"NEW RECRUIT GUIDE"
This packet is intended to guide the new recruit through the sometimes confusing process of getting started in Civil War reenacting. While a great deal of what you will need to know will come through experience and time, the information here is designed to direct you in the best sources for the uniforms and equipage you will need. Please be patient and don't feel as though you are expected to purchase everything at one time. The list of items is categorized in order of necessity, the items listed first being those you should concentrate on acquiring first.
What kind of uniform do I need ?
Company B, 45th Alabama Volunteer Infantry Regiment portrays an Army of Tennessee unit of the C S A. We also, on occasion, portray an Army of the Ohio unit, The 23rd Kentucky U.S.
For Confederate Impression:
Hats -may be of any period correct style, black or brown was most common.
Caps -may be of any period style-military or civilian,such as bummer, kepi, wheel hat mexican war style.
Jean wool or wool shell jacket - Columbus Depot style, or sack coat.
If trimmed, trim should be dark blue. Examples 1 2 3
Shirts -should be period correct military or civilian.
Vests -proper for the period are acceptable. military or civilian.
Trousers -should be appropriate for the period, preferably military style but civilian is acceptable and constructed of either wool or jean wool.
Trousers may be sky blue(you will need these for our Federal Impression)
gray or 'butternut'. (mismatched Coat and trousers were common for Army of Tenn).
Socks -wool or cotton of any period correct style.
Shoes -should be brogan style, black or brown, rough or smooth and should be period correct.
For Union impression:
Civilian slouch hat - Black or gray preferred. Brim to be stitched and include a sweatband.
Hardee Hat - Black wool felt, sweatband, stitched on brim. no brass pin
Forage cap (NOT kepi) Federal or indigo blue wool, correct leather bill and not shaped like a baseball cap.
Federal blue sack coat -should be period correct military. Lined or unlined. Wool, 4 button front. Hand sewn button holes.
Shirts -U. S. Regulation Issue. Domet flannel.. To be all hand-stitched and flat-felled seams. Natural off-white.
Contract shirt. Blue, gray or tan cotton. Machine stitched with hand-sewn button holes.
Civilian shirt. Hand-sewn or top stiched 100% wool or 100% cotton-woven checks, or muslin with hand-sewn button holes.
Vests -proper military for the period are accceptable.
Trousers -sky blue period correct military foot pattern.
Socks -wool or cotton of any period correct style.
Shoes -should be brogan style, black,rough or smooth and should be period correct.
US belt plate - brass period correct military.
What equipment do I need ?
Equipment needed is the same as carried by the common soldier in the field.
We utilize period correct, three band(NO TWO BANDS ,CARBINES OR PISTOLS) percussion lock black powder reproduction rifles. Either the 1853 Enfield or 1861 Springfield Rifles are correct.
Bayonet with proper period metal tipped leather scabbard is required.
Cartridge box Period leather with tins and sling.
Cap box ,belt and belt plate proper period are also required.
Haversack, white canvas or tarred canvas (Ration Bag)
A Canteen is a MUST- any style proper for the period (Federal smooth sides hold more water).
Blankets are an item most re-enactors use and is much needed in cool weather.
"Gum Blanket" or poncho (period correct)is recommended for rainy weather.
Knapsacks, tents, coffee pots, lanterns, cups, plates, etc...are useful items and are recommended - if not sure
about period correctness, ask one of the veterans.
A NOTE ON SUPPLIERS
Providing uniforms and equipage for Civil War reenactors has become a major cottage industry in the past fifteen or twenty years. There are literally hundreds of manufacturers, large and small, supplying reproduction items. Known as "sutlers", the name given to entrepreneurs who sold basic items and luxuries to the soldiers, these modern companies often sell their merchandise through catalogs and at large reenactments. Like any other business or industry, there is often a wide range of quality and in this case, authenticity. But, let the buyer beware. Just because a sutler sells it doesn't mean it is authentic. Recent studies have shown just the opposite to be true. Authenticity can be a confusing term. For our purposes, let it mean an accurately made reproduction, correct in every detail, made from appropriate materials and from patterns taken from original items from the period of the Civil War.
As stated above, many suppliers sell reproduction items that are not authentic in any way. With the wealth of original items which survive in museums and private collections, as well as photographic evidence, it is amazing how many poor quality reproductions are sold and, unfortunately, in use by thousands of reenactors. Sutlers who sell these questionable goods will explain this away by telling you that there were many government contractors supplying the government during the war and that they have "seen originals" which look like their shabby reproductions. In truth, this is simply an attempt to sell their wares.
The suppliers listed in your recruiting packet are accepted by discerning reenactors as those producing the highest quality reproduction items available today. They have been selected by the Advisory Panel as those that offer the highest quality and most authentically produced items sold. This is not a list of every sutler who makes reproduction items and is not intended to be. It is intended to help you cut through the bad to find the good. If you have questions about a sutler not listed, please contact members of the unit before making a purchase. While it may be a reputable company, we may know something you don't and visa versa. Don't be afraid to ask.
A NOTE ON COST
The complete uniform, equipage, and musket may cost as much as $1,000-$1,500. While we realize that most recruits can't afford to buy everything at once, please try to purchase the uniform first. It should be noted that some of the preferred sources are more expensive than others. We urge you to consider these makers as they will provide a top quality, authentic reproduction that will help make your impression top notch, almost an intangible feeling you will realize only when you attend your first reenactment or when you compare your purchase to originals. Also consider this. It is cheaper in the long run to invest in quality first rather than replace or upgrade later.
The best advice for newcomers is to NEVER make a trip to the sutlers for the first time without taking an experienced member along. Don't buy what you don't need and definitely don't pay an outlandish price.
"Rules and Regulations"
The rules and regs, 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 man, much confusion can be eliminated. The ultimate success of our company has never been in doubt, but with everyone pulling in the same direction it can certainly be realized sooner.
Since the formation of this Company, our goals have been the following:
A: To have the experience of authentically portraying the Confederate and Federal soldier.
B. To learn what it was like being a Civil War soldier.
C. To help educate the general public about this important segment of our heritage.
D. To experience the comradeship and pride of belonging to a first rate infantry regiment.
E. To help preserve history.
F. To honor the Confederate soldier and our beloved South.
G. To stimulate pride and interest in "THE CAUSE"
1. Age
A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of eighteen (18).A member bringing another member's son needs a notarized letter of guardianship. This is required to sign waivers at events and in case of medical emergency.
(the age requirement to carry a gun is 14 although this is subject to event guidelines.)
2. 45th's Policy on Attendance
First we will explain the need for a policy on attendance:
A. There is a lot of work behind the lines in running and keeping a company thriving, growing, and active in the reenactment events. The officers and NCO's are responsible to perform all the task, which are relevant to this end, and are not paid but rather volunteer their time and resources and energy to perform these task. The only tribute we ask for our labors is that of attendance. It is not gratifying to them to labor when those for whom they labor do not show up at the events and drills. On the contrary, it is very discouraging for them to labor in vain.
B. The 45th is a very well drilled unit in both company and Battalion drill maneuvers. It takes time and repetition to learn these drills and most of the boys have a lot of pride in performing these maneuvers very well. In our estimation, it is not fair to the boys who are attentive to these requirements; to have others who have been in the company long enough to know these drills and yet have not attended enough drills throughout the year to be proficient in the drill. We constantly have to stop and begin at the beginning all over and the unit as a whole cannot grow but remains doing the basics all the time.
C. Voting- when we have times where we must vote on officers,NCO's or on company policy, we feel it is not fair for those who have not been in reasonable attendance, to be allowed to vote for officers when they don't even know the men who are running for those positions. Also in matters of company policy, it would not be wise to allow those a vote who are not familiar with the direction of the company, and who otherwise throughout the year are not in attendance and therefore not involved nor even aware of the circumstances regarding the decision-making.
D. The 1st Confederate Division expects the Hardee Light Infantry Battalion to support their event efforts with sufficient numbers at events or the Battalion can be dropped by the Division or will be ordered to fall in with another Battalion. Likewise, Hardee's expects each unit to supply sufficient numbers of troops or the Battalion can drop them or we can be made to fall in with other units under another company's unit designation. Neither one of these options is agreeable to us. Therefore we require your support for the unit, if you cannot or will not support the unit then we can not keep you on the rolls.
E. In the past, we have had men who only wanted to attend 1 drill and 1 or 2 events per year and expect that they should receive full membership benefits of voting and running for offices and while we do not want to be inflexible in our policies, we must institute this policy to prevent these abuses plus to relieve ourselves of needless labor for those who do not intend to support us with their attendance.
F. The 45th usually will have about 4 Maximum Efforts a year. We require that the members attend 3 out of those 4 Max efforts. Each man's situation will be given due consideration and if he is not able to make but 2 of the 4, and yet does make several non-Max efforts, they will be held to his credit. Each event that is not a Max effort, which is the most part of our schedule for the year, is not required attendance but is at your discretion. Non-Max efforts will not be counted against your attendance. But, if you are lacking in drills and Max effort attendance you may want to attend as many of these as possible.
G .Attendance for Officers and NCO's...in order to run for any of these positions we expect your attendance to be given more mandatory than the enlisted men. The officers are to set an example not only in behavior but also in attendance and performance of duty, to the remainder of the unit. A unit cannot function properly with a repeatedly missing Capt., Lt., 1st Sgt., 1st Corp., etc. Anyone expecting to run for any of these positions must already have exemplary attendance or he will not qualify.
3. Authenticity
The 45th will make all reasonable effort toward setting an example for authenticity.
A. No member will be allowed to participate in a public event that does not meet minimum authenticity requirements.
B. An inspection will be held at every event to insure that each man is in compliance with regulations. The Commanding Officer will make any necessary judgments.
C. Every effort will be made to avoid the open display of post 1865 objects at events. Wrist watches, sunglasses, class rings,earrings, etc. will not be worn. Modern eyeglasses must be replaced by contact lenses or period frames by new member's 1st Max effort, or do without.
D. Cigarette smokers must substitute pipes, cigars, etc., or smoke out of sight of the public and other reenactors.
E. Cameras will be used with discretion. Radios are not permitted.
F. Since the 45th is an infantry regiment, every man will be required to assemble and drill on command at events.
4.Rank
A. In order to preserve authenticity, the company will have no more than one (1) Officer or NCO per six privates.
B. NO ONE will wear any rank insignia, WHATSOEVER, without having been duly elected by the Company to that rank.
C. NO ONE with less than one (1) full year of membership shall be considered for rank above private.
D. Any Officer or NCO may be demoted against his will by the Captain or by a petition of signatures representing 2/3 of the Company.
E. Age requirements for rank are 18 years of age for Corporal and up. 16 for High Pvt.
5.Dues
A. Dues are twenty dollars ($20.00) per family or single member per year.
6.Conduct
A. At all events, each man will strive to behave in an authentic, military manner, particularly when in the presence of the public and other reenactment units. This includes paying appropriate respect to superior rank, and following orders.
B. Officers WILL NOT abuse the authority of their rank.
C. As we are a family oriented unit with women and children present from time to time, we will not tolerate foul language or the telling of off color jokes in their presence.
Also, we will not tolerate drunkenness in our camp.
D. All Federal, State, local laws and event rules will be obeyed.
E. Unsafe horseplay will not be allowed, particularly in formation.
F. Disrespect for the Southern Cause will not be tolerated.
7.Saftey
A. The safety rules set forth by host will always be obeyed.
B. Knives, swords, bayonets and pistols must be carried in appropriate period sheaths, scabbards, or holsters. Keepers are recommended for knives.
C. Max powder charge for 58 cal. rifles is 60 grains. For 69 cal., 80 grains.
D. Cartridges will be carried in a cartridge box - NOT IN POCKETS - tins are highly recommended. Any extra           rounds will be carried (wrapped in tinfoil or boxed) in haversack or knapsack.
E. No one shall fire directly at a person closer than 80 ft. at any time.
F. There shall be no discharging of firearms without an Officer's command or permission.
G. Ramrods are NEVER to be pulled on the field of battle except by designated Sgt., behind the lines, to clear a rifle. Bayonets will be fixed by orders only.
H. All members are advised to keep physically fit due to the sometimes strenuous nature of reenacting.
8. Discipline
A. Military discipline of the unit will be the responsibility of the unit Commander on an individual basis.
B. The Company Commander, Lieutenant, and 1st Sgt. conferring will deal with misconduct of any individual.
C. Automatic dismissal from the unit will occur if:
1. Any member is convicted of a crime.
2. Any member is found a member of any hate group.
3. Any member bringing embarrassment to the unit by their actions during the course of an event.
4. Insulting or otherwise embarrassing spouses of members.
D. Other causes for dismissal from the unit will be on an individual basis, brought before the Company Commander, Officer Corps, senior NCO's, are but not limited to:
1. Non-participation
2. Non-payment of dues
3. Misuse of Company and/or members equipment
4. Failure to comply with Section 6, CONDUCT, of this document.