Recruit Information

The 24th VA INFANTRY REGIMENT would like to welcome you to Civil War Reenacting. This unit is always open to new recruits, both men and women, who are interested in accurately recreating the Civil War era. Following are the answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions and some further information about the hobby.

WHAT IS REENACTING?
Reenactors recreate many historical eras. The Civil War is perhaps the most popular with over 50,000 participants nationwide. Most reenactors recreate history for their own enjoyment and for the purpose of educating the public by participating in staged battles, wargames, "living history encampments", and other related activities.

WHO ARE MEMBERS?
Members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and occupations. Some are teachers, students, factory workers, doctors, lawyers, dentists, home makers, business people, professional soldiers, engineers, and so on. The one common link is a love of history.

WHY DO WE PORTRAY BOTH SIDES?
Although the main impression of the unit is the 24th VA Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Confederate), the unit does portray the 83rd PA Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Federal) about half the time. This is mainly due to the fact that there is a shortage of Federal Reenactors in our area. Our main goal is to pay proper respect to the soldiers that fought, regardless of which color they wore.

WHAT ARE REENACTMENTS LIKE?
There are many different types of events. "Living history" events are generally small, involving only a small number of participants who are mainly introducing the Civil War lifestyle to the public. The most popular events are the battle reenactment weekends. These events may involve anywhere from 100 to 25,000 participants. Most participants will usually arrive on Friday night or early Saturday morning. On these weekends, Saturdays are usually reserved for drilling and demonstrations for the public. Some events have a tactical which is not scripted which allows the commanders to maneuver on their own judgement. There are usually planned activities for the ladies and frequently a Saturday night dance. Sunday might consist of more drill, a period church service, and an afternoon battle for the public. Some events maintain strict military procedures with participants required to preform guard duty and other work details.

HOW OFTEN ARE EVENTS?
Our unit usually picks one event a month starting in March and ending in December, although members may attend other events if they like. There is no attendance requirement in the unit so that members may attend as many or few events as their schedule may allow.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS HOBBY COST?
The cost of the basic equipment may run as high as $1000.00 per individual infantry soldier. The majority of this coat is the musket which is approx. $450.00. These costs may be reduced in several ways. Most of the clothing can be made with the aid of patterns. Care must be taken to obtain the proper materials. Equipment can be purchased "used" on occasion. Recruits may also borrow equipment from other members of the unit until they can purchase their own. Other expenses will include transportation to and from events and meals.

The 24th VA is registered as a nonprofit tax exempt organization in the state of VA and the majority of these expenses may be used as deductions on an itemized tax return.

WHERE DO I GET MY EQUIPMENT?
All of the uniform and equipment can be purchased "off the rack" from sutlers at events, off of the internet, or through the mail. A list of the uniform and equipment is provided at the end.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?
Anyone may participate. The impressions allowed by the unit are those which are authentic to the unit. Women and children may participate, however their activities may be somewhat more limited than those for the soldier. A soldier must be at least 16 in order to carry a weapon and be able to handle the weapon safely. Boys from 12 to 16 may serve as functional musicians and are allowed on the field at most events. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the event.

HOW IS RANK DECIDED?
All recruits start as privates and are expected to learn the proper method of drill and marching that a private would have known. Field officers are elected on a yearly basis. All officers are expected to know what their counterpart would have known. The number of officers is based on the number of members in the unit. When in character, all members are expected to obey the orders of the officers.

WHERE DO I SLEEP?
All members are encouraged to participate in "authentic" camping. This means camping and sleeping in authentic tents with limited modem items. Sleeping bags may be used but must be kept covered at all times. A cooler may be kept but must also be covered or kept in a wooden box. When in camp, everyone is expected to be in period dress. The unit has a limited number of tents which may be used by the members. It is recommended that couples or families wishing to camp together should purchase their own tent.

WHAT DO I EAT AT EVENTS?
Meals may be provided at some events, but in most cases they are not. You will have to either cook your own, bring food that does not require cooking, or go out to eat. It is always a good idea to have some food with you that can be prepared quickly, because many meals are governed by time.