Is It OK To........

[Historicaly Correct]

Just wondering? Do any of you fine reenactors belong to mare than one unit? I am wanting to join another unit that will allow me to do more reenactments and living history senerios. Being still so new to the hobbie I didnt want to offend or upset the ordanance wagon...
HC

 

[Rad2duhbone53]

This is interesting......

I'm curious about this..........is it correct (I hate that word) to be in two separate reenacting groups? Wouldn't this constitute a "conflict of interest?" I know of reenacting groups that portray both Union and Confederate regiments but to belong to two separate groups? Is this like walking on egg shells?

 

[Historicaly Correct]

Little more info...

I belong to a CSA artillery unit and wanting to join another CSA artillery unit at the same time. The units are do reenactments in two different directions from where I live. One more to the north the other more to the southeast. Due to the cost of travel and expenses (whole family) I was looking for the most that I can do on my budget. I just dont want to upset the ordanance wagon and be doing the wrong thing. Any advice is welcome.
HC

 

[johan_steele]

Talk to the leadership; explain your reasons and i would think there would be no issues.

 

[rock city guard]

Talk to the leadership; explain your reasons and i would think there would be no issues.

I agree with shane, This is probably the simplest answer to give.

 

[samgrant]

Absolutely acceptable, especially if you are a spy.

 

[blue_zouave]

HC, out here in the Golden West, we have something called "reciprocity," which means that members of various groups play together without having to join every group. Of course, our groups are more far flung... one in Washington, one in Oregon, two in Nevada, you get the idea.

The prevailing advice is the best. Talk to the leaders of each group. I suspect everyone will be more than glad to have you.

Zou

 

[Birddog]

More than one Unit

Personally I belong to a Confederate Infantry Unit and a Confederate Artillary Unit. I also have a standing invitation to fall in with the local Federal Infantry Unit, sometimes at the same events my CS Infantry Unit attends.

The CS units are about 600 miles apart and attend far different events, so there are few conflicts that way.

I've never had a problem, but my home Unit has always had a policy that you can do what you want where and when you want.

Talk to the two Units and see if there is a problem, if one Unit is against it then I would have to look at them more closely.

Good luck,

Wayne

 

[5th Texas]

Well, I belong to the 5th Texas infantry, but I also belong to the 2nd Hamilton Guards. However, many of our members are associated with a union regiment. The two units go to events together, so there is more of a turn-up from the reenactors, and more opportunities to go to events. Also, if more union/Confederate troops are needed, people can switch sides without too much trouble.

 

[ole]

And that, 5th, is where it ought to be. Who was on what side for what reason ought to take a back seat to celebrating and reenacting the men who participated -- from whatever side. Wish I were young enough to join y'all. I'd wear gray as quick as I'd wear blue. Don't matter that much. The whole thing is all about experiencing.

ole

 

[handy.harris]

I am reenacting in 2 different units. For one I am Gunner with the Brooks Light Artillery. Whenever the cannon is not available, I am Corporal of the 5th GA. Inf. Co. A.
As long as you keep both sides informed of what you are doing, and what your future plans are, there really shouldn't be a problem.

The only issue I can see, that you might get promoted in one unit and there is no room for your rank in the other unit.

If I would be doing 2 Artillery units, I would start out as Gunner. If one unit promotes me to Corporal it could be that the other unit does not accept this.
So you would need 2 jackets. One with and one without stripes.

Handy

 

[M E Wolf]

Dear Ole,

I have to join you in being in the 'I wish I were younger' category. [Sighs]

Arthritis is kicking my beehind from shoulders to my feet and other limbs.
Any faster, I have to speed up to stop.

I would have been in the Cavalry on either side; or ambulance, forge wagon and or driver for the artillery teams. Having driven single, teams, tandems and four in hand; etc; trained horses for driving and riding; I think I could have been useful. But, in my youthfulness--computers were around fully as they are now. Worked on Civil War and post Civil War buggy and wagon restorations as well. Could have helped there also.

Having Calligraphy skills, it is similar to Copperplating and Spencerian style of writing; it would be authentic dip pen 'writing.' I could at least be helpful in teaching interested folks how to. I do have a fun way of starting folks out --works with kids also. Bet people didn't know that the style of shorthand in the Civil War was "Lloyd's." Gregg shorthand was taught in the 1970s. However; "Lloyd's" style of shorthand was used for court-martials, official debates, secretarial work, etc.

Maybe with a bit of help -- I could substitute for Old "Fuss 'n Feathers."
[Chuckles]

I wouldn't mind be Administrative --Courts Martial duty, Assistant Adjudant General, Assistant Inspector General, etc. Isn't that off the mark what I did when I was in my best 'lean, mean..fighting machine' mode.


Ah--youth and a less decrepit body!

"Old Soldiers don't die--they just fade away." [Ref. Douglas MacArthur's farewell address to Congress]

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

 

[larry_cockerham]

And that, 5th, is where it ought to be. Who was on what side for what reason ought to take a back seat to celebrating and reenacting the men who participated -- from whatever side. Wish I were young enough to join y'all. I'd wear gray as quick as I'd wear blue. Don't matter that much. The whole thing is all about experiencing.

ole

That's where it is among re-enactors in the south, I'm happy to report. This is a hobby for folks with a little extra money, or just too much energy and enthusiasm. All have evidence of a good deal of love for history. The north-south thing is usually not an issue. All are trying to educate and maintain the memory of this horrible time and the effort our ancestors put into it. My recent experience with Hoosier's buddies and our own two batteries of artillery folks brought that notion to the forefront. The 18th TN Infantry didn't exacly belong in Hoover's Gap, Tennessee, yet that's just where they were, firing borrowed Confederate cannons with the assist of good southern boys wearing blue pants, swapped for the occasion from the rack of clothing they carry in the trailer. These men are men of honor, both north and south. Colors ain't that big of a deal. Besides, I could spot Ole as a yank from quite a distance without my glasses, even if he wore gray drawers. Young ain't a requirement, just the desire. From what I saw, both sides seemed to be populated by a bunch of old ##### (censorable word starting with f, ending in s and having an r in the middle).

The encouraging part is that there were some young men in the group eager to learn the history and an agreeable crowd of folks from both sides of the river cheering them all to victory.