections. UNIT SAFETY GUIDELINESSafety in re-enacting CANNOT be emphasized enough. No matter how good an event, no matter if the camp or battle be without equal, one injury voids the entire experience. The Secession Guards is totally dedicated to protecting the well being of all involved.... ourselves, fellow re-enactors, and the spectators. Rule 1. NO HORSEPLAY-EVER!!! More people are injured while just plain messing around than at any other time. Remember, we are not Playing at soldier, we are soldiers! There is no room for horseplay. Rule 2. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!! We are handling real firearms, with real gunpowder, and real edged weapons. The briefest moment of inattention can cause a tragedy. Tragedy does not mean death. It can be the loss of hearing due to improper discharge of a weapon, lacerated fingers or legs from a bayonet, or gunpowder burns from a rifle which goes off while loading. One much overlooked factor in re-enactor safety is physical conditioning. A typical event has the equivalent of three 45 minute P.E. classes each day, with company drill, battalion drill, and the day's battle. While this not exactly the Olympics, we are engaging in significant physical activity. Drill and battle in hot weather are very demanding physically, and normal camp life is strenuous beyond normal demands. Since muscle resists injury better than fat, it follows that the less fat, the less injury. Hearts and lungs receiving no workout beyond a quick run to the refrigerator during commercials can hardly be expected to function well under the stress of an event. A tired body leads to mistakes and injuries. So, get some exercise between events, toughen up the body as well as the mind. Besides all this, we are Confederate soldiers-lean, hard fighting men. Let's not dishonor the memory of the boys of 1861 by being soft. Rule 3. Other re-enactors may generally drill and participate with us as long as they are adults, have the same type of medical authorization form signed and in our possession, and can competently perform the drill.... to our unit's standard. Now that the common sense issues are out of the way, here are the specifics. CAMPNo loaded long-arms are allowed in camp. Campfires must be treated with due respect. Extreme caution must be exercised when using any liquid fire starter. Straw, dry vegetation, and other combustibles, your personal kit, for example, must be kept clear of the firepit. Use proper tools when poking up the fire, or when cooking. Tent stakes must be driven all the way into the ground, lest someone trip over them. Due caution around the guy ropes is in order. Loose kit or trash scattered about raises the chances of a short trip with a long fall. A police call of the company streets will be conducted by the 1st Sergeant and attendant NCO's. They will not only look for trash, but to ensure that non-period items are out of public view. BATTLEFIELDThe potential for injury in battle is tremendous. While some hazards are practically unavoidable, most are easily prevented. Naturally, a properly functioning weapon is a necessity. A firearm which goes off on half-cock, or has a hair trigger, is an accident waiting to happen. A dirty weapon is as dangerous as a broken one so keep them clean. Also then you now know why weapons are frequently inspected. Ramrods are never drawn on the battlefield, except for a weapon malfunction, and then only by non-commissioned officers behind the line of battle. Similarly, tompion should never be brought onto the battlefield. Weapons will be loaded from rolled cartridges ONLY. Unwrapped cartridges will only be carried in cartridge boxes - not in haversacks or pockets. A flask will never be used to load any weapon. A loaded flask is very much like a hand grenade and thereby endangering everyone around the carrier. Edged weapons will never be drawn in ranks. Knives, swords and bayonets must be carried in period appropriate sheaths. When the action comes to close quarters, under 50 yards, muzzles will be elevated. At very close range, like when engaging cavalry or charging a position it is very appropriate to fire at extremely high elevation. While on the subject of close quarters combat we never initiate hand to hand combat unless the highly unlikely event that the script calls for it. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will we try to take another unit's flag. That's how to really anger people. A much overlooked safety concern is dressed lines. Having shorter barreled firearms we carry, any deviation in dress puts someone in front of a muzzle. By the same token, take care of your pards and don't fire if anyone else is even slightly to your front. Furthermore, the safety rules set forth by the event host shall always be obeyed. New members must receive weapons safety and firing instructions from a company NCO prior to firing a weapon with the unit. It would be highly probable that the first time on the firing line that he would fire caps only. Remember at all times - listen to your officers and obey immediately. It's their job to keep you out of trouble and enforce safety rules. Keep your wits about you; don't talk in the ranks or shout insults and taunts at the federals and keep in mind that the battle isn't real. WEATHERBoth heat and cold can seriously kill or injure you. Proper precautions must be taken. Heat is our biggest concern. We have all seen re-enactors collapse from heat exhaustion, which can go into heat stroke if not treated quickly - heat stroke kills. The best prevention is liquid. In hot weather you must drink plenty of water. If you are not urinating, you are not drinking enough. Avoid very cold water, which can shock the system, and stay away from sweet carbonated drinks, like root beer. Some additive, like Gatorade, is beneficial, but plain water is best. A wet rag worn around the neck - or under the hat can keep your internals from overheating. Try to limit exertion in hot weather, and wear lose fitting, light weight clothing. Furthermore, when at all possible, keep your shirtsleeves unbuttoned, do not blouse your trousers, and remove your shell jacket as soon as practicable. You need air circulating around your body. As a unit we will try to drill as early in the day as feasible, and, if the public is not present, we will drill without wearing our shell jackets. That about covers the basics. Reenacting is a great lifestyle, but hardly worth dying for. We do have to return to school and work on Monday, and continue life in general, so no effort will be spared to make the weekend as safe as possible for all concerned. ARTICLES OF WARFORWARDSince the formation of this regiment, our goals have been the these;
The rules and regulations which follow have been written for the sole purpose of helping us achieve these goals. It is hoped that by clearly stating what is expected of each member, there will be no doubt as to our purposes, duties, and conduct. The ultimate success of our Regiment has never been in doubt, but with everyone working in the same direction it can certainly be realized sooner. These regulations, though formulated primarily for active male members, also apply equally as well to female and male civilian members with exception of the sections concerning uniforms & weapons. Female and male civilian members participating in events will be dressed in appropriate authentic attire and will not carry military weapons. The remaining regulations apply as stated. It is hoped that everyone will recognize the necessity of these regulations and accept them in a spirit of loyalty and dedication to our goals. CONDUCT1. The first duty of a Soldier is to obey and show proper respect to his Officers. Soldiers will never refuse to obey an order to perform a duty or detail, neither will they back talk a Superior. 2. Soldiers will conduct themselves with maturity and dignity. Only Gentlemen of Honor will be tolerated. 3. Proper discipline being necessary to the efficiency of the Command, punishment for infractions is required. Punishments will include extra duty, reduction in rank, suspensions from duty, and cashiering from the Company. No punishment will be imposed without due process of law as provided in these articles of War and Bylaws. 4. Troopers will be cashiered from the Company for any violation of civil law, including, but not limited to, possession of any illegal substance, assault, vandalism, theft, providing intoxicants to minors. 5. Soldiers will not drink any alcoholic beverages. 6. Soldiers will be diligent to learn all aspects of Military life, both battle and camp, including applicable Regulations and drill. 7. Soldiers will be diligent to provide themselves with all necessary uniforms, weapons, ammunition, equipment, and supplies, and for bringing needed articles to every campaign. Recruits will be assisted in every possible way, but veterans failing to provide for themselves will have to do without, even at the risk of reduced participation. 8. Soldiers will be held strictly accountable for every article of Company property issued to them. CAMP9. All camp duties, including guard and work details, will be equally shared. The Officer Commanding will assign camp responsibilities to one the Platoons on a daily basis, and the Lieutenant of the assigned Platoon will be the officer of the Day. 10. Soldiers will wear proper period clothing in camp. 11. Soldiers will not be absent from camp without the permission of their Superiors. 12. Soldiers will not leave camp to join in any activity of any other command without the permission of their Superiors. 13. Visitors to camp will be in period clothing if staying for any length of time. There will be no "displays of affection" beyond hand-holding in camp or while in uniform. 14. When rations are prepared by the Company, every Soldier will pay a fee of $10.00. Failure to contribute will result in no rations being issued. All Soldiers will assist in preparation and clean-up as required. 15. Soldiers will not enter the Civilian camp without invitation and permission from the civilian coordinator. 16. Soldiers will pay Civilians for services such as laundering, cooking, sewing, and so forth. There will be no credit extended. CIVILIAN REGULATIONS AND UNIFORM1. Civilians will give obedience and due respect to the Civilian Coordinator and the Company Officers. 2. Civilians will conduct themselves with maturity and dignity. Only proper Ladies will be tolerated. 3. Civilians will not have any alcoholic beverages in their camp. 4. Civilians will be cashiered from the company for any violation of civil law, including, but not limited to, possession of any illegal substance, assault, vandalism, theft, providing intoxicants to minors. 5. Civilians will wear proper period clothing in camp. 6. Civilians will not be absent from camp without the permission of the Civilian Coordinator. 7. Civilians will not leave camp to join in any activity or any other command without specific permission from the Civilian Coordinator. 8. Visitors to camp will be in period clothing if staying for any length of time. There will be no "displays of public affection" beyond hand-holding in camp or while in uniform. 9. When rations are prepared by the Company, every Civilian will pay a fee of $10.00. Failure to contribute will result in no rations being issued. All Civilians will assist in the preparation and clean-up as required. 10. Civilians will be diligent to learn all aspects of the 1860's camp life duties. They will be proficient in, and always exhibit, proper period dress and behavior. 11. Civilians will be diligent to provide themselves will all needed dress, equipment, and supplies, and to bring all necessary articles to every camp. Recruits will be assisted in every possible way, but veterans failing to provide for themselves will had to do without, even at the risk of reduced participation. 12. Civilians will be held strictly accountable for every article of Company property issued to them. 13. Proper discipline being necessary to the efficiency of the Command, punishment for infractions is required. Punishment will include extra duty, reduction in rank, suspension from duty, and expulsion from the Company. No punishment will be imposed without due process of law, as provided in these Articles of War and Bylaws. 14. Civilians will not enter the military camp without invitation, and permission from the Commanding Officer. 15. All money collected as fees for services will be held by the Civilian Coordinator, and will be used for the benefit of the Company as decided by the Civilians in assembly.
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