Reenactor Code of Conduct

 

The primary goal of the 2nd NJ Brigade is the accurate recreation of the American Civil War, whether that be through an historic event, individual portrayals or general 1860's lifestyle. Thorough research of the time period is key to a successful presentation, which can be rewarding to both the reenactor and spectator. Although it is impossible to be 100% accurate, every effort should be made to eliminate any historic anachronisms. Each individual should understand his or her personal presentation. Is it accurate? Have I done sufficient research to properly understand the person or unit I am portraying? Am I doing anything wrong? Can I improve my presentation? Reenacting is a continual "work in progress". It takes a lot of work to get it right. In order to recreate and reenact as accurately as possible, there is a code of conduct each reenactor should follow.

 

Learn about the Civil War. Continuous research over time can enhance any living history presentation. Strive to become an expert. Inaccuracies and generalities can ruin a presentation. If asked a difficult question, do not make up answer which sounds right. Use the question to increase your knowledge of a subject.

 

The USV has asked its membership to improve the look of the company streets and has gone so far as to institute tent inspections. We should all be aware of any modem encroachments. This is especially true on Sunday when the event is winding down. Every effort should be made to "defarb" the camps and keep it that way until the end of the event. This is not to say modem amenities should be barred from reenactments entirely, but these items should be carefully hidden from public view. Some individuals are better at hiding modem necessities than others, so look to your fellow reenactors for their ideas and suggestions. Also, if you do not need it, do not bring it. Less is more.

 

Since we are portraying a military camp, military protocol should be followed. All commissioned officers should be saluted even if they are not part of your particular impression or a member of the 2D New Jersey Brigade. Any officer entering a company street should first ask permission from the Sergeant or Corporal in charge. Civilians are not allowed to camp on the company streets at major events where a civilian camp has been set up. At smaller events the decision to allow civilians on the street is up to the commanding officer. It is OK for a soldier to camp with a spouse in the civilian camp as long as he spends the day on the company street. Civilians are allowed to visit camp and are encouraged to take part in camp scenarios.

 

Personal conduct during a reenactment is important to our overall presentation. Most events discourage alcoholic beverages on site. This does not mean it is not brought in to camps, but be discrete. Save the beverages for after hours when the public is gone. As with all drinking in general, do not drink to excess. Members of the 2D New Jersey Brigade who are judged to be under the influence will not be allowed to take the field as this is a safety issue. Smoking is another problem during Civil War Reenactments. We have established a general no smoking policy in our Brigade. There will be no smoking of cigarettes on the company street during the hours the event is open to the public. This also extends to dress parade and battle formations. Period cigars and pipes are permitted, however this should be limited to downtime on the company street. Smoking is not forbidden totally, if you wish to smoke a cigarette, please do so off the company street away from public view.

 

We all wish to create an accurate portrayal of a Civil War soldier or civilian. By following these simple Codes of Conduct, we will enhance our own experience as well as the experiences of our fellow reenactors and public visitors.

 

 

 

Camp Rules and Regulations

 

1. Make sure you know who your Call-Out Leader is. He is the first person you should contact when you have any questions about an event. When he contacts you for attendance information please inform him if you plan on going to an event and if you will be on the company meal plan for the weekend. These two questions go hand in hand. Remember a "Maybe" response is considered a ''No'' Registration must be mailed in no later than two weeks before an event. In some cases a month or more. Please make your intentions known as far in advance if possible.

 

2. All NCOs act under an Open Tent Policy. If there are any problems in camp, please feel free to contact them. All problems will-be handled in a manner which best suits the whole company. Please do not let problems fester. The sooner a problem is rectified, the better it will be for everybody.

 

3. Camp duty should be equally distributed to the attending members. Be aware each event is different and there may be extra duty assigned depending on the nature of the event. A duty roster will be generated before each event based on the known attendance. An announcement will be made at morning roll call as to each day's duty requirements. Each individual is responsible for knowing his assignment for the day. If for any reason, an assigned duty can not be completed, the individual is responsible for finding a substitute. Trading duties is allowed. An individual is not excused from duty if they are only attending an event for one day, or if they are not on the company meal plan.

 

4. Part of the living history aspect of Civil War Reenacting is the portrayal of a military camp. It. is an officer's duty to give orders and a soldier's duty to gripe and follow these orders. Please maintain the proper military persona during dress parade and battle formation. Respect all orders of "Attention" by refraining from talking. Depending upon the military hierarchy, make sure you follow the orders of the ranking commanding officer. A private should never repeat or "parrot" an order. It is the duty of the NCOs to make sure any order is properly relayed to the troops.

 

5. The setting up of the company street is one of the most important duties at any reenactment. Be aware not everybody shows up at the same time and there is military protocol to follow. Set up the company street first, leave digging the campfire pit for last. The captain is at the head of the street, with the company fly in front of his tent. The sergeant's tent is the first tent in line followed by the corporals. Privates fill in the company streets moving to the color line (front). Depending on the ground, allowance will be made for tent size and numbers.

 

6. Fire pits should be carefully dug. Remember, we are just renting the ground. All pits should be dug with a minimum amount of damage to the property, especially in a State Park. The pit should be dug in the center of the street between the fly and the first tents in the street. Sod should be carefully removed in as few pieces as possible and stored in an out of the way place so it can be replanted at the end of the event. This is not always possible, but an attempt should always be made regardless. Garbage should not be thrown in the fire at any time.

 

 

7. It has been documented the 7th NJ was known for its polished brass and clean uniforms. As reenactors, we should honor the 7th by being as realistic as possible. Polished brass and blackened leathers has always been paramount to our impression. Please take the time before or at the beginning of an event to properly prepare your accoutrements. It is not fair to your fellow reenactors if you fail to follow this procedure.

Frock coats and gaiters were also standard issue for the 7th NJ. Even though sack coats are permitted, each member of the 7th should strive to improve his impression with the proper uniform and equipment.

 

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8. All soldiers, Officers and privates alike, should be aware of the event schedule. Times for dress parade, battle formation and special events will be given to the officers during their morning meeting. This information will be passed down to the troops. It everyone's responsibility to be on time for First Call. Please inform any NCO when you do leave camp for any reason.

 

9. Coffee is part of the meal ration. It is not necessary to purchase outside coffee in the morning from a local donut establishment. Some have gotten the idea this is standard procedure for morning camp duty. This is not true. A modem "Box of Joe" adds to the farbyness of the camp and gives other reenactors the wrong idea. The coffee pot should be cleaned and filled with water the night before and set next to the coals. In the morning, coffee packets are added and the pot put on the fire. Be patient, and there will be coffee before musicians call.

 

10. Cleaning weapons after the battle on the company streets is the only time when the 21st Century is permitted to enter the camp. Even so, the men are encouraged to clean their weapons off the company street if possible. Powder scrapings and clean solutions should not be dumped on to the company street, particularly where people are likely to walk or sit down.

 

11. The final camp duty is the breaking down of camp and the packing of the trailer. Some feel once the event is over all they have to do is pack their car and leave. There is still more work which need to be done. We all enjoyed the use of the company fly, the campfire, and the cooking area. It is everybody's responsibility to help break camp. The event is not over until the camp is returned to the way it was before we took over and the company trailer is properly packed and locked.