Regimental Policies

In order to assure that the Regiment maintains the highest of standards, it is important that each member understand his individual responsibilities. The following policies have been adopted in order to insure that the regiment remains an organization of which we can all be proud.

Regimental Policies of the 12th Virginia, Company B

1. Each member of the regiment will accurately and authentically maintain a period impression both in dress and manner during those times when the regiment is in character. While a certain degree of individual freedom and creativity is acceptable, the unit commander reserves the right to disallow any impression deemed to be inappropriate.

2. All members will respect the regimental chain of command when the regiment is in character and will serve the regiment at the pleasure of the commanding officer. Permission of the regimental commander will be required should any member wish to go on detached duty status at an event.

3. The regiment requires each member to attend two battle re-enactments, or one battle re-enactment and one living history, to obtain the privilege to vote in annual elections. Each member is expected to give first priority to those events listed on the schedule as Company and/or Corps events.

4. Should any member of the regiment fail to execute any reasonable order of a superior officer, the commanding officer is empowered to investigate, determine the facts, and take whatever action he deems appropriate, short of permanent dismissal. Should the conduct of any member or recruit of the regiment be detrimental to the well being of the regiment, the commanding officer may at his discretion, suspend the individual from participation with the regiment for such time as he feels warranted. In serious cases, individuals may be permanently dismissed from the regiment by a majority vote of the active membership.

5. The regiment requires that a member be 16 years of age before bearing arms, and any member under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

6. As a unit practice, assistance should be given to all members upon arrival, during camp life, and in departing camp at all events. It is expected that members will, hopefully, realize the obligation to assist in setting up and tearing down our camp at events. We do have a Quartermaster who keeps up with Company gear, as well as a trailer to carry it.

GENERAL NOTES ABOUT THE COMPANY

We of the company strive to both achieve and maintain the highest possible degree of historical authenticity in our impression of the military and civilian persons and lifestyles of the era.

As the 12th Virginia, Company B, we wear uniforms of types known to have been of general issue to Virginia soldiers at some time during the period 1861 to 1865. This is the type #2 and type #3 Richmond Depot jacket, with Depot style trousers. The accepted colors are Richmond gray, in wool, or as a secondary uniform, medium gray in jean-cloth. This provides an "early-to-mid war" impression that can be used at most events.

The company does not do a Union impression, per se, but individuals are encouraged to form dual impressions for use in Living Histories, etc.

Although not an "official" impression, many members also have an impression as members of Wheat's Tigers (Company B, 1st Louisiana Special Battalion). This is not appropriate for many events, and is strictly an individual decision. Those who have this impression may occasionally do events as a group where these "Tigers" are appropriate.

For enlisted men, the only weapons permitted at most events are "3-band" muzzleloading muskets. These include the .58 Enfield rifle, the various Springfields, and the CS Richmond. While "2-banders" and shotguns may be appropriate for some living history events, they are not permitted in battle scenarios. Only the First Sergeant and officers are authorized to carry swords, pistols, and sashes.

The 12th Virginia uses Gilham's Manual as our prescribed style of drill. All military members are expected to participate in drilling exercises, and learn to be proficient at such.

To outfit oneself from zero will cost about $600-1000. However, you have a year to accumulate your basic uniform and accoutrements. You can purchase used or make your own from reproduction patterns. The company does have a good stock of loaner equipment that may be used as needed, as long as an effort is made to eventually acquire your own.

Although we usually set up a Company street with A-frame tents, military members are encouraged to be able to do "campaign" style camping. The Company has several A-frame tents available for those who need to use them. Wall tents and tent flies are restricted to the Captain. A fly is usually provided for the cooking area and for shade for the enlisted men.

Authenticity in camp is very important, and modern anachronisms must be hidden from sight, especially during daylight hours.

The dues are $25.00 per year per member and are payable between January 1st and February 1st. After February 1st a late fee of $5.00 will be charged. New members joining after February 1st may pay prorated dues. If a family joins the unit and there are more than three in the family, the fourth and greater member pays half the regular dues.

While we primarily attend battle re-enactments, living histories, and tacticals, we of the company also attend and participate in parades, demonstrations, and other types of civic events. The 12th is allied with the APCWS and the NPS to preserve the battlefields at Glendale and Malvern Hill, and those interested do volunteer work at those sites. We also have many "social" gatherings, including Company excursions, dance lessons, and parties.

Most of the events that we attend are in Virginia, but we will also travel to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. We might travel to other states if the events are of exceptional merit.

We accept members from age 12 years and up, but note that you must be 16 to carry a weapon on the field, and all those under 18 must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians.

Women are allowed to join, and play an active role in this unit. Generally, they do not vote on military field officers unless they have taken the field as soldiers to meet the minimum requirement.

Save all receipts for your expenses. As a non-profit group, the costs of this hobby are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. Purchases, fees, and gasoline OR mileage are examples. Meals are generally not. We do have federal and State tax-exempt ID #'s available for members who need it.

Officers and NCOs of the unit are elected by the membership. The Captain is elected by general membership vote, field officers (NCOs) are elected only by those who have taken the field as a soldier during the previous year. The Captain serves a two-year term and all other elected officers and NCOs serve for one year. You must be active in the unit one year in order to run for office.

We as a unit strongly oppose and condemn discrimination of any kind. We believe that hope for our world rests primarily on mutual respect and cooperation regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, or national origin.

The company is affiliated with a larger organization which is known as the Longstreet's Corps.

While there is a certain risk involved in reenacting, injuries of even a minor nature are very rare. We do maintain SEALED medical information forms for our members in the case they need medical help at an event. Safety is a PARAMOUNT concern with us, and unsafe behavior will result in appropriate disciplinary action. On the field you are expected to obey the NCO's, they and your file partners are looking out for your safety as well as their own!

SAFETY REGULATIONS OF THE 12th VIRGINIA COMPANY B

1. Bayonets will be sheathed at all times unless on guard duty, while in march, or such times as deemed appropriate and safe by the ranking field officer.
2. Side knives will be sheathed at all times other than in a camp life situation.
3. Powder charges for weapons will be set to a maximum of 60 grains. Oversized charges or multiple charges are strictly prohibited.
4. Ramrods will not be used in a situation other than living history firing demonstrations.
5. Wadding will not be used in situations other than living history firing demonstrations or in field situations deemed appropriate and safe by the ranking field officer.
6. Hand-to-hand combat is strictly prohibited unless prearranged by the ranking field officer.
7. Weapons will not be aimed at individuals at ranges closer than 25 yards. The norm is to "elevate" your weapon in those circumstances.
8. Discipline while loading will be strict and maintained with careful observation by field officers and NCO's.
9. Until the commands for firing are given, all loaded weapons will be kept at HALFCOCK (the "safe" position) and fingers will be kept out of the trigger housing.
10. Capping the weapon will always be the last step of the loading procedure.
11. For safety purposes, cap boxes and cartridges are required. Caps will, at all times, be kept in a separate box from cartridges.
12. During re-enactments, "casualties" should fall to the rear, rather than in front of the battle line.
13. Officers, NCO's, and file closers will check "casualties" to insure no real injuries have been sustained.

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