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This reenacting unit is comprised of men from all walks of life here in the twenty first century, engineers, computer techs, law enforcement, entertainment, historical, advertising and more. What brings us together from so many diverse backgrounds and persuits is our love of the history of the War Between the States, a desire to try to live and teach the history that these men from both sides wrote with their blood to the best of our abilities, and to share a cammeraderie that can only be shared amongst "soldiers" who do a job and do it well. This unit, the 57th. Va. Co.C was reactivated the end of May 2003 as a progressive re-enacting infantry unit. What we portray is an Infantry Company in the A.N.V. or Army of Northern Virginia. To our knowledge we are the only "A.N.V." infantry unit in the state of Florida. What we're all about is doing the best possible impression of an ANV infantry unit possible, be it doing a garrison impression (in camp) or on campaign and marching in and living off what we carry in. Being a well drilled, diciplined, military unit and doing honour to those who wore the uniform before us. Some of the things that seperate us from other reenacting units in the Florida area is our drill schedule, our manual of drill, and our being a "progressive" unit. Being a Virginia infantry unit we use Gilhams Manual of Instruction For The Volunteers And Militia. Drills are conducted twice a month durring the "off season" on Saturdays or Sundays at 12pm and usually last three to four hours. Since this is durring the summer months the drills are conducted in Tee's and Shorts with your leather gear and weapon. Durring the "Campaign Season" we drill durring events and ocasionlly between events to keep sharp.
The members of the 57th Virginia Infantry Regement Co. C are dedicated to running a "Military Unit". While it's understood that the hobby is considered a "familly hobby", in order to maintain the units military integrity, there are certain rules. We do understand that the type of unit structure we wish to maintain it's not for everyone, it does suit the members of the unit well. The 57th. Va. Co. C do not allow women in the line. This means that women are not permitted to portray infantrymen, NCO's or Officers in the 57th. Va. Historically there were no women in the 57th. and in this unit there will be no female soldiers either. As was mentioned above it's understood that this hobby is a "familly hobby". We encourage men with famillies to join and enjoy this rewarding and educational hobby. This being said it's important for the potential recruit to understand and realize that they're joining a "military" or a "progressive" unit. Wives and girlfriends are not permittted to share quarters with their husbands or boyfriends. In other words no women in the company street. Recruits and soldiers whos wives and famillies wish attend events are welcome to have them camp in the civilian area designated by the event coordinator. Civilians would not be allowed un-escorted into a military camp of the period, and the same holds true here. Any soldier or recruit wishing to visit with or have dinner with their famillies in the civillian camps may do so with the permission of the commanding officer providing it does not interfere with their duties in camp or with the unit. It's the opinion of the unit that nothing spoils a good camp impression more than women and children loitering in a military camp. The same ideal holds for children as well. All members of the unit who have sons between the ages of 9 & 14 are welcome to have them participate as field musicians, either drummers or fifers. The same unit authenticity rules apply to them as to the regular soldier. Any son 14 and up is welcome to join the line with the regular company. All new recruits have a year from date of muster to fully equip themselves. When first joining the unit we will assist in getting you outfitted for field service with extra equipment that the company keeps in supply. A new member is considered a "recruit" unitll he has served one full campain season with the unit, participating in at least 50% of the units events and at least 60% of the units drills, and acquired all his equipment. At which time the members of the unit will vote to accept the recruit. Acceptance is based on majority rules, and in the event of a tie the Commanding Officer will cast the deciding vote. The question of rank ocasionally comes up and as the unit grows becomes a necessity. Unlike many units there are no "elections" for Officers and N.C.O.'s of the company. All positions of rank as they arrive will be filled with the best man for the job. This is not a popularity contest, N.C.O.'s must be N.C.O.'s and officers officers. Being an officer or an N.C.O. means having a job and the unit is of the opinion that its easier to do the job rather than worry about elections. The commanding officer will consult with the N.C.O.'s as to suitable soldiers to fill a position and a man will be chosen. |