Rules and Regulations
POLICY
It is the policy of this organization to be involved only in reenacting as a hobby. We will not be involved so as to further any political or social causes. We realize that the issues that divided our country over 140 years ago are still present. We do not become involved with these issues today, except in a historical context. Comments about political or social issues of the 1860's will be done in the framework of first person interpretations.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership from other units is by invitation only. What that means is that we will not actively recruit members from existing unit of any organization we claim to be members of. Should someone from an existing unit wish to join, they must first discuss their decision with their existing company commander. Once that is done, then the company commander of the 4th New Jersey needs to be asked to be put on a 'probationary' status within the company. All new members will be on probationary status in order to confirm that they fit well within the current members of the 4th NJ, and that those current members of the unit fit with them. This is done to protect existing members and potential new members. Selecting and approving a candidate for membership will be done by a single majority vote of the active members of the current unit. Revocation of membership can also be addressed by a simple majority vote. Active membership status is maintained by participating in a minimum of 2 events per calendar year. Certain exceptions will apply in the case of medical, employment, family requirements, or emergencies. New members, or those outside the Civil War reenacting community need to request to participate in an upcoming event. Once again, new members are on 'probationary status'. Probationary status will be for a minimum of, but not limited to, three events per calendar year. Should the new member follows the rules, regulations and expectations, and should the new member decide that he/she wants to become a member, a single majority vote will be required to confirm membership.
COMMAND STRUCTURE
Positions of command with the company will be appointed by the company commander. Other ranks will be appointed based on ability, and not time within the unit.
At this time we will follow the American Civil War Gold Book as it is written. We will also follow the American Civil War rule regarding command structure. They are as follows.
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1. Once a year there will be an annual meeting usually before the beginning of the season. The date, time and location to be determined.
2. All eligible members of the unit shall be allowed to vote on any issue, as long as they have maintained an active status during the previous year. Any member shall be allowed to bring up any item for consideration before the unit. Back door politics will not be allowed.
3. Only the company commander may call additional meetings should the need arise. These impromptu meetings can and may occur at an event or at someone's home or some other location. The company commander will he/her very best to make sure as many members as possible will be notified should a meeting need to occur at an upcoming event.
4. Safety is PARAMOUNT! Safety will be on everyone's minds at all times when weapons are to be handled. Any member has the right to refuse to fire if they feel that they are in an unsafe situation or if their weapon is not functioning properly.
5. Military courtesy and order should be maintained when on the field or battle and when in front of the public.
6. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on any day when there will be weapons either on display or fired. Prior to drinking, all reenacting activities shall be finished for the say. ALL weapons will be cleaned and put away before alcohol is consumed. As there may be members of the unit that are underage, NO ALCOHOL SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THEM. There will also be no alcohol consumed after 11:00PM of for those that have guard mount to do.
7. The unit is a hobby organization and shall be treated as such. Members will not feel obligated to purchase vast quantities of new equipment all at one time. This is especially true if the purchase will cause a financial hardship to the member of family. But, remember, yes, this is a hobby but one in which we will do our best to maintain a military bearing.
8. The unit policy towards attendance is that to remain on the active service roster, members must maintain at least two events per year. NCO's must attend a minimum of 50% of events, while officers and company commander must attend 75% of events per year. Though we like to see everyone attend every single event, we understand that members have other obligations as well.
9. Fresh Fish, ie new recruits. There is a limited amount of loaner gear available. Current members bringing in potential new members need to provide for these new members for their first event. If these new members, (fresh fish) decide to join and they fit with the rest of the unit, they will need to start to become more self sufficient.
10.A job description for the NCO's as per Customs and Service for NCO's has been put into effect. These are based on the Customs and Service Manuel. It has been abbreviated for reenacting purposes. These duties can be expanded on as needed. NCO's need to know their drill; otherwise they can become a hindrance to the men and everyone else in camp and on the field. The welfare of his/her men under them have a good time before he/she will.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR NCO's
The CORPORAL is one of the most important of the NCO positions, because he has direct control and influence over the men. The duties of the corporal are simple and depend on his capacity to control and direct soldiers in their performance of the their duties. Corporals frequently succeed to the position of sergeant in his absence (or 'death') and must be familiar and comfortable with the sergeants duties. He should also have on his person a pencil and a notebook. These will help him keep track of his tasks, schedules and orders of the day.
The corporal should be a living example for the privates in their neatness and cleanliness of their clothing, arms and accoutrements. They should be the first to fall in and the first to seek to maintain authenticity. The corporal should be an example for all privates within the company to follow and a quality example of what the unit wants to portray to the reenacting community as well as civilians and spectators.
They must have a working knowledge of drill. They need to keep the men informed, to know changes, and be able to explain clearly to the privates these changes and requirements.
The SERGEANT. While it is difficult to draw the line between the duties of the corporal and the sergeant, there are some subtle differences. The sergeant is entrusted with some great responsibilities both in camp and on the field. They need to have more experience and knowledge of reenacting in general and know the safety rules and regulations.
The sergeant must be able to teach the school of the soldier and skirmish drill as well as having a working knowledge of the school of the company. They mush be able to take over the responsibilities and duties of the 1st sergeant in case of absence or 'death' of the sergeant. The most important duty of the sergeant is that of file closer, posted at the rear of the company when paraded. It is the file closers duty to see that the men pay attention, preserve order, march properly and keep the ranks closed at the proper intervals. He may even be required to shoot men down when they attempt to run in times of danger.
The 1st Sergeant must know his drill manual, manage the men effectively and set a superior example in not only uniform requirements, but in conduct at all times. They must be able to work well with the battalion sergeant major, company commanders and unit members. The 1st Sergeant must know the jobs of the sergeants, corporals and privates beneath him and have a working knowledge of the position of company commander. At this time, the 4th New Jersey will have a 1st Sergeant as our company commanders until such as time as numbers warrant a promotion. The 1st Sergeant must lead by example in all things he does, wears, says, as well as his weapons and kits in good order. He sets the tone for the entire company.
DECENCY STANDARDS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN ANY FORM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! Ladies are welcome in our camp and all male members must respect any and all female reenactors as well as civilian and spectator women. Reports of sexual harassment will be turned over to law enforcement agencies without exception, commensurate with immediate discharge from the company and submission of a written report to the Board of Directors to all umbrella organizations in the area.
The deliberate exposure of private body parts is forbidden in the 4th New Jersey camp. Anyone who dresses or undresses in a public location (outside of a tent) will be excluded from participating for a period of six months from the date of offense. Officers and NCO's are expected to enforce the exclusion.
MILITARY RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Military Courtesy: Military Courtesy will be adhered to at all times while the public has access to camps. All Privates, Corporals and Sergeants will salute all Officers when addressing them. The chain of command will be followed when communicating with superiors. When a visiting Officer enters camp the senior member will announce "Officer in Camp" and call the men to attention until the Officer acknowledges the compliment. Sergeants will, whenever possible, be given the command of the detail that needs to be addressed. The sergeant will then delegate the detail to the corporal who will be responsible for carrying the duty out with the appropriate manpower.
2. Required materials for those holding the rank of company commander (1st Sergeant in this case) and all NCO's:
Casey's Manual of Arms
Customs of Service for NCO's
Customs of Service for Commissioned Officers
Weapons: First, each soldier is required to have the appropriate cleaning equipment for their piece. Bayonets for their muskets* are also required. Slings for long arms are optional. The acceptable patterns are listed below. Non-military weapons are prohibited.
-p1853 Enfield 3 Band Rifled musket, with appropriate bayonets.
-1862 Richmond Rifled Musket with bayonet.
-1861 or 1863 Springfield, with bayonet.
-1842 Springfield musket or Rifled Musket with bayonet.
-1841 Mississippi Rifle (no bayonet).
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE PURCHASED BUT ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY REQUIRED:
Medical Devices: on occasion a member may have to wear a medical device that is completely anachronistic. These might include hearing aids, limb casts, dental appliances etc. No one will be excluded for these reasons. However it is the responsibility of the individual to see that everything possible is done to conceal the anachronism. If earplugs are used, please consider cotton or flesh colored foam.
Watches: Modern watches must never be worn, or seen in camp. The use of pocket watches is encouraged for those who desire to carry a timepiece. NCO's should seriously consider having a timepiece with them at all times.
Rings: The wearing if rings, other then wedding rings is highly discouraged. Consider wearing a simple band instead of a ring that may be lost or damaged. No earrings, nose rings or the likes will be allowed
Ornamental Jewelry: No modern ornamental jewelry is allowed.
Tents: See uniform requirements.
Mess and Cooking Equipment: Coffee boilers, muckets, frying pans, etc, should be period correct. Some exceptions may be needed and will be allowed.
Camp Furnishings: Tables, chairs will conform to what was in common use during this time frame, and what could be found during the war. To get an idea on this, just look at period photographs. Period looking containers such as ammo boxes, hardtack boxes, or other crates are acceptable. NO MODERN CONTAINER MAY BE VISIBLE IN CAMP. When preparing meals, all non-period items, such as plastic containers, zipper storage bags and coolers must be hidden at all times.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT KEN DACEY at [email protected]