How To Find A Reenacting Unit

[@MikeDubya]

As a vet I find it cool that your personalities actually match the personalities of a real life 1SG and CPT. The senior NCO talks louder and his talking points revolve around unit standards, failure to meet them, etc., the Captain has a matter-of-fact tone and discusses his observations about problems with a certain kind of compassionate self-aware temperment. What's cool is that it just happens naturally, like you guys are really from a real military unit, I can tell it's just happening and not intentional, you aren't trying to be in character.

[@warskye5686]

Thank you Gentlemen. My friend and I have disabilities will be looking

[@barakmiller2890]

I am from Wisconsin so the iron Brigade holds a special place in my heart however a close second is the Berdan Sharpshooters

[@dstockt]

Great video. You guys have the heart of a teacher.

[@SomeTypicalTourist]

I just fell in with the 48th ohio by chance. Was at an event and asked about participating at the next event. The Lt just said be there by noon and next thing I knew I was on the field. Thankful for your videos so I can learn and not look completely lost 🤣

[@TrampConnoisseur]

This feels too real, I joined a WWII group and after one event it just felt awkward and like I was just there. Didn’t help I was 16 and wasn’t allowed on the battlefield. 18 now and thinking of looking into civil war over the next couple of years once I get some time.

[@HunterCihal]

I discovered something kindof interesting. Sometimes as you age, your personality may change or you might mature. When I first joined the 3rd Michigan, I was a little out of place (skinny, young, active) and I fell in with the 79th Highlanders at my third event and I loved spending the time with them. There was a lot of camaraderie , they worked like a military unit, and they were funny. I felt more at home with the 79th. But as I aged though high school, I gained weight, began to feel old, and became lazy. Perfect for the 3rd! And you could probably tell anyone in the 3rd about this and they'd agree.

[@chrislau7111]

Wish this video was around when I was getting into the hobby. At this point after being in for 9 years. I have a core group of guys that float between units. Since we are all about the same height we are now working on out sqaud drill. Thanks again for making this videos. Look forward to see more from you guys. Keep up the good work.

[@henryfurgason8626]

Great video, I am also from the WA, and I am looking for a unit, you have mentioned authentic rebel units multiple times in this video and in many others. What are these units?

[@droc6927]

Are the pictures in the wall of family members, or famous people of the time? Great video for someone who might want to get into reenactment.

[@justinleerhoff5869]

In my opinion as a reenactor the best way to find the unit for you is to walk around the whole union or confederate camp and just get to know people in the units and talk to them about how they run the unit, and how that unit would be good for you. I was lucky to be put into a unit when I started reenacting with my friend's family, I was in VMI until I was old enough to join the unit. Just try to find that unit that's your clique or niche, a unit that best fits you unless you'll have a crappy reenacting experience.

[@cblodg1]

The moment i first met the guys in the unit I've been with for 15 years now was awesome. Great group of guys running the age range. We're a fairly progressive group but enjoy doing some hardcore events. Don't do them as much as we've all gotten older. We primarily use dog tents (we do one guy per tent, but have done two). My unit are members of two umbrella organizations, The National Regiment and the New England Brigade (NEB). The NEB is really units that are kinda the mainstream units who really just like to burn powder. The NR is strict on drill, uniform requirements, camping style, military structure. Our unit has actually had a great influence in bringing some of that NR presence to the regional NEB events. Helped other groups sharpen their drill and gain an appreciation for why doing things right is important. We also have a great time laughing with other units. From the time we go to bed ("good night John Boy/Neverland) to the time we wake up we try to have a good time. I've heard guys on other streets laughing at our jokes and stories. What saved me being in the hobby was a mattress tick with a camp pad and one of those very thin self-inflating camp pads hikers use. World of difference. I did a job where I was on my feet for 8-10 hours a day for nearly 11 years and it did a number on my back and ankles. That camp pad (easily hidden) and the Dr. Scholl's inserts in the brigand are a huge saver. Wow, this turned into a long reply.

[@DumbLuck72]

I absolute have to deal with the issues you talked about. My first unit I was in for about 7 years love the guys but the guy running it really wore me out. It was a religious based group but it was the only one near me so I joined anyway. The Col. who ran it was fine for a while but then everything became about him and he got so preachy all the time. Had some other personal issues so I left. Now a few friends and I are starting our own company hopeful to avoid issues like that

[@TorianTammas]

You will run in that issues so better be prepared.

[@foxhoundr3364]

Any recommendations for your Australian viewers? I'm a former Infantry NCO of 23yrs In the Australian Army. Have Always had a interest in the civil war. Just purchased first bit of kit (type 1 forage cap) from Dirty Billy's. Anyway, love the channel lads!

[@markcharbonneau7529]

You have a great start. Cap and brogans are the most important.

[@hamm6035]

Hi guy's :) It is always fun to see you post a new video. Great topic! I think you guys still introduce yourselves at a faster tempo. Hahaha Next video introduce each other, with great fan fare. About a week ago I ran across one of the first few videos you posted and the difference is vast. So much more at ease, not in such a hurry to tell us about the subject. I can see an uptick in your company recruiting comming. I also find you as individuals as interesting as the subject. I don't want to make this to long. Can't wait for the videos this year, and meeting the rest of the guys again. Would like to see a real shooting contest between the unit members. You are after all Co. D Sharp shooters;) Going to be a great year for you. Thanks.

[@DihygnMonoxide]

We have been thinking about scrounging up some bullet molds. Perhaps that will make it into a video. -Pvt. Soderling

[@samschmidthuber4887]

I wanna hear Capt. Whitehalls commanding officer voice- I can’t imagine it. Haha Great video!

[@ethanbugs17]

I think we can work something out in upcoming videos so that can be done haha! Capt. Whitehall

[@Alex-kc3ex]

That moustache on the captain tho...

[@cheshire4856]

Would a cast iron cauldron be anywhere close to accurate for a company cook?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

They would not. Cast iron is fairly heavy and there were weight restrictions and limits to wagons. Tin cook pots would have been more common if not nearly soley used for cooking in large batches.

[@gs6490]

I was wondering if your unit would accept people from the southeastern part of America, as you guys seem like my type of unit

[@naftalikleinman]

So, where do I find a group/unit?

[@kevinmarkham6385]

I’m thinking of getting a percussion sharps. I don’t know if I want to do reenacting or not yet so I’m debating between getting a full length wood rifle or a sporter. I’m guessing a sporter half stock sharps would not be something a civil war soldier would be toting around. I see companies selling sharps sporter stocks. I guess I could get the Berdan rifle for possible reenacting and then install the half stock if I want it

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Very possible! Knew a guy who would periodically fall in with us every so often who did the very same thing. Kinda blew my mind when he first did it. Capt. Whitehall

[@sharingtimeagain]

Well if I lived in WA picking would be easy. ;)

[@briannicholas3516]

I agree, unfortunately I'm in NJ...😞

[@sharingtimeagain]

@Matthew Taylor I am in Ky as well.

[@onlineplanet2236]

I’m from pa and I can only find a few and I am not allowed to carry a rifle yet so I am under 16 and I don’t know what to do because they all seem older and there band is really good and I would just be a really young bugler and not fit in

[@backwoodspiper3033]

Ky also

[@Dawsonguidroz8538]

I hope I can join Louisiana regiment because I live in Louisiana when I’m older

[@johnvoorhees7881]

What can you tell me about my ancestors Voorhees?

[@yankeedoodle7365]

This be helpful, Definitely.

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Awesome information!!!

[@the_based_and_trad_protestant]

does this apply to other wars to?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Absolutely!

[@onlineplanet2236]

Hi I really want to start reenacting but I’m under 16 so I have to be a musician and I can only find about 2 units and I have one I want to join they seem to be a older group and they have a decent sized band and the only instrument that I can think of I have experience with is a bugle since I played trombone at a beginner level for school and I don’t know what to do because I still am not sure if my parents will let me but they are in pa and as you can guess there aren’t many groups around here

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Thanks for reaching out. Yeah, different organizations have different age requirements for having a rifle on the field. I'd just start by reaching out to units and ask their thoughts. Buglers are always in high demand and if not, should be. Every unit should have a bugler. I'd also check around on Facebook for Civil War bands. When I was at a Gettysburg reenactment they had huge brass bands. If you're looking to pursue military music, you'll definitely want to chat with them anyway. There are some key evolutions in instrument style. When we bought a bugle for our unit, we did some asking around and plenty of research to find the correct style and key for the time period. If you have questions, don't feel limited to asking people in your immediate area, we all love sharing research and answering questions.

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

Enjoyed and *LIKED* the video. See you on the field, at the range, or around the camp fire pards. --- *1st Minnesota SharpShooters* channel with Civil War reenactor live fire, hard marching, and rustic adventure ... enlist today.

[@ronaldrobertson2332]

Just out of curiosity, how much will a good, used Enfield or Sprinfield repro go for these days?

[@country_rhec5741]

I got my Enfield with the bayonet for 600. But that also came from a close friend of mine and he "defarbed" it. It's a great rifle, and a great price. Just gotta shop around.

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

Brand new ones will run around $800-$900, but you can get used ones (even very lightly used ones) for way cheaper; I got my perfectly-working Enfield for $40. Just a matter of making the effort to find a good value.

[@Zurgo-fl1kx]

I would love to join a powder burner unit! Sounds like fun to just blast muskets all day!

[@gladiatordude3723]

I’m black but I’m kinda confused because I live in Georgia

[@armorsmith43]

Josepi The miner are there any South Carolina regiments you can join? Or any Contraband camps?

[@armorsmith43]

Josepi The miner look up Marvin-Alonzo Greer.. He does Black living history in the Atlanta area.

[@gladiatordude3723]

Andrew Farrell thank you

[@jacknakash2677]

ln our unit a new guy has 1 year to get his basic kit & rifle that way you have time and know if he is "serious" about our campaigner impression

[@rileyhabermehl4194]

My first unit (the one I’m in still) is a very family oriented unit and they seem almost to shun me out because I’m not family. I have another unit in mind and I want to switch. How do I go about doing so?

[@DihygnMonoxide]

Your club probably has some sort of guideline for that sort of event. If you don't mind burning bridges, it could be as simple as talking to the C.O. of the "new" unit and just writing them down instead of your old unit next time you re-up your club dues. If the C.O. of the old unit has been nice, or isn't being malicious and you want to keep up some connections with them, you could ask for a transfer form and explain your reason for wanting to leave. When I switched to the 2nd USSS from the USS Tahoma, I sat down with my captain and said, "Hey, you guys are great and I really appreciate you all and your impression, I just think that I'd have more fun running with these other guys." He was very understanding, and basically said "Yeah, I've been watching you eyeball them for the last three seasons, and I'm surprised it took you this long to finally do it." Just my $0.02. -Pvt Soderling

[@juanlomeli7332]

im from southern california are there units i can join

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

This site is for Northern and Central California. It should get you started. They may also have a Facebook page. www.acwa.org/

[@johnstacy7902]

At least you guys are on the winning team.

[@yaelrar.4460]

What if you just want to be a lady from that period?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

We do have a few a civilian ladies in our unit, including my wife. She gets lots of info from Facebook pages like The Civilian Civil War Closet and Civil War Civilian Reenacting for Beginners. A lot of units have civilians with them except for authentic units that are strictly military. Some organizations have groups of civilians at events that portray a small town. There is a lot of room for civilian lady impressions. Keep in touch if we can be of more help.

[@jessicacain7226]

Out of curiosity, will most units allow women reenactors to dress as soldiers and participate like the other men?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Yes, I'd say most will, though there is sometimes a rather vocal minority who don't approve. We have a couple women reenactors in our unit and we couldn't live without them. One is even one of our corporals. The biggest thing is to put sincere effort into disguising yourself as a male soldier as our female soldiers do. They have short haircuts, no make up, no jewelry, and it sometimes includes binding. If you have more questions, we can get you in touch with our women reenactors or you can probably find them on our facebook page.

[@jessicacain7226]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS Thank you, that would be awesome!

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Look up Nikki Ternan on our Facebook page. She's fantastic and would be happy to answer your questions and help you out.

[@jessicacain7226]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS Thanks!

[@nikkiternan6731]

Jessica Cain feel free to add me on Facebook. My profile should be easy to find. I'm in my Uniform in it (same as my picture on here). If you have any trouble let me know. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@syang1116]

but people who makes money from you reenacting folks may have deep pockets for their kids to waste money on NO NO stuff.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Believe it or not but most vendors live fairly modestly. Only ones I can see making the big bucks is the gunpowder and firearms manufacturers.

[@pcm9482]

another good video checkout my channel and see what you thank

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Checked it out and subbed! Great start for a channel and it's great to see someone having historical talks on the Civil War. Any chance you watch Brandon F's channel?

[@pcm9482]

thanks, ive seen it and liked it not much people make video's on that subject .