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GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS Any person, male or female, can join us provided they understand some things up front! The 26th North Carolina Troops is not a political organization...our time is booked to the hilt with our attempts to be a HISTORICAL organization! We do NOT accept drugs or alcohol abusers, racists, "supremacists" or anyone vowing to overthrow the United States Government. We are NOT a Militia group and kindly refer folks of that persuasion to consider other organizations with which to serve! New members that desire to march on the fields of battle (simulated) must be 14 years of age to carry and fire a musket. Younger members may take the field as musicians (fifers or drummers) or couriers. Those under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Civilian reenactors participate in civilian camp activities and usually camp apart from the military camp. What Exactly Does the 26th NCT Do? We pride ourselves in learning as much as we can about the original 26th North Carolina and then, implementing the facts we gather. This includes wearing similar gear, living in the same conditions, doing many of the same soldier activities, and in some cases, even displaying the same thoughts and words through individual “first person” performances! Napoleon said that there is a “marshal's baton in every corporal's knapsack”...we take this sentiment to heart as well! Our privates, the entry rank at which we welcome new members, are not simply ants on the go! Rather, we hold our new members to high standards while at the same time, make sure they have all the knowledge they need to act like soldiers! We have opportunities to advance in rank within the unit. We promote from within by voting, encouraging comrades that desire new ranks and responsibilities to receive the majority of votes. Votes are taken for noncommissioned officers on an “as available” need. Officers are voted into “office” yearly. You can bet we drill: school of the soldier (handling of the musket), skirmish drill, company drill (10 - 30 soldiers working together), and battalion drill. Our drill curriculum comes right out of “Hardee's Infantry Tactics” and other era drill manuals. Drill is not everyone's favorite activity, but it was a BIG fact of life (and chunk of daily life) for 26th NCT soldiers. Drill teaches us the maneuvers that were actually used in the 1860s and we need to know them in order to present an authentic reenactment or living history. What's In It For Me? Aside from the honor you get through portraying men from a historical time in American history, you also are entitled to the following: -“The Inner Angle,” our Company newsletter! -“The Dispatch,” our host organization’s newsletter! -FREE Company website! -CONFEDERATE PAY (when our Cavalry pay “folks” can get through the Yankee lines!) -Parades in which to march! -Photo opportunities that can’t be beat! And most importantly...the chance to make some of the BEST, life-long friends of your life! How Do I Get Started? Our host organization, the Washington Civil War Association (www.wcwa.net) collects $25 for a single member or $40 for the entire family. Additionally, the 26th NCT collects $25 a year from all members to use for small expenses, such as postage for the company newsletter. All members supply their own military, civilian, and camping equipment. The average cost for fully equipping a soldier is about $1200 - $1500 with a musket being the largest cost at about $395 - $500. Individuals wearing glasses should also buy period frames and have your prescription installed in them ($75 - $150). You do not have to buy everything at once. The 26th does have some "loaner" gear and a unit quartermaster’s store where you can purchase some equipment at cost. The 26th NCT recommends that each new member purchase their period clothing first, as the unit has a very limited supply and sizes with which to loan. "Loaner" gear is available for a limited time while members equip themselves. The 26th NCT provides new members with suggestions on where to obtain clothing and gear. ASK BEFORE YOU BUY! The company’s many “seasoned” corporals and sergeants (referred to as “NCOs” or “Noncommissioned Officers) will not steer a new member wrong and are happy to clarify which purchases are acceptable and which are not. FALL IN SOLDIER!!! Are you ready for an unparalleled experience? We thought so...contact us as soon as you can! These are the Forms required to join. WCWA Adult Registration Form WCWA Minor Registration Form There is a Safety test that is required to be completed before you can step foot on the battle field. This is designed to help keep us all safe. WCWA Safty Rules WCWA Safty Test WCWA Safety Test Score Sheet Bellow is a persona Work sheet to help you find and create your 1861 YOU! persona work sheet Bellow is the company registration form. This form is required to be filld out and sent back to the first sargent. This form is provided in Microsoft word ".doc" format as well as .PDF with txt fill fields. Reenactor Information.pdf Reenactor Information.doc |