Reenactment Readiness

A little practice goes a long way. Join us for some light training and a discussion about being physically prepared for reenactments. For more information about Berdan Sharpshooters or Civil War Reenacting, check us out at www.2ndUSSS.com
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[@captainpanda5533]

Sarge, do you have any recommendations for places to go to march in full kit, including musket? Obviously, it might cause some distress in public parks & trails - is there any place that you go to to practice?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Excellent question. Every place is different but what we tend to do is go to state forests or other areas where hunting is common or otherwise not busy. We also try to scout out new areas that are nice and low traffic. If you're more off the beaten path, you're more likely to have a fun conversation with a local than freak out someone from the city. The photo in the thumbnail was from a washed out forest service road near one of Capt. Whitehall's hunting spots. If you're still unsure, you could call up a forest service station or land management office and see if they have ideas for your area. I live just down the road from a popular huge trail system and if I marched that, I'd just leave my rifle at home.

[@Framer_Mike]

Harpers ferry West virginia, where you have the AP trail, maryland heights and loudon:)

[@grayeaglej]

Get yourself a walking stick(wood looks nicer and is less fragile but pvc or electrical conduit will make the next part easier), and cut it to length, then add weight to it until it matches your Rifle/Musket/Carbine. Or even use a 2x4 if you aren't concerned with looks.

[@warden8573]

Idaho

[@cblodg1]

Ah, the Whipple hat. The 2nd NH had those as issued.

[@Ifoundnohappinesshere]

Is pretty comfortable to wear though

[@jimclercx4208]

is there a point to that .....hat?

[@kilroywashere0361]

Jim Clercx probably to 1) keep the sun out of the sharpshooters eyes 2) make the enemy think they are a part of them due to the grey and 3) protect the head just in general though I am just guessing

[@j.lebowski3917]

Whipple hat, eh?

[@RedRunner328]

You're da best 1st Sgt.

[@dejosen1382]

I was wondering who ordered that cap why am I not surprised 😂

[@danielkohli1542]

And where did they order it?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

I got my whipple made by none other than the great Dirty Billy.

[@chrishastings2665]

Fresh NCO here. I'm lucky enough to have several acres in rural Ohio. It's been fun having my neighbors (that I do know well) come out and ask what the heck I'm doing lol.

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

I do the same pard, marching in full kit off to a private range - got to know the neighbors who got a kick out of this part of history.

[@smokeandtack5251]

Where is a good place to get a pack on a budget? I'm in CS and I want to be an example to my mainstream unit.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

It's awesome you're leading by example. It is totally worth saving up a little longer and getting a quality knapsack that can last decades and keep a healthy resale value should you ever need to sell gear. Not only will you be an example, you'll always feel proud when your high end pack is next to an import pack. When we're not using Berdan knapsacks (which we make), we have double bags from NJ Sekala and Missouri Boot and Shoe. The fit, finish, comfort, and quality of either maker is top notch and well worth the extra money. Sutler row gear is affordable, but doesn't last as long and always stands out when compared to higher quality gear. If you ask around, you might be able to get a good deal on a used high quality knapsack. I have a double bag being made by Missouri Boot and Shoe right now for a late war impression, I'll try to do a review when I get it.

[@smokeandtack5251]

Thank you guys. Almost makes me want to live in the PNW and fall in as a sharp..

[@jasontronetti3871]

Yes the hat!

[@secondaryadjunctofu0]

Sarge do you know of any union groups that do African American reenacting regiments? I’ve always wanted to join a union regiment so I was wondering about the diversity among them. Thanks I love your videos.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Thank you for such an amazing question. There are and they're amazing and very dedicated. I think they're all back east though. I met one last time I was in Boston he was interpreting as a 1st Sgt at the 54th Massachusetts monument. They do some pretty epic reenacting and when an African American unit wasn't in a battle, they'd sometimes fall in as contraband. Which also leads to having to mention the famous group Sons and Daughters of Ham. They might be a good group to ask more questions.

[@danielkohli1542]

If you are in the Midwest there is a group in the Milwaukee area. Although, I have forgotten the name of the group. I think it is a U.S.C.T. infantry regiment, if that helps.

[@HistoryBoy]

Thanks for the video man!

[@wesleyfilms7342]

Yet again a great video. Very insightful, helping me build my unit with all this great info.

[@joshuadarden7200]

I'm ready for Jefferson TX, hopefully I can make Gettysburg. It will be my first time

[@clockmonkey]

I'm too old, too big and on the wrong continent.

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

Spot on advice 1st both for our reenacting hobby along with health for life. I'd like to add make your outings and exercise fun, good time to walk/march and visit. I did start a video series called "Fitness for Reenactors" our 1820's unit does this every year; fun competition with the winner getting bragging rights for the year - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmqce4unl5Ksr68

[@HunterCihal]

You guys think there's gonna be any events this year?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

It's hard to say. I want to hope so, but I'm pretty doubtful. If anything, we might see a rise in private, for us by us events.

[@Billy_yank1865]

im all about fitness...fitness whole pizza in my mouth XD XD

[@jimclercx4208]

what in the hell is on your head.....????

[@scotthalladay2210]

I’m waiting on my brogans so I can break them in before the next event

[@jasmachugh4222]

What do you recommend for someone with severe sleep apnea who relies on a CPAP machine?

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

Got a few in our unit that have this condition, they live off a 12 deep cell battery to power the CPAP for a rested night

[@Flyfishtherockies]

Any Recommendations for a good quality canteen? Preferably authentic type and also usable. I Can’t seem to find one. the couple canteens I have bought of off eBay say they are “stainless” but tend to rust inside; and the method for affixing the spout does not allow one to fully empty the canteen. In other words, they seem to be cheaply made Imported repros that only look good from 10’ away.

[@leslielively3092]

Let me put simply what he said 1. Know your body 2. Don’t be a lazy bastard

[@Framer_Mike]

Just finished reading Berdans Ss and Whnen S whites book.. Good stuff

[@jules2957]

How much does your kit weight in marching order?

[@j.lebowski3917]

When we see regimental rosters, the average regiment was 350-400 men. What happened to the rest. Sure some were casualties, and some were out because of illness. But you think another reason for the below strength numbers is some guys just couldn't hack the soldier life? Were some discharged because of so?

[@gbjanuary]

Jonathan Whipple deserters maybe ?

[@rc59191]

Regiments started out as 1000 men most of them ended up dead and they'd just form new regiments instead of sending replacements most of the time if I recall.

[@j.lebowski3917]

@@rc59191 most of them did not end up dead. We know this because regiment histories list battle casualties and those who died of illness.