These rules/regulations have been established for members of the 12th Illinois as well as soldiers of other units whom wish to participate in events as part of our organization. Our goal being to maintain a high level of authenticity and military bearing in our ranks. 
The 12th ILL. strives to represent the soldiers of the Civil War as accurate to the time period as possible. It is up to the individual recruit to show the utmost respect to those who served while wearing the blue suit. 

Rules, regulations and suggestions. 
1. Company dues of $20.00 per individual or $50.00 per family of 3 or more shall be paid annually to the company treasurer. 
2. Keep the modern camp furniture to a minimum, period correct boxes, barrels and containers are allowed and encouraged. 
3. Justifiable orders from NCO’s and Officers will be obeyed as in the military. 
"the duty of an officer is to take care of his men, and the duty of each man is to obey their officer" Mark Dembski 
4. Safety violations will be dealt with in the most severe manner, Safety is our No.1 goal. 
5. Shelter tents and A-Frames only will be allowed for enlisted.  Officers may use wall tents.
6.Rank is a privilege, to hold a rank in the 12th Ill. one most show their skill of drill and care for fellow soldiers. Officers and non-coms ( Captain, 1st sergeant, and 1st corporal)will be voted annually. 
7. No soldier within the 12th Ill.’ s ranks shall wear a rank insignia above his official rank unless brevetted by the company commander. 
8. Excessive and underage drinking is not tolerated. No person will be allowed to partake in any 12th Ill. activities under the influence. 
9. No one under 16 is allowed to carry a musket on the field, unless cleared by the company C.O. 
10. Please alert officer and non-coms of the 12th to any medical conditions. 
11. The camp will be kept clean and period correct at all times. This is t he responsibility of each individual. 
12. We will use Hardees drill and Kentucky swing stacking at reenactments. 
13. As our own company, we will use Gilhams drill. 
14. Side arms (pistol/sword) may only be carried by 12thIll. officer. Long blades are not allowed on the field by anyone. 
15. All company members will be schooled in all positions of drill before taking to the field. 
16. All scenarios, either in camp or on the field must be approved by all included parties and NCO’s/ Officers prior to scenario taking place. 
17. Women may be included in military operations as long as she can appear to be a man at a distance of ten feet. This will be company commanders decision. 
18. Soldiers wore their hair short for reasons of hygiene. Long hair, or hair with a modern cut or color will be highly discouraged. 
19. If corrected lenses are required, period correct glasses or contacts are required. 
20. Cell phones shall be kept on silent or vibrate and out of the public eye. 
21. No wristwatches, no exceptions. 
22. No gym shoes, borrow or buy brogans/Jefferson booties. 
23. Treat all gear/weapons as if they are your own, if you break it, replace it, if you use it clean it, if you eat it, buy more. 
24. All muskets will be in good working order and pass a company weapons inspection before being fired. 
25. Never under any circumstances is live ammunition to be carried. 
26. Consult an NCO or officer before buying equipment. There is a lot of misleading information out there and not all units are the same. The 12th NCO’s or officer will point in the right direction mindful of the new recruits budget. 
27. Do not touch anyone else’s muskets/ gear without their permission. 
28. If you need to fall out or leave camp, inform 12th Ill. Officer or NCO’s. 
29. All scabbards shall have a metal encased tip for safety reasons. 
30. Absolutely no pyrodex is to be used this is a black powder only hobby. 
31. In order to participate in a reenacted battle one must take part in company drill prior to the battle. 
32. It is preferred that jewelry on soldiers be at a minimum. Wedding bands are accepted. All piercings must be removed during 12th Ill. activities. 
33. Modern cigarettes should not be smoked in presence of spectators. Dispose of butts properly this means not in the fire. 
34. The camp fire is not a trash can. 

It is intended that the 12th Illinois portray and display the correct look of the soldiers we represent.  Improvement to our reenacting impression should be an ongoing process. Although attitude is more important than equipment, an increased attention to correct construction and materials is both instructive and necessary in order to achieve the look of the soldiers we portray.