Infantry Safety Standards

1) In order to participate in the battles during any period of the day, a soldier should have attended the Company or Battalion drill prior to it, if one took place and the individual was encamped at the time of the drill. In other words, no soldier should be allowed to participate in a battle if he is purposely avoiding drill while his comrades have preformed the task.

2) When a percussion cap is placed on the cone of the rifle, the hammer should always be at half-cocked and never set down upon the cap itself.

3) Ramrods are NOT to be used unless orders are given to do so. Only file closers are to be allowed to draw a ramrod for the purposes of clearing a misfire during an engagement.

4) Companies and Battalions will be drilled as established. ( Casey's & Hardee's)

5) Cartridges for a standard Enfield or Springfield rifle should not exceed 60 grains of powder. Other differing caliber weapons should not exceed a common safety load particular to the weapon.

6) Bayonets will NOT be fixed except under orders.

7) Bayonet scabbards must be fitted with brass tips, otherwise the bayonet will not be taken on the field.

8) Muskets will be inspected by a commissioned officer or senior NCO prior to each battle. The inspector will insure that the barrel rings clean by springing the rammer and that the hammer will not release when in the half-cocked position upon pulling the trigger or upon some other reasonable force.

9) A hit WILL NOT be taken with a loaded musket.

10) If a weapon malfunctions, the soldier is to fall to the rear of the company and have a file closer or specified safety officer clear it. If the weapon is found to be in some manner unserviceable, the soldier will not be allowed to return to the ranks with the unserviceable weapon.

11) When possible and time permits, each weapon should be capped off individually prior to a battle by aiming at the ground and watching for grass movement.

12) Muskets should never be aimed at an individual. the weapon w3ill be elevated when firing over wounded and when firing at close range.

13) The Company is in direct command of the company commander. His word is law within his company.

14) In Battalion formations, the Wing Commanders will act as safety officers for thier particular wings. Wing Commanders sighting a safety violation will notify the company commander, and the company commander will be responsible for rectifying the situation.

15) All body parts are to remain clear of the muzzles at all times.

16) Company and/ or Battalion officers are to attempt to form their units and clear weapons by firing and then capping prior to leaving the battlefield.

17) It is greatly discouraged that anyone below the rank of commissioned officer carry a sidearm onto the battlefield.