MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Membership in the 12th Georgia Infantry is open to all persons. New recruits are given one
year in which to equip themselves with uniform, accoutrements, and rifle-musket; being allowed to borrow from available Company
gear during their first year if available.
There is a three-event/muster trial period for all prospective new members.
DUES AND INSURANCE
In order to take the field as a participant, a member that is 16 to 17
years of age must be escorted by a parent or legal guardian, have written permission from the parent or legal guardian,
and carry the proper insurance. If younger, he or she may participate in non-combatant activities if a parent or legal guardian
is present and the proper insurance is carried at all times.
To take the field unescorted, a member must be 18 years of age or older and carry the proper insurance.
Single membership dues and insurance will be $30 yearly, plus $8 per child, payable by January 31st. If
a single adult member joins mid-season, the cost is $2.50 for each remaining month in the
calendar year. Make all payments payable to the 12th Georgia.
VOTING, PROMOTIONS, AND COMPANY
ISSUES
· In order to participate in the voting process, a person must be an active member of this
company exclusively.
· Dues must be paid before voting on company issues.
· Familiarization of historical content and camp roles is essential.
· For someone to run for the position of an officer or NCO:
- Must be nominated to run for office or rank.
- May not lose rank or office without just cause.
- Must be a member in good standing for 1 year.
- Must know the Regulations and Manual of Arms.
- A Corporal must attend 4 events yearly.
- A Sgt. must attend 5 events yearly.
- Lieutenants and Captains must attend 6 events yearly.
AUTHENTICITY
Co. F, 12th Ga. Vol. Infantry should strive for a high level of authenticity and period
correctness. While not quite stitch counters, we are constantly seeking improvement in our knowledge of the time and people
we are trying to represent. 1860's etiquette for both military and civilians will be observed at all times in camp.
FAMILY PARTICIPATION
We encourage soldiers to bring their families with them and have them participate in events, making
sure of course they can provide adequate shelter. Soldiers may have their civilian wives, children, significant others, etc.,
camp on the Company Street. Single female civilians are welcome to camp on the
Company Street or on Headquarters Row, wherever they feel most comfortable. It is our intention to keep the hobby fun and
accessible to all. Proper dress and insurance are mandated for individuals if they wish to stay in camp. We have a civilian
camp called Unity for civilians to join if they so wish. This may also be a viable option for an individual or other family
members.
INFANTRY CAMP
Set-Up
Whenever possible, The Infantry Camp will be set up as per the Regulations for a Camp of Infantry,
Army of the Confederate States of America, 1863, with particular attention paid to the correct spacings of the kitchen
and tentage of the Company Street. We will nearly always set up in the "Garrison" mode, which allows us to have the luxury
of the wedge tents. Shelter-half tents, "shebangs", or bed rolls are also allowed. No giant wall tents or huge fly tents on
the Company Street. Members are encouraged to sleep in camp if at all possible, and make morning role call.
Camp Furniture
Try your best to keep it to a minimum. The less you bring, the less you have to pack out. All members
must help set up and break down the Company camp.
Alcohol
The use of alcoholic beverages in camp is not really encouraged but is permissible, however, only after
weapons have been secured and the camp is closed to the public. No consumption of alcohol before handling weapons at any time.
Tobacco
During the time that the camp is open to the public, use only pipes or cigars, as cigarettes as we
know them today were incredibly rare. For cigarette smokers, Sherman's brand in the brown oval shape is a good alternative.
Firearms
Strict weapons safety will be observed at all times. Make sure your rifle musket is in good operating
condition and clean before you bring it to an event. Weapons will be field-cleaned at the end of each day and secured in such
a way as to protect them from the elements as much as possible. Be aware of and abide by all local firearms laws.
Cartridges
Although pre-made cartridges are sometimes available from sutlers at an event, they must not be relied
on. It is much more economical to make your own and package them. Learn how to properly make your own. 60 grains maximum of
black powder will be used per cartridge for .577 caliber and .58 caliber weapons, and 90 grains maximum of black powder will
be used for .69 caliber weapons. Pyrodex and other black powder substitutes are dangerous and are not permitted.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Before going into any combat, Tactical or Spectator, make sure you feel well enough physically. Check
your canteen beforehand and make sure it's filled. Check your ammunition and caps. You should carry at least 60 rounds and
enough caps to last through the engagement. Everyone should have a general idea of what is going on before moving out onto
the field.
No person under the age of 16 shall carry arms into any combat. Persons under the age of 16 participating
in non-combatant activities must carry the proper insurance.
Bayonets are not to be fixed at any time for combat.
Ramrods will remain in the pipes at all times during combat.
Firing distance: If enemy troops are more than 100 yards away, aim just over their heads. From 100
to 50 yards, elevate your rifle in such a manner as to be safe. From 50 to 25 yards, elevate plenty before you fire. No one should fire any closer than 10 yards.
If enemy troops continue to close and fire from this distance or less, take a hit and let your immediate superior know
about this after action has ceased. Do not fire around cannons or cavalry.
Hand to Hand: Absolutely no unscripted hand to hand combat. Things can get out of control very quickly.
Never capture flags or cannons unless scripted.
Taking hits: Most of the time this is done on the honor system. When taking a hit, do it reasonable
and safely. Try to look where you are going to fall. If you are coming down with the heat or running out of ammunition, take
a hit. If only wounded, please, no long, drawn out affairs. If affected with
a mortal hit, stay down and dead until action ceases. DO NOT TAKE A HIT WITH
A LOADED RIFLE. DISCHARGE YOUR WEAPON FIRST. BE CERTAIN TO CLOSE YOUR AMMUNITION BOX AND CAPS POUCH.
Follow the commands of your immediate superior. Even mock combat can be very noisy and confusing. If
you don't understand a command, try your best to do what you think is correct. If you have a problem with an order, or the
person giving it, follow the command anyway, and take it up with them after action has ceased, in private, away from spectators.
No one-man charges. Stay in rank.
As a general rule of thumb, stay away from all mounted cavalry and artillery.
Safety violations: This is very important. Should you see something going on during combat that compromises
basic safety common sense, anyone may call out Cease Fire. Things such as a blatant disregard for weapons safety, drunkenness
on the field, should be reported after action has ceased and in private away from spectators. No shouting matched on the field.
The 12th Georgia Infantry does not run before Yankees. If ordered to withdraw, we will do
so in an orderly fashion and according to the commands of the officers and the NCOs of the Company.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Should someone require medical attention on the field, call out loudly "MEDICAL EMERGENCY". Do not
call out "medic" or "surgeon", so that people know that you have a real medical situation on hand. Remember, the correct call
out is "MEDICAL EMERGENCY".
