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Contact
for information:
David
Grace, Company Commander
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RULES AND REGULATIONS I. GENERAL INFORMATION A. FINANCIAL COMMITMENT: New members joining the 69th PVI will be informed that reenacting has some expense associated with it. New members will be provided with a schedule to obtain uniforms, weapons, etc (military) and period clothing for civilians. B. MINORS/PETS: Children under the age of 18 are the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian MUST be with the minor at all times. Pets are not permitted at 69th PVI events. C. GUARDIANSHIP AUTHORIZATION: For any participant under 18 years old, the minor authorization form (located on the 69th PVI Application Form) must be completed with the parents authorized signature, and a copy kept with the Unit at all times of attendance, in the event emergency medical attention is required. D. WEAPONS: Each individual is responsible for the care, maintenance, and protection of their personal weapon. No one is permitted to loan a weapon to any member without the express permission of the Military Commander. E. DRUG/ALCHOLOL/STEALING: Any individual found using illegal drugs, becomes intoxicated, caught stealing will immediately be dismissed from the 69th PVI. II. SAFETY REGULATIONS A. General 1. ATTITUDE AND COOPERATION. Anyone acting in an unsafe, uncooperative or disorderly manner may be EXPELLED from the camp by the President, 69th PVI (hereafter called the President), or the Military Commander. Depending on the nature of the offense, the individual may be expelled from the event and may be restricted from attending future events as a member of the 69th PVI. Conduct should be appropriate for the period and image portrayed. 2. Prior to engaging in any battle scenario, either at an event, function, or drill, a Safety Inspection shall take place with the Military Commander and Safety Officer present. If one or the other is absent, the President will appoint a replacement. B. Safety Rules The safety rules contained in Attachment A are effective August 9th, 2003. A copy will be provided each member as well as a copy posted on the web page. Every member of the 69th PVI, military and civilian impression is responsible to read these safety rules. A copy will also be attached to all applications to join the 69th PVI. III. UNIT GUIDELINES Each subunit of the 69th PVI listed below, will be responsible for approving their own guidelines and determining the criteria for their impression, each set of Unit Guidelines will be attached to the Rules and Regulations as a separate Appendix starting with Appendix B. Appendix
B - 69th PVI Appendix C - Headquarters, Armies of the United States Appendix D - 1st United States Sharpshooters Appendix E - Irish Brigade Hospital Appendix F - Civilian Impressions IV. CIVILIANS Civilians shall conduct period images of the time frame, with such duties as they are able to portray, that would be consistent with life at that time (1861-1865). V. RANK STRUCTURE The size and composition of units varied throughout the Civil War. The Military Commander of Company C will be the senior Military Commander and will carry the rank of Captain. In the event there are sufficient members in the sub-units present, the Military Commander will be brevetted with the rank of Major. The President and the Military Commander will insure the following guidelines are followed for the combat companies:
Positions such as Ordinance Sergeant, Quartermaster, Color Bearer, Company Clerk, Adjutant, and brevets are to be appointed by the Commanding Officer as necessary. At no time will the number of Officers/NCOs exceed the number of privates. Rank is granted to deserving individuals based on experience, attendance, and commitment to the 69th PVI. Officers/NCOs must make the maximum effort to attend all events. If the Commanding Officer deems the Officer/NCO is not fulfilling the duty of their position, they will be relieved of duty and returned to the ranks as private. No member may hold the office of Officer or NCO in the 69th PVI if they are a member of another local Civil War Unit based in California. VI. COMMANDER The subject matter of this safety manual has been compiled as a standard of" time tested" rules to be followed by the membership of the 69th PVI and its subunits. Adherence to these rules, regulations, and recommendations are set forth, will enable the membership to enjoy a safe encampment and/or a reenactment and will greatly reduce the probability of an accident or fatality due to negligence, ignorance or carelessness. The contents of these safety rules may serve as a resource for any new member or subunit, enabling them to establish an immediate safety program. These safety rules will also serve as a guideline in any disciplinary action taken against any individual found to be in violation of any of its rules. Ignorance is not an excuse when safety practices are concerned. All members, both military and civilian, shall take heed, know, and be aware of the contents of these Safety Rules. I. GUNPOWDER B. Storage of Gunpowder II. EDGED WEAPONS A. Swords B. Knives and similar edged weapons C. Bayonets III. WEAPON GUIDELINES B. In addition to checking of firearms, blank cartridges may be randomly checked for wrapping and contents. C. Cleaning: Weapons should be cleaned after every firing, oiled and inspected for overall damage or malfunction. D. Powder: only black powder will be used. Smokeless powder is strictly prohibited. E. Cartridges: Blank cartridges will be of paper construction of the 1861-65 time period. The paper will be heavy enough to withstand accidental ignition by a spark. When in doubt, check with the Military Commander. F. Musket Blank Loads: Members shall not load over 75 grains of FFFg powder for rifles/muskets, or 80 grains of FFFg for .69 caliber or above. G. Pistols: Only officers may carry pistols on the field. Load is not to exceed 30 grains of FFFg powder. IV. WEAPON HANDLING B. When loading, keep the muzzle away from your face or body, and away from anyone in your vicinity. Keep the hand and fingers clear of the muzzle. Powder has been known to ignite without warning. C. Absolutely NO wadding of muskets, rifles, or pistols is allowed. D. No ramrod is to be removed from its pipes and inserted in the bore during a battle or firing ceremony. This is cause for immediate expulsion from the event and the 69th PVI. E. When firing, if you suspect there is more than one load in the musket or rifle, do not fire. Bring the weapon to a "shoulder arms" position, and report to a NCO, safety officer, or Military Commander. Wait until instructed to safely drop the load. Failure to do so, could cause accidental discharge of the gun and may cause sever injury to yourself and others around you. When in doubt, don't shoot. F. The Military Commander and NCOs are advised to place new recruits next to experienced troops in the ranks so that the more experienced soldier can observe the recruit and assist if a problem should occur. G. Civilians may carry a small period pistol. Civilians may NEVER load or fire that weapon at an event. V. CAMP SAFETY A. Campfires B. Event Lighting C. Smoking D. Public Safety E. Battlefield and Demonstration Areas APPENDIX B 1. The unit is to portray the proper image for the 1863-65 time period, and act in accordance to Military protocol. The proper uniform and period weapon is required for all participants. 2. The unit is expected to drill and march either separately or jointly at each event. This will help in an effort to portray a much sharper image to the general public, and to prepare for larger events. 3. The unit will have a rank structure that reflects the number of soldiers carried on the unit's roster. 4. The unit commander, all officers, and NCOs are responsible for the conduct of their troops both on and off the field for the duration of the event. 5. The unit commander has the authority to form and call upon members of the unit to do special duties as required. If a member cannot perform certain duties (due to health), they will inform the unit commander when arriving at the event. The unit commander will send home any member who is sick and cannot perform their duties due to health conditions. This is not negotiable. 6. The unit commander will appoint an adjutant and/or company clerk who will be responsible for keeping a roster of the personnel in the company at all events and meetings. 7. The unit commander or designated representative will read the safety rules prior to each morning's battle. 8. Safety Inspections
will be conducted prior to the first battle of the
day. Members arriving late will be assigned to the Headquarters' guard.
Under no circumstances, will a member be permitted to take part in
a 9. The unit commander is responsible to see that all members of the unit are properly trained by the NCOs in the School of the Soldier. 10. The unit camp is to be kept in period order during the event. All non period items WILL be removed from the public view. 11. The unit commander will oversee the setting up of a period, military camp. The military camp will be set up with company streets. The NCOs are responsible to see that the camp is setup in a proper military layout. Individual members will be responsible for safeguarding their own personal property. 12. All infraction's that occur must be reported to the unit commander as soon as possible. The issue should then be addressed by each of the unit commanders and their respective companies. If necessary, the issue will be referred to the President, 69th PVI for a final decision. 13. The unit commander may brevet NCOs as needed. However, at no time will the number of NCOs outnumber the privates and will be within the guidelines of the rank structure of the rules and regulations. 14. Company G is the training company. All new recruits will be assigned to Company G for training. New recruits will not be permitted to carry weapons or participate in battle scenarios until approved by the Commander of the 69th. 15. Upon completing of basic drill, safety procedures, and military protocol, the recruits will be presented to the Military Commander of 69th. If the Military Commander feels the recruit is ready, the recruit will be reassigned. 16. Company G is designated the Headquarters' guard. During battle reenactments, living history, etc., Company G will report to Headquarters Armies of the United States. 17. Anything not covered by the unit guidelines, rules and regulations, safety, etc., will be addressed by the unit commander. 18. Any member disrupting the operations of the unit, causing trouble, "bad mouthing" members of the unit or any other re-enactors, at an event, at the discretion of the Unit Commander, will be dismissed from the event. If the situation is warranted, the Unit Commander will meet with the President, 69th PVI, for possible dismissal from the 69th PVI organization. APPENDIX C 1. Headquarters is to portray the proper image of the Headquarters for General Ulysses S. Grant for the 1864-65 time period, and will act in accordance with Military protocol. The proper uniform and period weapons is required for all participants. 2. Headquarters personnel will become familiar with the operations of General Ulysses S. Grant for the period March, 1864 to April 1865. 3. Members will be assigned rank and historical impression by the President. 4. The Headquarters' commander is responsible for the conduct of the impressions assigned to this unit. 5. The Chief of Staff is the safety officer for headquarters. 6. The Chief of Staff will control the issue and return of company property (i.e., uniforms). 7. Headquarters camp will set up a historical impression. All non-period items will be stored out of site of the public. 8. Only the Headquarters Commander has direct command of any military members of the 69th PVI and its sub-units. No member of headquarters is in a command position unless authorized by the President and the Military Commander. 9. No member
of the 69th PVI or its sub units are permitted to visit headquarters
unless invited or on official business. In addition, no civilians are
permitted in the Headquarters area unless authorized by the 10. When the Headquarters personnel are invited on the field, the members will carry loaded pistols. All safety rules for the 69th PVI will be observed. The Chief of Staff will perform weapons inspection. 11. This impression is extremely important for the public. It is a draw since many of the public wish to meet and have pictures taken with historical figures. Strict protocol and non-period standards will be enforced. Headquarters will also be the enlistment center for new recruits. 12. Company G of the 69th PVI is designated Headquarters guard. During reenactments, this company will provide protection for the historical figures. New recruits will carry inert weapons until properly trained. APPENDIX D APPENDIX E APPENDIX F 1. Civilians will portray images of civilian life and/or specific persons during the Civil War (1861-1865). 2. Period requirements: ONLY CORRECT PERIOD ATTIRE will be worn during scheduled public hours. NO zippers, Velcro, obvious synthetics, modern glasses, etc., will be worn or in view of the public during this period. 3. New members are encouraged to consult with an experienced member and/or acquire a guide for newcomers before making purchases or investments into reenacting gear. 4. If children are in camp, they are to dress in period clothing. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children. 5. Non-period items WILL NOT be displayed to the public. Remember, many members have invested much time and money to develop a period correct image. If a civilian cannot maintain a correct period image, please do not dress in period clothing. Members will be informed if they do not comply with period impressions. Continual disregard will result in dismissal from the 69th PVI. 6. Civilians may not mix visible modern clothing with period clothing. 7. Safety Regulations 8. All civilians are to refrain from entering the military camp during public hours. Exceptions are those authorized by the President, 69th PVI, to be in those areas. 9. Space permitting, a civilian camp will be set up at the end of the 69th PVI encampment area. 10. Field Kitchen B. The 69th PVI sub units utilizing the dining facility will be subject to kitchen police (KP) duties. C. All members must provide their own dining items (i.e., cup, plate, knife, fork & spoon). Only visitors will be issued company owned dining items. No non-period dining items will be used while the public is present. Additional Appendices will be added as necessary David Grace,
Company Commander |