21st GA: Rules & Regulations

Membership (Reference Article Three in the unit By-Laws)

Reference Article 3, Subsection A. ‘Student’ membership: student is defined as a full-time student attending school through the completion of a Bachelor Degree.

Reference Article 3, Subsection B. Procedures for joining the unit.
1. If a ‘recruit’ wishes to temporarily join the unit to determine if they would like to reenact, they may attend two (2) events without paying unit dues but must pay the appropriate insurance and registration fees.

2 If, after attending two (2) events, a ‘recruit’ wishes to permanently join the unit, they will submit an application to the Recruitment Officer for processing. The Recruitment Officer will apprise the Executive Board of the application.

3. The Executive Board will advise the general membership of the application. The request to join the unit will be considered for approval by the general membership who will have 30 days to provide to the Executive Board any feedback regarding the ‘recruit(s)’ suitability as a member.

4. After the 30 day vetting period, the Executive Board will vote to approve or disapprove the application. The new member will be notified by letter of the decision. Upon approval to join the unit, the non-member is responsible for all unit fees.

Reference Article 3, Subsection C-1. Health History Questionnaire: Unit copies should be kept by an Executive Board designee. Military personnel will keep a copy in their cartridge boxes. Non-combatants will keep a copy in their haversacks. Civilians will keep a copy on their person.

Reference Article 3, Subsection C-5. Attire in camp: Within camp environs, members and guests must be in period attire and maintain an atmosphere reflective of the material culture of the period during spectator hours. Members are strongly encouraged to maintain said atmosphere during non-spectator times as well. Individuals are expected to monitor themselves in this regard but, if infractions occur, unit members may call them to the individual’s attention. Repeated infractions may result in suspension of member privileges.

Reference Article 3, Subsection C-6. Fees: As indicated in the Unit By-Laws, annual unit dues are set by the Executive Board. Members are responsible for paying their annual insurance fee(s). Insurance provided via the ANV for event participants is a requirement to attend any event. All fees (membership dues and insurance fee) are to be paid to the unit Treasurer no later than January 31st of each year. . Members cannot be registered for an event if all required fees have not been paid by the due date

Reference Article 3, Section D. Living history impression. The 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry unit strives to maintain the highest standards of the reenacting community, as stated in our Purpose. To that end, members are strongly encouraged to acquire the items below within the first year of membership (requests for exemptions to period dress due to a medical condition or other reason will be reviewed by the Executive Board):

Military attire:

    ♦ One pair of brogans
    ♦ One three band musket with bayonet and scabbard
    ♦ One wool or jean cloth shell jacket
    ♦ One pair wool trousers
    ♦ One pair braces (suspenders)
    ♦ One cartridge box of black or undyed (russet) leather
    ♦ One cap pouch of black or undyed russet leather
    ♦ One pair wool socks
    ♦ One period correct shirt
    ♦ One waist belt with buckle
    ♦ One slouch hat, kepi, or forage cap
    ♦ One canteen
    ♦ One haversack
    ♦ Weapon appropriate to rank: rifle of appropriate make and caliber for enlisted men, officer’s sword for officers.

Unacceptable items include: items that cannot be documented either through period photographs (cartes de visite), first person accounts and/or military records. Specific items include, but are not limited to: shirts made of multiple types of fabrics, cowboy hats or sombreros, spurs, leather gauntlets, work-boots, sneakers, bandannas, suspenders with clips at the end.

Civilian attire - Women and young women
    ♦ One period correct camp dress or day dress of accurate construction and materials
    ♦ One pair of period-correct shoes
    ♦ One period correct hairnet. Ladies over 18 should not wear their hair down
    ♦ One set of period-correct underpinnings – chemise, drawers, corset and, at least, one petticoat.
    ♦ One pair of period-correct (non-striped) stockings, preferably cotton (not sheer nylon).
    ♦ One bonnet appropriate to the impression.
    ♦ One period-correct style apron

Unacceptable items include: white blouse and skirt, modern bras or other support garments unless under special circumstances, any hair net made of nylon and appearing in bright neon colors (i.e. ’snood’), non-correct footwear such as sandals, work-boots, sneakers, anything made of synthetic materials.

Civilian attire - Young men
    ♦ One shirt and one pair of trousers or short pants of period-correct construction and materials
    ♦ One pair of suspenders
    ♦ One pair of period-correct socks
    ♦ One pair of period-correct shoes

    N. B: Civilian young men should also have a vest, wool trousers, short jacket and hat, depending on age. Young boys should consider ‘skeleton suits’, tunics and breeches and the like. Older boys would dress nearly like adult men.

Unacceptable items include: military issue items such as shell jackets, canteens and haversacks, non-period plastic toys.

Civilian attire –Men
    ♦ One shirt, cravat or neckerchief of period-correct materials and construction.
    ♦ One pair wool trousers of period-correct materials and construction.
    ♦ Suspenders, hat, wool socks, shoes – all of period-correct materials and construction.
    ♦ Working man impression: Sack coat, vest, wool over-shirt, brogans are suggested.

    N. B. Items will vary based on specific impression and socio-economic status being portrayed.

Unacceptable items include: modern coats being used as period coats, military items, unless documented.

Civilian attire – Infants and toddlers (children under 4)
    ♦ Infant gown. For toddlers, the infant gown is shortened by means of tucks to accommodate crawling and walking.
    ♦ Pettichemise of white cotton
    ♦ Appropriate caps and stockings for infants and toddlers
    ♦ Period correct bedding and blankets
    ♦ If small enough, the mother may consider a period style baby basket.

    N.B. Remember, baby boys and girls were dressed exactly alike in clothing style (dresses) until the boy was toilet- trained. Girls' dresses often buttoned in the back while a boy's dress buttoned in the front. Once a boy was toilet-trained, he graduated to breeches and tunics or trousers.

Material culture:
    ♦ Tentage is to conform to military requirements. Set-up of wall tents or extraneous flys in the company street, other than those used for mess, is strongly discouraged. See Article Eight, Section C-1a of the unit By-Laws regarding responsibility for camp layout.
    ♦ Period appropriate mess equipment for each member to include:
            Tin plates or canteen halves for military, transfer ware, stoneware or china for civilians and children.
            Period correct silverware and other utensils.
            Tin cups for military, china, glass, stoneware or transfer-ware for civilians and children.
    ♦ Camp furniture: period correct seating is encouraged. This includes folding chairs or stools with canvas or strong period-correct fabric or civilian style slat backed or caned chairs. Slotted two-piece chairs of non-period construction are discouraged. Please do not use items that pose a safety hazard by their footprint and that cannot be documented.
    ♦ Other items: coolers, plastic containers, cell phones, wristwatches, medications and other modern conveniences should be kept hidden or disguised in a period manner, at all times. Watches and other time pieces should be of period correct construction.
    ♦ If corrective eyewear is necessary, a period correct style is strongly encouraged...or the use of contact lenses suggested.

It is encouraged that members employ period methods and items wherever possible to avoid modern items becoming visible to the public and to others. This includes bedding, luggage, ground covers, furniture, food and toiletries.

Loaned equipment or clothing: all loaned equipment or clothing must be returned timely to the lender in the same condition in which it was received, e.g. weapon and leathers cleaned, clothing washed, etc.; arrangement to be made between lender and borrower regarding time-frame for return of loaned item(s).

Safety Regulations (Reference Article Five in the unit By-Laws)

Reference Article 5, Sub-section A. As indicated in Article Five of the unit by-laws, all members are expected to abide by the stated safety regulations. Details of these regulations are as shown below: (based on published ANV Safety Regulations):

Weapons and accoutrements

Section 3. Rifles, muskets and carbines

3.1 Only proper weapons of the period will be allowed. No Hawkins, Plains or modern weapons or ammunition are permitted.

3.2 All weapons will be clean and free of obstructions. Weapons will be inspected in the following manner.

3.2a. The Company will be formed up at "open order". Bayonets are fixed and rammers are sprung.

3.2b. The Inspecting Officer/Sergeant goes to each file and, as he does so, the file member will "smartly" present his weapon to the inspector.

3.2c. The Inspecting Officer/Sergeant will gently raise and drop the rammer, listening for the clear "PING" that shows the barrel is clear and clean.

3.2d. He will then check the bayonet-locking device (ring). If the bayonet is of the type that uses the front sight, and the front sight is not present, the bayonet cannot be used

3.2e. The stock will then be checked for cracks.

3.2f. The half-cock will be checked by applying pressure to the trigger. The hammer should also be checked for side-to-side movement and correct alignment over the nipple. Over tightening the lock plate screws will pull the hammer off center and out of alignment with the nipple. Half-cock will be checked by having the hammer support the weight of the weapon. The inspecting officer/NCO shall not make any sudden movements against the back of the hammer, ex: striking the back of the hammer with the palm of the hand.

3.2g. The nipple will be checked for deformity and cracking. It must also be checked to see if it is properly seated and not loose.

3.2h. The maximum load for a .577 or 58cal weapon is 70 grains of ff / fff black powder. The maximum load for a 69 or larger caliber weapon is 80 grains of ff / fff black powder.

3.2i. Weapons will be capped off to ensure they are clear.

3.3 The Company, including any non-ANV personnel or unit falling in with and taking the field with said Company, will load and fire one cartridge by file. Personnel having misfires will step out of ranks ten paces to the rear where ordnance personnel will clear the weapon, make necessary immediate repair or adjustments, and will ensure the soldier reloads and fires one cartridge prior to rejoining the ranks. Any weapon that fails to operate safely will not be carried onto the field.

Section 4. Pistols

4.1 Pistols will only be carried by officers.

4.2 No more than 1 pistol will be carried by an officer.

4.3 All pistols will be carried in a proper military holster with a flap capable of being fastened.

4.4 The Company ordnance officer/sergeant will ensure all pistols carried by Company personnel are inspected prior to their being carried into the field including spare cylinders. Pistols will be inspected in the following manner: pistols will be inspected in camp before the Company forms up for battle.

4.4a Pistols will be unloaded, cylinder will be removed from frame, and barrel will be removed if possible. These parts will be handed over to the inspector.

4.4b The cylinder will be checked to make sure light can be seen through the nipples while looking through front of cylinder. Nipples will be checked for condition.

4.4c The barrel will be checked for obstructions by (a) looking down the barrel and seeing light at the other end or (b) using a piece of wooden dowel, which is placed in the barrel and allowed to go through the entire length of the barrel. The dowel is the preferred method.

4.4d The pistol is now reassembled, the safety checked, and the action inspected for proper function.

4.5 The maximum load for a pistol is 30 grains of fff black powder.

4.6 When loading pistols, owners will load in pairs, each watching the other for errors.

4.7 No wonder-wads will be allowed. The preferred method of loading is as follows. fff black powder and then a packing such as "cream of wheat" or "corn meal" followed by greasing the end of the cylinder and installing the percussion caps on the cylinder nipples. Other safe methods will be considered.

Section 5. Edged weapons

5.1 Bayonets must have a working locking mechanism and be locked in place if bayonet is fixed. If the bayonet uses the front sight of the rifle, the sight must be there or the bayonet will not be fixed.

5.2 Bayonet blades must be totally covered when in the scabbard with the tip covered in metal or, if of a Confederate type, it must have a wooden plug at bottom, and leather of the scabbard stitched all the way down. No damaged scabbards or scabbards without tips will be allowed on the field and, therefore, the bayonet that was housed therein will also be prohibited.

5.3 Swords must be of proper period type and be in good serviceable condition.

5.4 Carrying large belt or sheath knives into battle is prohibited. They may be worn for Living History purposes but not into battles. If they are carried for Living History purposes, they must be tied into their scabbard and not taken out at any time..

Section 6. Accoutrements

6.1 Canteens will be of the proper type, constructed of wood, tin, or steel. No glass bottles, padded or not, slung or carried in the haversack, are acceptable.

6.2 Canteens will be carried on the field; they will be full of water and will be checked before leaving for the field.

6.3 Cartridge Boxes will be of the proper type. Cartridge box tins are strongly recommended by the Divisional Safety Officer. Most events require tins in boxes. At no time will caps or cartridges be carried in pockets, hands or held in the mouth.

6.4 Cap boxes must be of the proper type, with a flap that can be secured.

Section 7. Cartridges and loads

7.1 No live rounds with projectiles are allowed at any time in camp or on the field.

7.2 Projectiles used for display in camps or for living history must separate from the cartridges. NEVER store projectiles in cartridge box.

7.3 Cartridges will be made of plain paper. No writing or lettering is allowed. No Penny wrappers or paper with staples will be accepted.

7.4 Wadding will not be used.

7.5 Cartridges will be inspected for authenticity and size.

7.6 Wonder-wads will NOT be used. See 4.8 for pistol loading information.

7.7 Small arms Maximum loads:
.577-.58 cal, 70 Grains fff / .69-.75 cal, 90 Grains ff / Pistols, 30 Grains fff

Section 8. Repairs and service

8.1 Any weapon that fails while on the field must be inspected by the Ordnance Sergeant before it is used again.

8.2 It is recommended that, if a soldier buys a new part for a weapon, he should have his Ordnance Sergeant install or check the installation of the part before the weapon is used.

Section 9. Safety on the field

9.1 All participants must be 16 years of age or older to carry any weapon, i.e., rifle, musket, pistol or edged weapon on the battlefield at battle re-enactments or living histories.
Participants between the ages of 16 to 18 years of age must have parental consent in writing and/or a parent present on the field in order to take part in events.

9.2 All weapons will be treated as loaded at all times.

9.3 Any weapon that "hits" the ground must be cleared by the Ordnance Sergeant before the weapon goes back into line.

9.4 Any soldier that has a misfire will immediately inform the Ordnance Sergeant who will retire 10 paces with the weapon and try to clear it. If the weapon cannot be cleared, it MUST not rejoin the formation or be used for the remainder of the battle.

9.5 Under no circumstances will weapons be grounded on the field after they have had their pre-battle inspection.

9.6 Cartridges will not be laid on the ground for “instant" use. Dropped cartridges will be inspected for debris before being used. Under no circumstances shall cartridges be held in the teeth except to tear the cartridge during loading.

9.7 Ramrods will not be drawn on the field by soldiers. The exceptions to this rule are the Ordnance Sergeants who can use the ramrod to prove a weapon clear after retiring 10 paces.

9.8 Percussion caps will NOT be carried in the teeth or held in the hand to speed up loading.

9.9 When loading on the field, proper loading procedures will be followed. Cartridge papers will not be loaded.. Powder will be poured and paper discarded. The spent percussion cap is never removed before the powder is put in the barrel.

9.10 Six wing caps designed for modern in-line black power weapons will not be carried or used by ANV personnel. Any person found to have them in their cap pouch will immediately surrender them to the Ordnance Officer/Sergeant or leave the ranks.

9.11 Bayonets will not be fixed on the field except (a): To stack arms before battle or (b): After the battle and after weapons are cleared.

9.12 Smoking in the ranks is allowed only at the Captain’s discretion.

9.13 No person will take a hit with a loaded weapon.

9.14 When taking a hit, do not throw yourself backward.

9.15 All firearms including revolvers will be cleared on the field before returning to camp. Whenever possible the individual Battalions will form and clear as units.

9.16 No firing at troops at less than 25 feet. No direct aiming at troops within 40 feet.

9.17 At no time will mounted troops be fired upon at close range and never shoot close to or directly at an animal.

9.18 There will be no hand-to-hand combat unless previously arranged.

9.19 Tampions will not be carried onto the battlefield.

9.20 “Medic” is the word for a real emergency. At the call for “medic” only qualified medical personnel should respond. Upon hearing this call it should be repeated up and down the line.

9.21 Anyone on the field can, at any time, call “Cease fire”. The command “Cease fire” should be repeated up and down the line. Firing will cease immediately until the Captain/NCOs determine that the safety issue has been resolved.

Reference Article 5, Sub-section B. Camp and General Safety:

To provide a rewarding experience and safe environment at events, members and guests are expected to behave in a manner that does not jeopardize themselves or others. Parents are expected to monitor their children’s activities to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Campfire safety:
    1. Filled water buckets will be kept near the fire at all times in case of emergency.
    2. Children under 12 years of age are to refrain from interacting with the campfire in any way. This includes cooking, stoking, feeding, poking or digging in the fire. No children should be allowed to handle or use kitchen or camp equipment; for example, kitchen utensils (especially sharp or pointed utensils), fire pokers or blow tubes, fire starters or charcoal lighter or other objects which may be harmful to themselves or others.
    3. All members should keep a safe distance from the campfire. Women wearing hoops should exercise caution around the fire. Trailing skirts should be looped up or back to avoid catching fire.
    4. No clothing or other items containing synthetic fibers should be near the fire at any time. This includes sleepwear and footwear. No open toed shoes should be worn near the fire.
    5. Campfire wood should be stacked in a safe manner and out of the way of camp street traffic. Climbing or otherwise playing around the firewood stack is discouraged.

Camp and general safety:
    1. Company streets must be kept free of obstructions such as wooden boxes, chairs, stools, cookware and other cooking implements, fire-tending implements, equipment and tent ropes, stakes or poles.
    2. Members should be aware of placement of tent and fly ropes, stakes and poles. Tying brightly colored ‘flags’ of period correct cotton to stakes and ropes is helpful in ensuring adults and children are not accidentally injured.
    3. Running or walking between tents is strongly discouraged.
    4. Only adult members are allowed to chop wood. This activity should occur away from camp environs.
    5. No discharging of firearms, toy or otherwise, is permitted in camp.
    6. Running with pointed or other unsafe objects is strongly discouraged as it could result in an injury to the runner or others.
    7. Climbing on chairs or stools or sitting on them in an unsafe manner, such as tilting or tipping, is discouraged as it could result in injury.

Executive Board and Duties (Reference Article Six in the unit By-Laws)

Reference Article 6, Subsection A-6. Civilian Coordinator: Meal menus at unit events should reflect period style and ingredients when possible and be based on the most economical use of unit funds. The Civilian Coordinator may be assisted by a designated assistant to be titled Assistant - Coordinator and, if necessary, by a designated civilian committee.

Member Conduct (Reference Article Ten in the unit By-Laws)

Reference Article 10, Sub-section A. Any incident of misconduct will be as defined in Article Ten, Sub-section A. It is expected that any other instances of disagreement between members will be worked out between them in a courteous manner without resort to the unit and/or unit officers for further action.

Reference Article 10, Sub-section B-7. If an incident of misconduct, as defined under Article Ten - Sub-section A, should occur during an event, some disciplinary action may be taken by agreement of a quorum of officers present (Executive Board and/or military). Disciplinary action may include requiring that the offending member be asked to leave the event prior to the end of the event.

Courtesy (Reference Article Twelve in the unit By-Laws)

Military Courtesy

A. The military courtesy and military bearing of a Confederate soldier, reflective of a sense of honor and duty, shall be maintained at all times.

B. It is encouraged that:
    ♦ Commissioned officers shall be saluted and addressed as ‘sir’, whether they are Confederate or Union officers, by the men of the unit as a sign of honor and respect during public hours.
    ♦ Non-commissioned officers shall not be saluted or addressed as ‘sir’ but held in honor and respect just the same.
    ♦ All privates shall be held in honor and respect by their elected officers.

Period Courtesy

A. Men and women should conduct themselves as men and women of the period. Children will be encouraged to do the same. Consult period etiquette manuals for guidelines.

B. Members shall refrain from behavior inconsistent with common courtesy and lawful actions. Such behavior as rudeness, profanity, unkind, spiteful or untruthful remarks, abuse of others property, laziness or gluttony is not expressive of the positive social interaction we strive to demonstrate. As members of the 21st Georgia, we are expected to conduct ourselves in a way that reflects positively on the purpose of the unit.

C. No one should enter a tent that is not their own without an invitation or the express permission of the owner/occupant.