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To contact us please click this e-mail link and send a letter to our recruiting sergent. He'll contact you wiht answers to any of your questions as well as where to go and what to do to join the ranks of probably the fastest growing Confederate re-enacting unit in the Florida area. Send mail to Sgt. Everhart! We're looking forward to hearing from you and to your joining our ranks!
Recruiting Information
What kind of commitment are we looking for?
Durring the "Campaign Season" the 57th. Virginia usually has one event scheduled a month sometimes two. If time permits we will usually schedule a drill depending on the length of time between events to keep the unit fresh and ready for action. Durring the summer months we schedule a drill every other week, either a saturday or sunday. Durring these summer drills the units schedule will be discussed so that every member in the unit has an idea of what their level of participation will be.
What is this going to cost me?
The first item we would suggest to purchase would be the uniform. Uniforms and their accoutrements range price, but a good starting point would be about $250.00. The rifle, the most expensive item to purchase, should be considered next. New muskets start out for around $445.00. Camping equipment will also vary in price due to the type of camping you are comfortable with. Tents start at $60.00 and rise in price for the larger sized tents. Don't let these costs scare you! It is quite common for members to have extra equipment to loan to new members. There have been new members who have borrowed everything they needed from other members for a considerable period of time. The goal for a new recruit is to be well on the way toward being equipped after one season. We have found that by borrowing equipment and the one-purchase-at-a time practice - new recruits are able to participate almost immediately.
1. Do I need to come to every event in order to be a member in good standing? The only attendance requirements are for the Captain and First Sergeant. Appointed officers and NCO's are evaluated by a process that considers attendance, but without a specific percentage requirement. Private soldiers and civilians have no minimum requirement to meet to remain in good standing. We have members who find they can only attend one event a year. However, the unit does rely on the members’ participation to maintain a standard of unit attendance at events we commit to. Hopefully, the experience will be enjoyable and fulfilling enough that you will want to come to as many events as possible! 2. What kind of commitment is involved? As there is no set time commitment, the biggest commitment is to present living history in the most accurate way possible, by creating the best impression and emulation of your 19th century persona. The 57th. Virginia welcomes new recruits into the hobby. Our experienced members are more than happy to help new members develop their impressions. 3. How much does it cost for all of the equipment? Reenacting is not an inexpensive activity. All the uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment of every kind has been purchased by our members. Still, the cost is often overrated. Most members of our company have extra uniform parts and equipment that can be loaned to new members while they acquire their own over time. Plan on a good $1,000. for startup costs. You can get by with less, but in terms of authenticity, often you get what you pay for. Used equipment, when available, can help to cut costs. For a list of necessary equipment, see Uniforms and Equipment. 4. Do I need to buy the gun/uniform/tent/ right away? The use of loaned equipment from members is subject to the laws of supply and demand. Usually, most new members can be accommodated. It is not unusual to take as much as a year to acquire the minimum gear in order to participate. Use of the loaned equipment allows immediate participation. We do suggest the following order of acquisition: (1) uniform, (2) accoutrements, (3) musket, and (4) tent.
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