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Confederate Guidelines      Federal Guidelines


First Confederate Division

Uniform Guidelines

Western Confederate Impression

Shell Jackets. The most common garment of the AOT:

*Note: Grey wool or “Mix Grey” wool was not commonly used for construction of military jackets in the AOT

and should be avoided. Most uniforms were made of Jean in the AOT and therefore a proper reproduction

should be made of Jean as well. Satinet and Cassimere are two acceptable variants.

1. Columbus depot types II and I. These jackets represent the most common Depot manufactured uniform

coat used by the AOT. These jackets were manufacture in general for the AOT and issued regardless of

state affiliation. They must be constructed using the proper natural or gray jean material with the proper

medium blue wool collars and cuffs. Osnaburg was most commonly used for the lining and thus should

be used for reproductions. Buttons: You can use Confederate issue Block Federal Eagle, Wooden two

hole ¾, or “I” (Script or Block) buttons or a combination of the three on this jacket. *State buttons were

rare at best and should therefore be avoided.

2. Atlanta depot, this is a good mid war jacket. This jacket was made of plain gray jean material without a

blue color of cuff. They had six buttons and an osnaburg lining. Buttons seen on the surviving examples

are of the block I variety.

3. Department of Alabama, Jackets of this pattern are similar in construction and material to the Columbus

pattern but do not have the cuff trim but do have a colored collar of dark blue cotton/wool jean. The

surviving examples have 5-6 buttons and are usually found with wood, 2 hole ¾” buttons. They are lined

with cotton osnaburg. This jacket was issued after November 1864 to the surviving members of the

Army of Tennessee in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana. This jacket should

be limited in use.

4. Plain “Commutation” Jacket or any pattern jean jacket that can be documented from a reliable source.

These too were made of jean material.

Frock Coats, these knee length jackets were issued whenever possible up until early 1863. They were always

constructed of jean material with an osnaburg lining sometimes having blue wool collar and cuffs. However,

there were many plain jean coats and a few that simply had a blue collar. Normally these jackets had seven

buttons. Buttons were usually federal eagles. However, there are some surviving jackets with Block or script I

buttons. * State buttons should not be used for this jacket.

Hand stitched button holes, as a rule all visible button holes should be hand stitched. This is a simple process

that is not only authentic but practical for a jean jacket. Although there was quite a bit of machine stitching in

the 1860’s it was very different than the machines of today. In many cases (compared to today’s machines)

machine stitching looks hand sewn. Therefore it is necessary to hand stitch. Beyond that however, hand

stitching reinforces the button hole and prevents fraying and excessive wear.

Trousers. Trousers should be the correct military or civilian pattern made of cotton/wool jean cloth. For early

war events, the use of an appropriate civilian material is accurate. The use of Federal Sky Blue Kersey trousers

or white cotton duck material is very highly discouraged. These trousers were either rare or non-existent in the

AOT.

Shirts. Shirts should be of the proper pullover pattern and should be made of the correct material, preferably

homespun cotton. Buttons should be calico, milk glass, antique metal or shell (Mother-of-Pearl). Of course

plastic should never be used. The wearing of bright red shirts or large plastron front shirts is not accurate.

Under Drawers. It is highly recommended, both for authenticity and comfort, that each man wear light weight

muslin/cotton under drawers correct for the 1860’s. These are full length drawers that usually button down the

fly. Remarkably, wearing of these drawers help greatly in keeping cool during warm days.

Hats. The most common hats worn by AOT soldiers were civilian slouch hats. This would be a good choice of

any FCD member. The actual historic ration of slouch hats to kepis was closer to 50/50. Good kepis are hard to

come by though. These were usually made of jean material and normally did not have a blue band. Straw hats

did not last more than 5 months in civilian life and therefore were quite rare in the army. These should be

avoided. Captured federal headgear should be very limited. Hat blanks, cowboy hats or hilly-billy hats should

be strictly avoided. A quality hat from Clearwater or Dirty Billy’s will run $80.00 to $100.00 but it will be well

worth it! They are not only correct but last for years in all kinds of weather. Cheap hats look bad and tend to

have a short life span.

Shoes. Shoes should be of the Jefferson brogan type commercially available. Boots are not at all common in the

infantry and thus should be strictly avoided. The wearing of period canvas/cloth “camp” shoes is discouraged

as they were mainly an item of private purchase in the Federal Army. There is written documentation of

Confederate “ersatz” canvas and leather bootees but there is neither photographic evidence nor surviving

examples of these types of shoes. Your impression as a Confederate soldier in the AOT is better served by

purchasing a pair of straight last natural brogans or a pair of Federal issue “Jefferson” pattern brogan. No

Cowboy, Wellington or East German army boots. Work, combat, or hiking boots are not to be used. Absolutely

no moccasins, please.

Equipment Authenticity Guidelines

Belts. Belts should be leather or painted canvass with the proper belt plates. Oval C.S. plate similar to the U.S.

plates should not be worn. Georgia frame, forked tongue, roller buckles, Rectangle CSA, plain brass or brass

Star buckles are all excellent choices. White buff is appropriate for early war impressions, such as Shiloh.

Cartridge Box and Sling. The following models are recommended for the Army of Tennessee: US Model

1839 .69 caliber box, US Model 1857 .69 caliber box, British Enfield box, Shelbyville .69 caliber box, .58

caliber Baton Rouge Belt suspension box. Strap should be leather or painted canvas. Brass breast plates or box

plates should be avoided as they were not common.

Cap Pouch. The following are models recommended for the Army of Tennessee: US early war shield front, US

1850 model, British Enfield cap pouch, CS single back strap and Baton Rouge shield front.

Canteens. There are a variety of period canteens that are appropriate. Wooden, tin drum, federal smooth side

and CS stamped tin drums are all appropriate. All canteen covers on federal smooth or bulls-eye canteens

should be brown/gray jean. Sky blue was not very often used by either the federals or the Confederates as a

canteen cover. Therefore it is best to NOT use sky blue. Straps should be worn so that the canteen rests at the

top of the hip.

Haversacks. These should be made of plain white or off-white cotton canvas. Federal issue haversacks should

be used in limited quantity. Straps should be worn so that the canteen rests at the top of the hip. Note: CS

haversacks were generally closed by means of a button while US haversacks were closed by a strap and buckle.

Knapsacks / Bedrolls. A good mid-war AOT impression should have 7 of 10 men carrying Knapsacks as a

general rule (according to some period QM reports). Men of the MVB should, as a general practice, wear these

into battle as did many veterans on campaign. Bedrolls are self-explanatory. As for knapsacks a some good

choices would be an early war (Mexican war) soft pack, CS Single bag, Issac Cambell’s import bag or a hard

pack.

Blankets. A good quality (preferable light) 100% wool civilian blanket is the best choice. There are a few

manufactures of authentic reproductions that are expensive but well worth the money. These make a good

impression look fantastic. Quilts are another option so long as they are made of natural material and are period

in style. Wool coverlets or jean blankets are also appropriate.

Gum or Tarred “Blankets”. In the world or reenacting the common Gum blanket is the Federal issued

rubberized pattern. These should be used about 30% of the time however. The better choice for Confederate

troops is the painted canvas blanket which is a canvas section painted with a black paint and lint seed oil

mixture. These were more common.

Cups. A cup or a boiler are appropriate so long as they are made of tin. A soldier needs only one or the other.

Plates & Skillets. The idea of a soldier on campaign (which is what we portray when we recreate battles…i.e.

Campaigns) is to travel light and with only what you need. Therefore forget about the iron skillet or the idea of

having both a plate and a frying pan. Have one or the other. Canteen halves are recommended as they can be

used for both (as can a plate for that matter). A canteen half is just that…half of a smooth side canteen that one

can fry with or eat out of. Which was a common practice.

The four man mess: his was the way of the CS soldier. Company cooks were very rare (if they even existed) so

men usually shared cooking items and responsibilities. It is recommended that four men share a small coffee

pot, skillet and broiler. Actually, you can scrap the coffee pot and just boil coffee grounds in a tin cup. The

point is to forget about a massive cooking set up. Men cooked their rations in messes. If you need something

more substantial, then see the non period food vendors.

Weapons. Only three band rifles should be used in the FCD. A report in April 1863 revealed that 44% of the

arms in the AOT were .69 percussion smoothbores. Most likely 1842 Springfields. 37% were Enfields and 14%

were rifled Springfields. The rest varied. It was not until spring 1864 that Enfields began to take prominence. At

that time 55% were Enfields, 32% Austrian and 11% had smoothbores. Ideally one should have a .69

smoothbore and an Enfield (or a rifled Springfield) to use depending upon the scenario.

Appropriate Personal Effects. The following articles are some of the personnel belongings which could have

been found in the knapsack (*note: the haversack was for food and utensils only) of a CS soldier: Newspaper,

Bible, period night cap, tin or glass photo, wood or bone toothbrush, toothpowder {a tin of baking soda works

very well and is accurate}, lye soap, folding knife, bone or wood comb, period pipe, tin or brass tobacco box,

match safe, housewife, course paper, period nib pen, wood pencil (no eraser), small bottle of ink, extra socks

and/or a shirt (only one extra set is needed). These should be homemade, purchased from and antique store or

carefully selected from a sutler. Eyewear. Spectacles were rare among civilians or soldiers who had poor eye

sight. So the best idea is to do without them if you can. If not, try contacts. Otherwise it is important to buy

period frames (Modern frames makes an impression look silly) , which are relatively cheap. It is not unusual to

find frames at antique stores for $10 to $20. There is a supplier on our approved sutler list who sells these

frames for around $25. Small oval or rectangle frames are period. Round frames are not. Do not use tinted

lenses as these were only for men with STDS and even this was extremely rare.

Food Rations Authenticity Guidelines

First, all members of the FCD should read the article entitled Rations, The Reenactor’s Dilemma posted on the

home page. This will give tremendous insight into the world of period rations. One will quickly find that a

period diet is much better than the common practice of using modern canned meat and other products.

Second, the haversack is for food and cooking utensils only.

Third, coolers and modern cooking equipment is not necessary and should be strictly avoided. Only cooked or

cured meat should be carried thus a cooler is unnecessary. Non period drinks may be stored at your vehicle or

obtained by the event vendors. Our camps should be kept free of these anachronisms that always kill a good

impression and tend to be seen even when a great effort is taken to keep them concealed.

Fourth, let us establish a simple rule. No plastic or modern containers, ever. These are not necessary and they

can ruin an impression for you or your file mate who is trying to “get lost” in the time period. Even if you

choose not to carry period food items, remove what you have from its plastic container and put it into a period

one. The following are some ideas:

Cotton draw-string Polk sack – simple inexpensive bags that can be adapted to carry anything.

Brown Wax Paper or Plain Brown Paper – perfect for cooked or greasy meat. Brown wax paper is now being

manufactured and carried in many grocery stores.

Small tin or glass containers – good for small herb, salt or pepper. Glass containers should have cork tops or

screw zinc lids.

Food: The following is a list of foods appropriate to the Army of Tennessee:

Meat: Salt Pork, Cured Ham, boiled Beef, Slab Bacon

Bread: Cornbread, biscuits or corn fritters (hoe-cakes). Hard tack should be limited.

Drinks: Coffee (beans or course ground) or tea.

Grains: Cornmeal, grits, and rice.

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, turnips, corn on the husk, black-eyed peas, carrots, beans, and hominy.

And of course peanuts (although this is not actually a vegetable). Plain corn nuts are a good reproduction of

“parched corn” a staple of the CSA.

Herbs: Garlic, rosemary, coriander, basil, Tabasco pepper and bay leaves

Sweets: The best idea for a sweat tooth is ginger snap cookies which were very common and easy to find in

today’s markets. The most correct sugar to carry is the “Mexican” cone sugar often found for $1.00 per 7oz in

the Spanish foods section of your market. The other alternative is raw or brown sugar. Molasses is another very

good Southern alternative. **Sugar…the sugar you carry should never be white processed sugar.

Military Camp Authenticity Guidelines

Camps for CS troops should consist mainly of canvas flys and shelter halves. A tents should be avoided. Why?

Because these men were on campaign and often, as we read historical accounts, we find that they moved well

ahead of the baggage trains. Thus, the men had to camp with what they had on their backs. However, if A-tents

must be used, it would be more correct if three men shared a tent. The thing to avoid is having one man per tent.

This was not at all correct.

Camp furniture should be virtually non-existent. This means no chairs, stools or tables except perhaps for the

battalion staff. Men should use logs or their ground cloths for sitting round the fire.

Coolers, Air mattresses, cots and anything else 20th century should be strictly avoided. The Division will stop

short of banning these items for the time being. So what are some alternatives? First carry non perishable

(period) food items as listed in the food section. Second, use straw or hay for a bed (if you absolutely have to).

Third, go back to the car for a cold drink or visit the sutlers. Lastly, simply follow the authenticity guidelines.

The General assures the men in this Division that it is possible to rid ourselves of all modern anachronisms and

still camp in comfort. It merely takes being creative with the natural items a CS soldier had to work with.

Note: Bug spray, first aid items or medication are exceptions, of course. These can be carried indiscreetly

in a cloth bag (Polk Sack) inside a knap sack or haversack.

 

Federal Guidelines

To All Federal Reenactors

 

I would like to take a moment to thank you for your anticipated participation at this most exciting event with us. I have every confidence that this may very well be the most enjoyable event of the year for all of us.  We have some very exciting plans for each of you and with the excellent support and efforts of our sponsors each person should have a truly unique experience while there.

For those who may have any concerns in regards to camping.  Our sponsors have arranged to establish a “mixed” camp for any one wishing to camp with their period correct family.  This camp will be just below the main military camp and will be of easy access.  While it is my hope that this will be a very limited number as the plans for the soldiers are many, it is our goal to provide every person attending with a memorable good time during this “living history” experience.

The “rules and regulations” as well as all safety and inspection forms are located on the web site for your convenience. There are to be NO exceptions to the safety and inspection rules and should you have a concern with anything else, you are welcome to contact your unit officer who can forward your concern directly to me.

Again, Thank you for your interest and I look forward to meeting and seeing all of you on this great endeavor.

Col Terry Crowder, Commanding

Living History/Authenticity Rules and Regulations for the First Federal Division
— Revised and Approved, April 2008

These rules will be used as the General Guidelines for this event. Any and all questions pertaining to any exceptions shall be addressed 2 weeks prior to arrival at the event site thru the office of Col. Terry Crowder, Commanding.

The following are general living history authenticity standards for the First Federal Division. Brigade/Battalion/Squadron/Battery Commanders may supplement/strengthen/augment (but may not alleviate, obviate, or lessen) these standards as they see fit according to their impression and historical responsibilities.

Living History/Authenticity Rules and Regulations for the First Federal Division

The General principles for the Division are established for western federal impressions, based on the historical data for the particular historical units the organization will be portraying. Battalion/Brigade organizations will disseminate particular unit impressions as authorized by the Division.

Individuals and units shall portray one of the approved impressions, for the purposes of:

Unit documentation and formation;
Individual clothing, uniforms, equipment, weapons, insignia, and personal items;
Flags and colors;
Camp furniture and layout;
Rank, insignia and Army organization;
Tactics and formations;
Living history.

Individuals and units should provide documentation on these, and other, aspects of their impression in order to demonstrate that they are following this definition. All references to “documentation” and “documented” mean that which has been approved for a particular event. 

The following are general minimum standards for the Division. Brigade/Battalion Commanders may supplement/strengthen/augment (but may not alleviate, obviate, or lessen) these guidelines as they see fit according to their impression and historical responsibilities.

Uniform and Personal Authenticity

All uniforms and equipment shall be of a type, material, fit, style and construction consistent with that of the time portrayed. The best efforts should be made to adapt the uniform impression for the particular event, but, a reasonable “generic” impression that is consistent with the event uniform guidelines is acceptable. Any “specialty” uniform (Zouave, highlander, marine, etc.) MUST have PRIOR WRITTEN approval from the Commanding General.

The minimum requirements for all branches of service are: appropriate headgear, uniform coat and trousers, and period footwear. Uniform jackets/blouses are to be worn AT ALL TIMES outside of company streets, to include parades, formations, AND battle scenarios, except when on fatigue (work) duty assignments. Battalion Commanders or higher may use their discretion in allowing jackets/coats to be bloused, worn “western style,” or removed completely due to weather or other serious considerations.

Modern footwear is prohibited, except in cases of medical necessity with PRIOR approval from the Battalion Commander or higher. The practice of “hiding” modern footwear underneath gaiters or spats is prohibited.

Modern eyewear is highly discouraged and, if not absolutely required for safety, may be prohibited during specific times (battles, photos, drills, public displays, etc). Colored lenses are prohibited except in cases of real medical necessity.

Any modern clothing/uniform parts, such as a wrist watch or modern jewelry must be removed or hidden while in period attire (uniform or civilian attire).

Body piercings that are not gender appropriate for the time period must be removed while in uniform/attire.  Inappropriate, offensive, or historically inaccurate, visible tattoos may be required to be covered, or, in the case where that is not possible, may preclude the individual from participation.

Exotic hair styles or colors must be covered or hidden as practicable; all outward appearances should conform as best as possible to the place and times circa 1860’s America.

For General events, the following are considerations. Specific considerations may be made depending on the event scenario:

Uniform: 

Uniform Coat (regulation federal or state issue frock as appropriate by branch of service and unit) –or- Fatigue Coat (4-button sack coat).

Sky-blue kersey trowsers (per branch of service)

Federal dark blue trowsers (allowed for officers)

Regulation issued wool shirt or appropriate civilian wool/cotton shirt

Headgear:

Regulation Forage cap or Hardee Hat or Civilian Hat  (NO unblocked hat blanks or exotic headgear)

Footwear:

Issue Bootee (“brogans”) –or- issued boots (per branch of service)

Wool or cotton socks

NO MODERN FOOTWEAR ALLOWED

Accoutrements:

Issue regulation leather belt w/ US or Eagle buckle (as appropriate)

Issue cap pouch, cartridge box strap & breastplate (Infantry)

Issue accoutrements as appropriate (Artillery & Cavalry)

Equipage:

Single-Bag, Double-Bag Knapsack -or- Blanket Roll (Infantry/Artillery)

Saddle/blanket rolls (Cavalry)

Issue canteen and haversack

Weapon Authenticity

Infantry units carry the long arms documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry 3-band muzzle-loading long arms (e.g., Pattern 1853 Enfield, M1861 or M1863 Springfield, M1861 Special Contract Rifle Musket). Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than 3-band muzzle-loading long arms. 

Cavalry units carry carbines, or other shoulder arms, documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry muzzle-loading or breech-loading single-shot carbines (e.g., Sharps, Smith, Maynard, Burnside, etc.).  Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than single-shot carbines.

Artillery units carry shoulder arms on the field only if they have been documented for such use.  In camp, for provost duty, etc., field artillery units follow cavalry long arm authenticity rules, and heavy artillery units follow infantry long arm authenticity rules.

Members authorized to carry short arms (pistols/revolvers) carry those documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry Colt, Remington, or another Manufacturer’s revolver of a type consistent with the style and type available at the time circa 1860’s America. Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than a standard pistol or revolver.

Only General Staff officers, Infantry officers, Cavalry officers and troopers, and Artillery officers and designated artillerists are authorized to carry Short Arms. Infantry soldiers are specifically prohibited from carrying short arms in formation or into any engagement, drill or other activity.

“Hidden” pocket revolvers and alike are prohibited for use on the battlefield.

The use of shotguns or Henry rifles by any member is prohibited except by prior written approval by the Commanding General.

Members authorized to carry edged weapons (bayonets/swords/sabers) carry those documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry edged weapons of a type consistent with the style and type available at the time circa 1860’s America. Documentation must be provided, and acknowledged, before use of anything other than a standard edge weapon.

Only General Staff officers, Infantry officers and sergeants major, Cavalry officers and troopers, and Artillery officers are authorized to carry swords/sabers. Infantry soldiers are authorized to carry bayonets, but are specifically prohibited from carrying swords/sabers in formation or into any engagement, drill or other activity. Infantry Battalion Sergeant Majors may elect to carry the NCO sword instead of carrying a long arm, at the discretion of the Battalion commander.

All edged weapons will have a dulled edge and shall be carried in a properly designed scabbard.

Bayonets shall be standard triangular shape to be affixed over the muzzle of muskets. (Bayonets will only be drawn during inspections or stacking of arms, on the order of the unit commander).

Belt knives, daggers, Bowie knives, hatchets and alike are prohibited and will not be carried by any Federal participant in the field. Members carrying small pocket knives shall ensure they are properly secured (sheathed, folded) and placed in a closed compartment (saddle bag, haversack, knapsack, etc) when in formation.

The following are specific considerations:

Weapons:

For Infantry:

3-band Springfield or Enfield or Contract Musket

Except officers, pistols/revolvers are PROHIBITED

NO shotguns, Henry riles, carbines, 2-bands,

NO specialty arms w/o documentation AND prior written approval from the DIVISION.                                               

For Cavalry:

Carbines or other issued long arms per impression

Small Arms will be carried in regulation holsters or pommel holsters. NO Boot or belt pistols!

No shotguns, Henry, or specialty arms w/o documentation AND prior written approval from the DIVISION.

Artillery Authenticity

All Artillery pieces must conform to FFD safety guidelines, and must meet minimum standards of material and construction as required to determine that the piece is safe to operate.

All Artillery pieces (to include barrel AND carriage) shall be of the “field piece” type and must be of the type and size consistent with the types and sizes that the respective Armies had in use for the specific event/campaign in question.

“Specialty” pieces (Gatling guns, Siege guns, etc.) or “Mountain/Pack Howitzers” are strictly forbidden without proper historical documentation AND PRIOR WRITTEN approval from Command Authority.

“Sub-scale” or “non-standard” artillery pieces are not allowed within the Division at FFD events.

Artillery may be static or horse-driven, but each piece should include at least a limber, and each piece is required to have a lockable ammunition chest of an approved type, consistent with the materials and construction available during the time period portrayed.

Cavalry Authenticity

No loudly spotted or blanketed appaloosas, paints, or pintos, unless they can visually pass for a breed commonly in use by the armies during the Civil War. No stallions or ponies.

Saddles- The following are acceptable:

  • 1859 McClellan, with 1859 quarter straps and girth. No 1904 McClellan will be accepted with brown or black leather on the seat.
  • Officers’ saddles must be honest reproductions:
  • Grimsley
  • Texas "Jennifer"
  • 1833 Dragoon style
  • Ringold
  • Hopes (correction reproduction or reworked)
  • Correct civilian (for civilian impression)

Tack - The following are acceptable:

  • Period stirrups (NO 1904 iron stirrups)
  • Valise, 1859 saddlebags, true copy -CS saddlebags
  • Crupper
  • Proper period breast straps
  • Grey, red, or dragoon saddle blankets, any proper issue or civilian blanket of the period.
  • No modern Indian saddle blankets, yellow-trimmed Indian war blankets, or green blankets.
  • Proper 3 or 5 buckle cavalry or artillery pattern headstall.

Bridles- The following are acceptable:

  • Cavalry Model 1859 leather halter or watering bridle.
  • Leather or rope lead.
  • Proper link straps are required for cavalry to fight dismounted.
  • No modern bits or nickel reproductions will be tolerated.

Flag Authenticity

On the battlefield, the following flags may be flown:

For artillery units, one guidon or battery colors each;

For cavalry units, one guidon each;

For independent infantry battalions, one national and one regimental color each.  “Independent infantry battalion” means at least four infantry companies (with a minimum of 15 rifles each), with an infantry Battalion Commander, Sergeant Major, and right general guide. 

Flags must appear to be of documented design and materials, and are flown on staffs designed to be hand-held and carried into battle.

Modern Articles

Non-period articles are not permitted to be visible in the Army Camps during public hours.  After public hours, non-period articles affecting neighboring camps, such as modern lights, loud radios, etc. are not allowed during the event.

Members should make EVERY effort to minimize, if not eliminate, non-period items being present in the open at all times, in consideration of other members’ attempts to create a more authentic event experience.

Members not in period attire should have no expectation of enjoying the rights and privileges of Army soldiers in the camps or formations. (For example, if you are in modern clothes and hanging around camp all day, you will be asked to leave with the other members of the public or get into period attire)

Modern Vehicles

Modern, privately-owned vehicles (POV) are not allowed in the military camps, except under the following conditions:

  • Before the official start of the Event;
  • After the official conclusion of the Event;

Once an event has started and before it has ended, POVs may be allowed into the camps during public hours (typically daylight) ONLY for the following reasons:

  • In case of medical emergency;
  • To pick up an artillery piece and immediately move it to its required location (no parking of artillery trucks/trailers in the camps at ANY time)
  • POVs are NOT allowed in camp during public hours for unloading/loading of camp gear or personnel.

Before or after public hours (typically dusk to dawn), POVs may be allowed into the camps ONLY for the following reasons, and ONLY with the approval of the Division Field Officer of the Day or the Division Provost, with the consent of the Commanding General:

  • To unload/load gear, equipment, or animals for a member who has arrived late or is leaving early, and such approval shall only be for a brief period (15 minutes or so) to give the person ONLY enough time to load/unload. Members who are loading should have all of their gear packed and staged PRIOR to bringing their vehicle into camp, and members arriving late should off-load their vehicles and then move their vehicles to the designated parking PRIOR to fully unpacking/setting up, in order to minimize the time their vehicle is in the camp;
  • All persons needing POV camp access during the event MUST obtain a pass from the DIVISION headquarters BEFORE attempting to enter the camp area with their vehicle. Vehicles without a pass will be required to leave the camp area immediately and are subject to tow, and the owner may, at the General Staff’s discretion, be ejected from the Event.

The use of POVs as “shuttles”, “wagons” or such in the cantonment areas DURING an event is strictly prohibited. Only official event vehicles (medical vehicles, event staff vehicles, etc) will be allowed access into the camps unless prescribed herein.

Units that request/require closer access to their POVs should submit a written request to the Division Quartermaster, who MAY have the opportunity to place their camp on the perimeter of the cantonment for easier vehicular access. This may or may not be possible given the specific terrain/layout at any given event.

Camp Authenticity

“Taps” is sounded at midnight, or at another such time as designated by the Commanding General, during events, and “All Quiet” is maintained from that time until “Reveille” the next morning. 

Wall tents are not permitted, except for Army officers and the Army hospital corps, unless approved by the unit and the Division. At no time may there be more than (1) Wall tent per company street.

Sibley tents are not allowed in the military camps unless documented for use by the unit, and with PRIOR WRITTEN approval from the Division. 

Enlisted soldiers of ALL branches are authorized one wedge (“A”) tent or shelter tent (1 or 2 halves) each. Company level officers are authorized one wedge tent, or one wall tent, providing only one wall tent per company is used. The use of flies, she-bangs, awnings, and such is authorized within the judgment of the battalion commanders and subject to space requirements and other considerations.

Camp furniture (tables, chairs, boxes, etc) is authorized but should be limited, and every attempt should be made to appreciate the amount of space that would be available on the wagon trains of the respective armies of the times, and a closer attention to that paucity should guide the impression.

Cook fires/kitchens should be placed per battalion plans, and should be separated from tentage for safety. Water containers filled with water should be placed near each fire in case of emergency. In lieu of fire buckets, a suitable replacement (dirt pile, etc) is authorized.

Recruiting posters are displayed in the Army camps only if they are reproductions of original unit recruiting posters or broadsides, without alteration.  Modern recruiting posters are not to be openly displayed within the camps.

Military camps are for the lodging and supervision of military personnel. Only military soldiers and officers are authorized to stay in camps overnight or to make their “homes” within the cantonment area. The exceptions shall require PRIOR WRITTEN approval from the Division and may include:

  • Nurses attached to the Divisional Hospital (and camped therein);
  • Male Army-contract civilians portraying a specific impression (teamsters, sutlers);
  • Female contract civilians portraying cooks/laundresses & camping in approved areas;
  • Refugees who are part of a pre-approved scenario.

Children under the age requirements for army service in the field are not allowed to reside in the Army camps, except in extraordinary circumstances with the PRIOR WRITTEN approval of the Commanding General. Members with children should make arrangements for their supervision and billeting, in civilian town or places other than the military camps.

Gender Authenticity

Females portraying men in Army ranks are permitted if and only if they are reasonably recognized as men from a distance of 10 yards or more AND maintain the demeanor and portrayal of a male soldier at all times (hygiene and privacy issues notwithstanding).

Member units/organizations may require more rigid standards in regard to gender authenticity, but may NOT adopt lower standards than herein prescribed.


Forms :   W1-1    |   W1-2   |   W1-3    |  W1-4    |