Army of the Shenandoah
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Army of the Shenandoah
Constitution
This document represents certain information, rules, and regulations that are integral to our organization. This is our Constitution and as such, the articles contained herein are indissoluble. Additions to this document may be made from time to time but the basic rules will be permanent. Members of the Army of the Shenandoah, herein known as AOS, are bound by this document. By enlisting in the AOS members agree to adhere to and abide by this document.
Article I: Purpose
1. To form a Confederation of Independent Civil War re-enacting units from across the United States.
2. To assist and increase participation in events, promote quality historically accurate impressions, and to support fellow units at their individual events.
3. To honor the memory of the Army of the Shenandoah, and the men, women, and children of the Shenandoah Valley during the years 1861-1865 through accurate portrayal of them at reenactments and living history events.
Article II: Membership
1. Membership is open to both individuals, families, and reenactment units. All members are required to attend two (2) events per year.
2. Dues will be based on the organizations insurance costs. The AOS will attempt to cover the insurance cost through revenues received from events.
3. Members must be at least sixteen (16) years old to carry a weapon. Members age twelve (12) to fifteen (15) can participate as color bearers, litter bearers, messengers, or aides.
Article III: Structure of the organization
1. The AOS will be divided into two (2) categories, Military and Round Table
· Military protocol will be observed during reenactment and living history hours. Military chain of command will be utilized during these times.
· Round Table protocol will be observed during all non-military times. All members will be of equal status and will have voice and vote during meetings, or conduction of business.
Article IV: Independent Units
1. Each Brigade, Regiment, and Company, including, but not limited to, Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Hospital, Chaplains, Signal Corps, and Engineers, herein known as Units, are autonomous and independent.
2. Each Unit is responsible for its own recruiting, safety, supplies, scheduling, and discipline.
3. Each Unit is required to attend a minimum of two (2) AOS events per year.
4. Each Unit can maintain a different designation apart from the AOS designation. The only requirement is that at AOS events they present themselves as AOS members with their AOS designation.
5. AOS member Units and members have the right to join other Civil War re-enacting “umbrella” organizations.
6. The AOS is a “Family Friendly” organization and encourages units to have families within their unit. However, since each Unit is Independent they will make the decision to allow or not allow families within their unit.
Article V: Structure of the Army
1. The AOS will be divided into 6 brigades and 1 brigade of attached units. Brigade designations will be numerical, 1st Brigade, 2nd Brigade, etc…
2. The AOS will follow the following command structure. This structure can be modified depending on troop strength:
· AOS Command: General
· Brigade Command: Colonel (Brigadier General):
Seven (7) Brigades consisting of Four (4) or Five (5) Infantry Regiments, and One (1) Artillery Regiment. Cavalry assigned Attached (7th) Brigade only.
· Regiment Command: Major (Colonel)
Each Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry Regiment will consist of Companies designated by a letter. Letters are alphabetical starting at A and going on, skipping J. Each Regiment will have a historically accurate flag. The regimental flag must be present at all events.
· Company Command: Captain
3. Commands at Brigade, Regiment, and Company level are on a first come first serve basis.
Article VI: Business
1. All business will be conducted whenever possible and convenient for the membership. Members will be notified of all business meetings and will be afforded every opportunity to attend. Business proposals must be voted on by the membership. Business votes must be passed by two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present at the meeting.
2. Each member will have one (1) vote in all business or questions brought before the membership.
3. Selection of maximum effort events will be done at an AOS meeting and the meeting is to be held as soon as possible close to the start of the new calendar year.
Article VII: Alcohol and Illegal drugs
1. Alcohol is strictly forbidden within any AOS camps during reenactments.
2. Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia is strictly forbidden within any AOS camps during reenactments.
3. Members will receive a General Court-martial and will be discharged from the AOS if found guilty of violating this article.
Article VIII: Authenticity
1. Members will maintain a historically accurate and authentic impression of soldiers, citizens, etc… that lived in the State of Virginia during the years 1861-1865. Inaccurate or non-historically correct impressions due to medical and financial considerations will be taken into account on a case-by-case basis. Violation of this Article may result in discharge from the AOS.
2. Member units who permit women to portray soldiers may continue to do so when appearing with the AOS and is encouraged. However, woman portraying soldiers should do their best to hide their gender.
3. Military camps will be laid out according to regulations and in a manner appropriate to the scenario being portrayed. All non-period items within military camps will be effectively concealed during duty hours.
4. Members portraying officers and soldiers may stay in modern or civilian camps if they so desire. However, they are expected to be present with their units during duty hours, unless excused. Officers leaving their commands during duty hours will leave someone in charge, and will advise him of their destination and the time they expect to return.
5. Uniforms and equipment will be appropriate for the time period and scenario portrayed. A mid war, “generic” impression is appropriate unless otherwise specified. A plain and functional appearance appropriate to soldiers in the field is generally desired.
6. It is not intended to require member units or individuals to acquire their gear from specific suppliers, nor to require expensive handcrafted uniforms and equipment. However, the AOS may compile a list of recommended vendors and suppliers for the benefit of new members and those who wish to upgrade their impressions.
7. Authentic drill procedures as prescribed in Gilham’s original manuals will be followed, with any necessary changes due to safety considerations. The commanders of the various branches will use Gilham’s manual for references and instruction. The intention is to provide unit commanders enough information to drill their units to association standards before appearing with the AOS.
Article IX. Insurance and Dues
1. Each individual member of the AOS will be covered by the organizations insurance.
2. The AOS will attempt to pay members insurance from revenues earned throughout the year. However, at times, the AOS may not have earned the necessary funds to pay the insurance and at that time, each individual member will pay their share of the insurance fee.
Article X: Court-martial and Discipline
1. From time to time individuals may violate rules and regulations and will be subject to Court-martial and/or discipline.
2. Each Unit will be responsible for its own disciplinary actions, with the exception of General Court-martial.
3. The Chain of Command will be utilized for all disciplinary actions.
4. Extreme cases will result in General Court-martial by the Commanding General
· Charges must be brought to the Commanding General by a Brigade Commander.
· Individuals being charged will have a Jury of Officers from their Brigade. They will have a right to speak on their own behalf. They will have the right to have an Officer speak on their behalf, acting as an attorney.
· The Commanding General will have the final say at General Court-martials. The Commanding General, at his discretion, may listen to the penalty offered by the Jury or set his own penalty.
Article XII: Safety
1. In order to participate in a battle scenario, individuals must have attended any Company and/or Brigade drills held prior to it. Exceptions may be granted for individuals arriving late at the event.
2. Company and brigade drills will be conducted using Gilham’s established, historically correct procedures.
3. Chain of Command will be responsible for safety. Each commanding officer (company or brigade) is responsible for the safety of his command. Therefore, he has the authority to remove individuals who fail to meet event safety standards, or refuse to follow directions, from his command. Brigade commanders may designate additional staff officers and NCO’s as safety officers and Provost with the same responsibility and authority as commanding officers.
