Member Guidelines:
The membership of the Unit represents the Unit and our umbrella organization any time a member is in uniform. As not to dishonor the name of the Unit or our umbrella organization, the following behaviors will not be permitted while in uniform.
Dues- Membership dues will be paid by the first event of the re-enacting season, typically mid April. Any members who do not have their dues paid by this time will be considered in arrears and will not be permitted to vote on Unit issues until their dues are paid in full. Members who are in arrears for a full year will be considered as inactive and subject to loss of membership.
Possession of illegal substances - any possession, use or attempted sale of illegal substances, while in uniform or on the grounds of an event, will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the 2nd New Jersey. The President and/or Field command has the duty to turn any violators over to the appropriate authorities.
Use of alcohol - for the safety of others, any member who is visibly drunk while in uniform or on the grounds of an event will be dismissed from the membership of the 2nd New Jersey, a member of the field command will then appoint a responsible member to ensure that the ex-member sobers up and gets home safely. Any member found in possession of alcohol at a publicized �Dry� event, will be dismissed from the event as well as the unit.
Attitude - we are in a hobby that involves the portrayal of the military. All members are expected to perform certain duties pertaining to actual military life. Among these are water detail, firewood detail, cleanup, dress parade, guard duty, unit and battalion drill. The membership is expected to perform these types of tasks when requested by any Field Officer or an NCO from the Unit.
Offensive Language - we are portraying an 1860�s military. Most of the �cuss� words that are in commonly in use today were rarely, if ever, heard during the civil war. Members are to refrain from using offensive language in the presence of spectators. Members are also to minimize the use of modern day offensive language at events where spectators are not present.
New members:
A candidate will be considered for membership after a recommendation by both the president of the unit and the commanding field officer. The candidate will be voted on by the existing members who are not in arrears (see Dues Section in Member Guidelines) on dues. The candidate will be accepted as a probationary member by a vote of greater than 2/3 from the membership present at the meeting. Once the candidate is accepted as a probationary member, they must attend at least 50% of the events on the schedule for the next 90 days (progressive events will not be included but attendance is encouraged). If the probationary member is not able to attend the designated number of events, the probationary period will be extended for a second 90 days.
A probationary member will be considered for full membership after the 90 day probation period. The vote will take place at the first meeting immediately following this period. The probationary member will be accepted as a full member by a vote of greater than 3/4 of the membership present at the meeting. Considerations for the vote shall be based on the apparent desire of the probationary member to learn drill, the attendance at the events of the last 90 days, the commitment to acquire the minimum necessary uniform and accouterment during the first year, and personality fit with the members of the unit.
Minimum Necessary Uniform:
� Forage Cap: Vendor per Unit guidelines
� Sack Coat: 4 button, lined or unlined acceptable. Vendor per Unit guidelines
� Trousers: Deering pattern. Vendor per Unit guidelines
� Braces (suspenders): Vendor suggestions available through Unit
� Booties (shoes): Black leather upper with leather sole, preferably pegged together. Vendor suggestions available through Unit
� Shirt: Domat flannel (military issue), Canton flannel (relief/aid issue) or civilian (homespun). Vendor suggestions available through Unit
Minimum Necessary Accouterments:
� Leathers: Waist Belt, Cap Box, Cartridge Box, Cartridge Box Sling, Bayonet Scabbard (Springfield Style). Vendor suggestions available through Unit
� Brass for Leathers: US oval belt buckle, US oval Cartridge Box Plate, Eagle breast plate. Vendor suggestions available through Unit
� Canteen: Smooth side (Early War model), covered in Brown Jeancloth, leather sling with Japanned black buckle. Vendor suggestions available through Unit
� Haversack: Tarred canvas with Japanned black buckle. Vendor suggestions available through Unit
� Rifle: Springfield model 1861 preferred, Enfield model 1853 acceptable. Vendor suggestions available through Unit
Expectations of Military Ranks:
It is the duty of ALL members to be aware of safety issues and to immediately report any event which could cause harm to the senior Officer or NCO of the unit.
Private - knowledge of Casey�s Infantry Tactics, School of the Soldier, and proficiency in the same. All duties requested by Officers and NCO�s, provided they are rational for the scenario and will not cause harm to himself or another individual.
Corporal - ability to teach Casey�s Infantry Tactics School of the Soldier. Basic knowledge of McClellan�s Bayonet Drill. Encourage and provide guidance to all Privates who show an ability or desire to advance rank. All duties requested by Officers and senior NCO�s, provided they are rational for the scenario and will not cause harm to himself or another individual.
Sergeant - all of Corporal, plus ability to teach McClellan�s Bayonet Drill. Knowledge of Second Sergeant and file closer duties while formed as a company. Encourage and provide guidance to all Corporals who show an ability or desire to advance rank. All duties requested by Officers and senior NCO�s, provided they are rational for the scenario and will not cause harm to himself or another individual.
First Sergeant - all of Sergeant, plus ability to teach Casey�s Infantry Tactics School of the Company. On field responsibility for knowing the names and whereabouts of all who are assigned to our field company whether members of the 2nd New Jersey or not. During battle scenarios will take roll call before departing, at appropriate breaks in fighting, and prior to forming up to return to camp. Responsible for turning in morning reports to the battalion staff as required by the event guidelines. Encourage and provide guidance to all Privates and Corporals who show an ability or desire to advance rank. All duties requested by Officers and senior NCO�s, provided they are rational for the scenario and will not cause harm to himself or another individual.
Captain/ Lieutenants - all of Sergeant, ability to teach Casey�s Infantry Tactics School of the Company, Knowledge of Casey�s School of the Battalion with regards to translating battalion orders to company movements.
Promotions in the Military Ranks:
1. Members will be issued �Campaign Credits� for all events they attend where drill or battle re-enactments are performed. The number of Campaign Credits for each event will be determined by the membership during a meeting in the first quarter of each year. The total possible Campaign Credits will be made known to the membership along with the breakdown by event. Members must accumulate more than 75% of the total possible Campaign Credits during a season to be eligible for promotion in the following season.
The reason for this ruling is two-fold. First, it ensures that member has had ample experience in the duties of their current rank and will be able to teach those duties to the next generation of NCO or Officer. Second, it ensures that the members interested in advancing in rank will attend events and contribute to the strength of the Unit at those events.
2. Members who meet the requirements of Section 1 will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in the drill manuals according to the Section titled �Expectations of Military Ranks�.
3. Those members who pass the above requirements will be awarded their next rank provided that a space is available. If there is not a space available for the member to be promoted for the season, he will be placed on a seniority roster in the event that a field advancement is possible at a given event.
4. The highest field rank that can be achieved through this method is Sergeant. All who rise to the level of Sergeant and maintain that status for one year will be eligible for election as a Commissioned Officer as described below.
5. Commissioned Officers will be elected from the �Sergeant Pool� as company size warrants on a year to year basis. This election is for Field Command only. It will be permissible to elect a Captain for �Dress Parade� events if the company size is below the minimum size to warrant a Field Captain.
6. There will not be an election for Commissioned Officer if said election would leave only one Sergeant. In other words, the company must be left with two Sergeants to warrant an election for Commissioned Officers for the season.
Demotions in the Military Ranks:
1. A member who reaches a rank of Corporal or Sergeant may have that rank removed if they fail to meet the duties as laid forth in �Expectations of Military Ranks�. The membership will be responsible for bringing the shortcomings to the attention of the individual Officer or NCO. The Officer or NCO will have an opportunity to correct misguided actions prior to a membership vote on removal of rank. This correction must be shown within two events.
2. A member may have rank removed in the year following a lack of attendance as laid forth in Section 1 under �Promotions in the Military Ranks�.
NOTE: A demotion in rank may occur for various reasons and should NOT be considered as a failure on the part of the individual. More campaign experience is often necessary to fully grasp the minutia of the next higher rank.
Legalese:
1. The 2nd New Jersey Infantry will operate under a larger sanctioning body for Civil War Re-enactors. The Unit will abide by the safety policies of that body first and foremost. Any additional requirements listed below are in addition to the Standard Operating Procedures of the larger sanctioning body. The default rule, if a conflict arises between this document and that of the sanctioning body, will be the more stringent of the conflicting rules.
2. Members must be 18 years old to carry a firearm in military re-enactments. An exception will be made for members between 16 and 18 years old provided they are sponsored by an adult member of the Unit attending the event. No member under 16 will be permitted to handle a firearm during an event.
3. All applicants and members are responsible for their own property both in and out of camp. The Unit shall be held harmless in the event of property loss.
4. Members will be responsible for the registration fees for all events. When time permits, the Unit will register as a whole consisting of members who forward the appropriate registration fees to the Unit Secretary prior to one week before the registration deadline.
5. Food will not, as a general rule, be supplied by the Unit for events. The Unit will occasionally provide food as deemed appropriate by the scenario and the voting members. When food is not provided, all efforts shall be made by each individual to only consume period type foods and beverages in camp.
6. All members realize the inherent hazard of any hobby which involves the discharging of firearms. All members agree to follow the safety S.O.P.�s of our sanctioning body and further hold the 2nd New Jersey harmless in the event of an accident.
AMENDMENTS:
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
Powder Issues:
1. Active Members will be provided powder rations by the Unit at the first meeting of the season after the member pays thier dues. These powder rations will include enough powder and paper tubes to make approximately 200 rounds using 65-70 grain loads. The individual member will be responsible for making thier own rounds per Unit standards.
2. An Active Member may request more powder when his personal inventory falls below, or will fall below 100 rounds after attending the next event. The member will contact the President of the Unit who will arrange for the needed supplies to be brought to the next event, where the member will be given them. For calculation purposes, about 40 rounds per event day are needed.
3. Probationary Members will be issued pre-made rounds at each event they attend, and will be required to turn in any unused rounds prior to departing the event. The Unit will, at various times throughout the year, request membership attendance at �Rolling Parties.� The Active and Probationary members are encouraged to attend to roll rounds for use by Probationary members and to teach the Probationary members the correct procedure for making rounds.
Musket Safety: General safety procedures are called out in the appropriate section of the USV Standard Operating Procedures.
1. First time shooters: all first time shooters will not be permitted to fire a musket until they have been drilled in the �Re-enactor�s Load�, which is the same as Casey�s or Hardee�s �Load in Nine Times� with the handling of the rammer extracated. Drill will include practice in loading and firing, the importance of loading powder first, then removing the spent priming cap to prevent a flash or �cook off�. The First Time Shooter will demonstrate to an NCO of the Unit, his knowledge of the steps and importance of thier order before being issued rounds.
2. At no time during the loading process, other than a live shoot at a range, shall rammers be removed from their position in the stock when in a group volley situation. This rule is in effect to prevent the accidental discharge of rammers in a rushed loading situation. Rammers may be removed in the presence of spectators in a cadenced demonstration of �Loading in Nine Times�, when the ranking Officer or NCO requests it.
