Our Top 10 Farbisms Pt. 2

[@logandavis9329]

Thank you Company D. My favorite Yanks. I just got my first part of my confederate impression (a McDowell forage cap w/ SC insignia); thank you for your guidance. PS: yes, kilts are the most sexy garment

[@randomlyweirdjeff4638]

I have been reenacting since 2012. I got into the hobby because I have family who served on both sides and I love the atmosphere. I just made sergeant in the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Company G and I'm looking at a 1861 Springfield rifled musket. I really enjoy the hobby a lot. And I want to do the best impression I can. I am also in a home guard unit as well and I portray a confederate soldier too. This is a good channel.

[@graceerhart5796]

Used brogans that fit-you can find them, and they are less expensive. I have used three pairs of used brogans, and it saved me a lot of money, and they fit my feet.

[@mateowaters7264]

You mention Union soldiers wearing Confederate gear. During Sherman’s March to the Sea and his Carolinas campaign his troops actually wore a lot of Confederate and civilian attire. “I wish you could have seen this army when it got to this place nearly one half of the men was clothed in reb uniform and citizens clothes, any thing to cover themselves with”. H H Hemingway, 143rd NY. Goldsboro, NC 3/28/1864. Obviously though, this was an exception to what the Yanks usually had to endure...

[@foxhoundr3364]

Thank you for the great pointers lads. From an Aussie fan!

[@HunterCihal]

Those burgers smelled really good at the last event.

[@eNosArmory]

I have been civil war reenacting for over 27 years since I was 14 (i'm 41 now)... I actually attended an event this weekend as a spectator and I was BLOWN away with how crappy it was. I consider myself a progressive reenactor, I do not bring ANYTHING that is not authentic, and I stay in shape and drill to portray the civil war soldier with accuracy and honor. Here are all the FARBS I saw THIS WEEKEND.... AT ONE EVENT. 1. Smart Phones!!!!! - No Shit... I can't believe the amount smart phones I saw reenactors using... checking... sitting on their blankets in their tents... taking pictures.... video recording the battle that they are in!!! I could not believe it.... it blew me away! 2. Battlefield maneuvering - It is LAUGHABLE how units maneuver on the field and under fire.... it is the most unauthentic thing reenactors do. 3. Reenactors buying "event food" - SOOOOO many reenactors take advantage of the burgers, hot dogs and beer events sell to the public instead of cooking authentic meals and rations. 4. Hat Brass, animal parts & pins - seriously can people stick anymore crap to their hats. 5. Glasses - most solders during the civil war did not have glasses.... they could not afford them, and if they could the rigors of army life would have limited their use. I wear glasses too... but not at events... I'm not reading books... things can be a tad fuzzy for the weekend, leave the glasses at home. 6. Officers - too many officers. An event with 30 reenactors and General Grant shows up. 7. Barefoot Rebs - There are accounts of barefoot soldiers... But it is SERIOUSLY WAY OVERDONE in reenactordom. In general they were not homeless hobos with blowout pants and pasty bare feet. Confederates by and large were decently equipped professional soldiers. Put some damn shoes on you hobo! 8. Civilians - In my time as a reenactor (27 years) I have maybe seen 3 authentically dressed civilians. Civilians are SOOOOOOO Farby. I get it... you want to bring your family and your not independently wealthy. But the least they could do is give half a crap. 9. Lack of Rations - it continues to amaze me the amount of reenactors that make no attempt to portray issued rations. 10. Lack of drill - it seems to me most units don't drill anymore. Their combat portrayal is garbage and they can't even fire a proper volley... and officers can't even control units on a basic level. The units I belonged to always drill a couple times a day at events.... its gives us much needed practice and training and its something the public likes watching. I assumed that was normal.... it baffles me the number of reenactors that have almost NO training. Honorable mention.... Women in the ranks (WAY overdone, and getting worse... but I get it, we can't tell them no)... Confederates wearing Light Blue Federal trousers (WAAAAYYYYY overdone).... Artillery soldiers not wearing coats (seriously.... what is with that!!!).... LAST BUT NOT LEAST the age old farbizm of NOT TAKING HITS!!!!

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Epic list! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this. Pointing out farb is a great way to start conversations, vent a little, and teach new things. Like, confederates weren't barefoot hobos? Soldiers drilled often? Wah? Craziness. Drill was so common in our unit's history the most notable diary entries are when it didn't happen. By pointing out what's not correct we can help people be on the look out and learn knew things. I've seen a growing amount of people who just don't know what they don't know but are sponges when it comes to learning the right way. Research teaches us something new all the time. But, get too much farb in one place and it starts to look like the right way for a newbie. It's sometimes an uphill battle to keep accuracy central to reenacting but it's important work. Thanks again.

[@JustinKing-ug3gz]

Have to be careful though Richmond depot did produce a bright french blue trouser at some point. I'm surprised that there aren't more EAC impressions.

[@jamesrichardson3322]

Number 5 I have a issue with because not everyone eye sight is the same!! Personal myself I am blind as a 🦇 bat without them, I wear period correct glasses. So I can see clearly and for safety reasons while in the ranks. I want to be safe for those around me, especially because we are firing muskets. I don't like wearing contacts. Barefoot Rebs I don't have problem with it!! If you are doing late war end of 1864 into late 1865, towards the end of the war. I have seen this barefoot thing done at early war events on occasion.

[@Standswithabeer]

good video; you two are awesomely dedicated. Thumbs up.

[@CONOR1861]

My biggest pet peeve in the hobby are basic units/individuals who absolutely refuse to galvanize (play both sides). Now, I'm not talking about you all who portray one specific unit with special gear like the USSS. (Y'all keep on rocking and rolling and keep up the great videos.) I'm talking about basic infantry. This may just be a regional thing and may be an unrelated to your list. However, in Mississippi we have few units that will wear blue and they get stuck in it for most events. It's not fair to those units and it causes uneven numbers. In the video you mentioned that a bad confederate impression is disrespectful; to me it's equally disrespectful to see 20 federals drive 60 confederates off the field.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

We actually did galvanize as partisans once when another state's union battalion ticked us off. It was a great time and the Confederate battalion was very welcoming. We have a number of people in our organization that galvanize regularly. You're right, it is easier for line infantry units to swap but typical in the PNW, the Confederates way out number the union. Thanks for you putting your call out there to share the favors in the hobby.

[@smittywurban4485]

Yesssss! I live in NC and almost everyone plays confederate even groups i was apart of when i first started out would never want to do federal bc "oh southern pride" blah blah and it looks bad because usually the events in my area the Confederates lost and you see about 200 Confederates lose to about 20 Yankees it's really not believable for the crowd. Needless to say I galvanize but here lately I'm always doing Federal

[@cheshire4856]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS You would think it would be the opposite up there.

[@bzeak1121]

I have to agree with this. Now I will admit that I don't enjoy galvanizing. However that is primarily because I find my Federal uniform to be very uncomfortable. The jacket is very thick and very itchy and when I can afford it, I plan to replace it. But until that time, I hate putting on that very very uncomfortable piece of clothing. But that's my only gripe and it's a personal one due to the quality of uniform that I could afford when I first bought it. But as a whole, galvanizing is such a necessary thing. We have one unit down here that I'm pretty sure does it at least once every event but they are never forced to. I think they just enjoy playing both sides.

[@arfyego0682]

@@cheshire4856 I also live in the PNW, it's been nicknamed the Second South and Oregon even offered refuge to Confederate veterans and such during and after the war. There's a *lot* of southern culture that's been brought up here, the good and the bad.

[@jonathangomez9548]

Lol re watching this and want to point out the leopard trousers and holsters was actually said to have been at least a company’s worth more then likely sent home but we only have captain Richardson’s photo

[@jamesrichardson3322]

Leopard 🐆 trousers really? That's horrible

[@shawnwbell4404]

You guys might also mention that braces (suspenders ) were a private purchase & not a military issue thing & considered as a part of your underwear. Also, the "vest" as you are calling it would have been referred to as a waistcoat in the 19th century. So, walking around in shirt sleeves is perfectly fine unless your braces are exposed which would be implying that your underwear is showing. Without braces and a waistcoat shirt sleeves are fine unless you are traveling any great distance which would include the sutler store etc. You must also take into account that most of the soldiers and sailors that fought in this war were volunteers both North & South and weren't held to such a high standard on so many aspects. I am also surprised that nothing was mentioned about unescorted ladies & children in camp! I think that you guy's are doing a great job on many levels, but please bare in mind that reenacting is a hobby just like painting it is just that a hobby and many people love to do it both good and bad right or wrong. I understand that you get out of it what you put into it. I've been reenacting for 25 years. It comes down to the individual to make the effort to do it right. You can try to brow beat people (old & new recruits), but remember this if you remember nothing else. Everyone reenacts to the best of their ability!" We'll never be them or perfect. People will get tired of that kind of attitude. We are here but for awhile to educate people the public and reenactors alike. I don't have to do this (reenact), but I do it because I want to educate myself and others with some of the few things that I've learned & I am asking by someone about their impression then that opens a door. No one likes a know it all all the time! Allow and encourage people to research, think & decide for themselves. So we have to be careful when you put the bad mouth on the farbs because that may be all that they can afford etc. Because we all had to start somewhere! Let me ask you this. How long has it been since either of you have done an event as a private? If you really want to earn the respect of your fellow comrades just be a private for a weekend and let them be in charge. Lead by example! Not everything was chronicled about this war and just think about where we all might be today if it never happened? I am not saying that you're wrong about many things I've seen so hoke stuff myself, but some things need to be dealt with privately amongst friends & in the public relm. Just some food for thought guys. Thanks for taking your time to read my comments. I hope to see you on the field someday! Very Respectfully Yours : Shawn W. Bell Color Sergeant First Missouri Battalion Huckabee's Brigade

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Thank you for taking the time to share and contribute to the discussion. It's good to know that people with your experience, dedication, and passion are out there to support and educate. Thanks so much for watching.

[@coltonregal1797]

@Shawn Bell. Thanks for explaining the waistcoat etiquette. I was down in Munfordville for the battle of Rowlett's Station and the temperature was in the upper nineties all weekend. To avoid heatstroke, I went in just my shirtsleeves and suspenders while around camp, but I made a note to look into waistcoats for next time.

[@wendeln92]

Suspenders/braces are underwear and should not be seen??? I could pull up several photographs of soldiers not wearing jackets or waistcoats wearing only trousers and shirts with suspenders on view for all to see, nobody's eyes are on fire. Many reenactment units are basically a group of people who dress up in funny clothes so they can get drunk, sometimes we call it "camping with a theme". It is good like-minded people can get together and have a good time, many people I reenacted with knew me better than my own family. The people who do it badly only serve to make an odd hobby even more strange and some add a circus atmosphere to it. Some make us look ridiculous. If you (NOT you Mr. Bell per se) are not doing your best to portray things accurately, then what exactly are you doing? We once had a guy visiting in camp who said " I want to do what you guys are doing". I asked him, "What are we doing?" he really had no answer, but he happened to be in camp when we were hanging around the campfire, talking, smoking our pipes or cigars and some of the guys were having some drinks (I usually don't drink at events and if I do it might be one beer). Some people start off with bad equipment and little knowledge and then improve with time, others stagnate and stay the same. It drives me crazy when I see guys wearing the same cap, or jacket, or piece of equipment that is completely shot, faded, worn out, ripped etc for YEARS. Some have only worn one forage cap ever!. I'm pretty sure the original soldiers were issued replacements once in a while. The original officers would not have tolerated their men to be so slovenly.

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

*LIKED* the video --- *1st Minn Sharpshooters* channel with Civil War reenactor live fire, hard marching, and rustic adventures ... enlist today.

[@richardthomashaydon]

Thanks for the insights. As a lone South African I've found a lot of your channel useful. I'm putting together a confed uniform (only because that's what I could find here)

[@windogendoors7566]

The kilt thing is spot on. I use to reenact Confederate in the Northeast and I saw so many people with kilts. Our unit despised it and we would snicker whenever one of them passed.

[@kukuri007]

1st Seargent in a video of his knapsack seems to have acquired several items from Suttler of Fort Scott. Just curious if you’re from Kansas. I live about 50-70 miles southwest from Ft. Scott.Mine Creek is to the north northwest of the fort.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

We are mostly all from Washington State but have members from Idaho and Montana. We love Sutler of Fort Scott's products though! Great little items that set off an impression

[@cm958]

I believe that there was an Alabama unit that held some distinction for wearing actual raccoon hats. I'll have to do a little more research on the matter.

[@cm958]

I've done brief research and it turns out that the unit in question was the 6th Alabama, also known as the Raccoon Roughs.

[@Texican-1836]

I couldn't agree more in regard to improper footwear. I reenact Texas Revolution. I am with the 1836 Texian Army. I have seen on too many occasions individuals of the opposing Mexican units during our San Jacinto battles that are in tennis shoes. Granted most of them are younger reenactors so I try to rationalize that it is a new reenactor or they are lacking in funds.

[@planes124]

Great video and channel, I’m considering re enacting and have been for a while. Your channel has a lot of great helpful content, I’d even say this is a great video for beginners to learn what not do to and keep things accurate. Again criticism is great when it constructive. Keep it up. Hope everyone’s doing well.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Tha knyou very much for the kind words! Glad we have been a part of getting into the hobby! I'd you have any questions, feel free to comment away or email us att www.2ndusss.com!

[@planes124]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS may I ask if you are aware of a UK re enactors group, because I’d like to join a group that re enact the Berdan Sharp shooters regiment, 1st United States Sharpshooters .I have watched a few videos now and your video about the history of the regiment your portraying is really interesting. And I’m still a little unsure as to which side to portray, The Confederate or Union. Anyway keep up the good work. Also I work at a museum and am writing my own document on a British Respirator and it’s development from WW2 to present. ( I collected NBC equipment and Respirators for many years ). I have been interested in older historical events and history overall for many years. Cheers.

[@jamesrichardson3322]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS In my Illinois Western Theater Army unit we don't allow women in our ranks. you can have show documentation and sources saying there was a woman in the unit. You are welcome as a civilian impression in the unit, we had a laundresses in the unit. At one time we had a Soldier Aid Society from the country our unit was from, that dissolved before or after I joined in 2009? Damn can't remember!!! The unit had lot internal issues over the years, do too a certain leader/ one of the founders of the unit. He was asked quietly to leave, after he voted out of Captain/ President of the unit. He later came Battalions commander and he screwed with us for a while, but he eventually left alone. We had support from other companies in the battalion, but they didn't want get involved with the conflict between us and our former Captain. I left the unit do internal conflict between myself and another person, and the story is too long get into. I also had lot personal issues going on, out of frustration I quit a resigned my commission as Corporal of the unit and unit historian. I planning my return to the field soon!!

[@graceerhart5796]

Worst heat battle I have been in-Immokalee, Florida. 105 degrees in the shade. It was a very short, 15 minute battle

[@shawnwbell4404]

Wrist capper/armlet may be found in Lords Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia Volume 1 I do believe.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

We're totally going to look that up. Much respect for the research and reference and for sharing.

[@shawnwbell4404]

Company D 2nd USSS Francis Lord's Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia Volume III Page 138.

[@robadams234]

When I was reenacting in the mid 90's we were doing the Battle of the Wilderness and there was a guy in a kilt in another confederate unit. So our sgt told us to respond as Civil War soldiers would have, we cat called him because he was wearing a "dress" in battle.

[@YankeeRebel1348]

As a female reenactor, I appreciate that point. I just keep my hair medium length and tuck it in my kepi. I take pride in confusing the dudes on my impression. I never take off the kepi except in my tent

[@jamesrichardson3322]

True Farb is a reenactor on his cellphone on the battlefield and drilling, or in a camp, while spectators are walking around. Coolers and none period tables and none period food and etc.

[@bennettcontos3524]

Kilts are sexy, especially if you wear them traditionally had me dead

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Saw a chance to make a joke and had to make it haha

[@justinleerhoff5869]

In your opinion, would it be out of place to walk out of camp in a vest? Or is it preferred that you at least wear a coat with one or no buttons buttoned? And I'm trying to find some head wear for my impression but can't find any documentation yet on head wear for my unit, I've tried wearing the Kepi but I could wear sunscreen all the time and still be burned so my options are either felt hat or straw hat, which is better for a Confederate impression? Thanks for making another great video, can't wait to see you boys at the reenactment coming up in a few weeks!

[@cblodg1]

While you didn't ask me, I'm going to add my .02 opinion: bare minimum when leaving your street is a vest. Also for the hat, I would suggest looking at Dirty Billy's out of Gettysburg. He does top notch slouch hats for both Union and Confederate. Fairly quick service too if he has it in stock. I'm the same way, I have my spf on and I'll still burn.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

cdblog1's two cents are great. I'd also recommend doing some Google image searches or CW image database searches to get some ideas of something that would work for you.

[@CONOR1861]

Check and see if there are uniform regulations from the state that you represent. Mississippi's regulations for example called for a black slouch hat that was to be looped up on 3 sides during dress parade. So for early war I wear a Hardee style hat as it conforms to the regulations and could have been available. Mid to late war I wear a jean wool kepi or gambler style hat.

[@justinleerhoff5869]

Thank you all for your comments! I will try and find some pictures and documentation for my unit, if not I’ll probably stick with a civilian hat or slouch hat since my unit was a volunteer unit, 15th Alabama Company G

[@KevPaulCOG]

Hey I got a question,where do you get the outlines of uniform regs? Or Hat insignia regs? I'm looking to get into it and want to do it right. For instance I'm a fan of the slouch hats but I want to do it right. Thanks

[@jackmessick2869]

You have to join a unit. Each regiment had its own headgear, company letter, and regimental number. Each had its own style of cap or hat issued to them. Western units tended to have fewer forage caps and "kepis," and wore the slouch or Hardee hat. In the middle of 1863, the Army of the Potomac added Corps insignia. If you haven't joined a particular unit, best go-to is insignia-less, then just put the company letter on the hat of whatever group you fall in with. Very few units had all the "stuff" authorized in the regulation, because things break, get lost, and resupply was inconsistent. So don't wear the Hardee with branch hat cord, US shield insignia, regiment number, infantry hunter's horn, and company letter, along with the feather. That is over the top.

[@wendeln92]

Authentic handkerchiefs - I have several of the nice repops from Union Mills - actually a whole collection with accompanying documentation - but before these were available, I used pieces of reproduction printed or woven pattern cotton cloth or copies of period shirting material cut to size with edges left raw or folded and sewn - something mom/wife/girlfriend/lady's group/Sanitary Commission might provide. Or just a piece of plain white cotton or linen cloth. It ain't that difficult or expensive.

[@daleturner3507]

There are written accounts of animal skin hats in the 33rd Alabama. It’s written in a diary of a soldier named Mathews or Preston in Co. B.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Dale Turner so in a case like that, if people are portraying that specific unit or person(s) awesome that the research was done and I'd be cool with it. That gripe was more about how prevalent it seems with no real reason.

[@daleturner3507]

I’d agree.

[@Zoie3x8]

4:38 I will admit that im not a reenactor, but it seems to me (at a glance) that the poor portrayal of confederate troops, is likely to be atleast partly politically driven in a historical sense, much the same as how nazi-era german troops are mocked and lampooned in general historical review / revisionism. Both exampled troops were/ are seen as being 'on the wrong side of history' so, to alot of people, there is a very prejudiced sense of hostility and bad impressions towards historically defeated enemy troops. It is very much the line of thought of ' *they not only stood for the wrong ideals or motivations, but they also lost because of that wrong decision, so now they are history's clowns, and we can mock them at whim* ' is probably very entrenched into american culture and historical views.

[@bobl6489]

I stumbled across your channel look for videos about period correct tools. I like your content but could you do something along those lines. I'm wondering if or what could they might have carried to cut shelter polls, fire wood and dig trenches.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Bob L for the most part soldiers had no tools to really carry besides a small hatchet per mess (small group that would tent and cook together) and would trade off carrying some gear used to cook or set up camp with. Shovels, axes, picks and the like were typically carried by the baggage trains while on campaign unless you were a part of the pioneer corps clearing roads, building temporary bridges and other fatigue work a head of the army on the move. However the most common cutting tool was the jack knife carried by soldiers or the small hatchet that has been mentioned. For digging, a canteen half, cup or bayonet was the most common in the field on campaign. Capt Whitehall

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

1st Sgt. here...The Cpt.'s right about soldiers not having much for tools except for what they scavenged. However, they showed up more in long term camps. Pioneers and engineers excluded of course. However on the regimental level carpenters, blacksmiths, and wheelwrights would have tools to set up for repairs and building. You can find complete lists of those in the 1865 Quartermaster Manual. If you're interested in period tools in general I can help you out more with that, too. Send our channel a message if you'd like more info. Much of what I make the company is made using period tools and techniques.

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

What I truly hate are the people that insist something is ok because they saw it on KZbin or in a movie. And when you tell them that it’s wrong, they just yell it’s ok BECAUSE it was in a movie. It’s just an endless loop

[@billbutler335]

I totally agree. At a reenactment I attended in Chattanooga TN many years ago I had an idiot trying to tell me my dismounted cavalry unit should have had Winchesters because cavalrymen in the movies always have them.

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

Bill Butler I had one guy tell me my bayonet was wrong. Because it didn’t have a wood handle on it like in the movie he saw. I thought he was joking with me. Nope. He was dead serious.

[@brookeelayna7217]

I don't want to disguise myself as a man, therefore I'm avoiding the military impression. I see bad impressions like that and I wonder if they even really want to be doing that impression in the first place. I'll stick to long hair and my cute dress, thank you very much.

[@apbiggins8mm]

When I was a reenactor we dis a morning tactical I saw an officer carrying 2 pistols and a lever action we was a major my though was why

[@graceerhart5796]

I am a female soldier/sailor re-enactor, and always pass the ten foot rule without binding. That said, when we look at the photos of the original female soldiers in uniform, I would defy a lot of the men who have not seen their photos to id them as women. The girls who originally did this-and I did my research, reading every major work on them, and getting the pension record of my particular female soldier (I do her first person as a living history) out of the National Archives-170 pages of Pension record: and got away with it-because some were caught- their disguise was not good enough; the ones who managed it were really good at it, and in a number of cases had masqueraded as men before the war.

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

The not yelling at your men, I mean there are reasons it should happen. I know of a guy that NEVER followed orders. He’d be told to do something and he’s half ass it or just plain not listen. And he made the entire unit look bad. He got yelled at often in front of everyone. He eventually fixed it. And the women thing, what I hate is when women come and they aren’t even trying to change anything. Hair out, dyed, tight fitting shirts and pants showing off their figure. And when someone tries to give helpful advice to them they pulls the “if men can do it so can I” card.

[@Red-ur5xj]

I used to do reenacting when I was younger. I portrayed a disguised woman kept my hair short and wore the typical thick looser fitting sackcoats and the like. Granted I'm a tall woman so I blended in better but still.

[@wadedog4280]

Thanks for your videos, they really help new people to the hobby. Where does a person get this broad cloth you mentioned. What does it look like .

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

wade cates broadcloth is a very fine weave of wool. Most officer and enlisted frocks were made of it. Some of the best broadcloth is from A.W. Hainsworth in England (same place that makes the material the royal palace guards red uniforms).

[@wadedog4280]

Company D 2nd USSS So it can't be bought locally from a fabric store ?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

wade cates your typical Joann's or Michaels won't really carry it sadly. Most are special material that a select few store fronts would have. Wm. Booth Draper is a great source. Hainsworth has to be imported and the stuff is not cheap but well worth the price tag.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

1st Sgt. here, the Skipper is right. I think you're talking about the homemade handkerchief. You could easily get away with some muslin from Joanns for a "handkerchief." You could also look up "huck towels." Huck towels were issue to union troops and you can find them all over the place. Some sutlers have good deals on them, too. Huck is a type of weave. You actually still see them commonly used as bar towels. I keep one in my haversack.

[@wadedog4280]

Yes first sgt, I was referencing the cloth you mentioned as a handkerchief. Thank you

[@timothyhoster4951]

How about improper rank insignias.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Seen that a few times with branches of service being off here and there. Been questioned about the private purchase blouse and my officers rank being a "subdued" version. Thankfully there's a few photographs of USSS officers with suck insignia and placement from different companies mid to late war.

[@bzeak1121]

I will admit that the leaving camp without a jacket thing, I am very guilty of. Living in FL, damn near all of us take the jackets off when we're not drilling or in battle. That said, I do wear my vest in lieu of said jacket and so do most of the reenactors in my group. But yea, if y'all ever come down to Florida and come to an event, based on what you've said, you'll both want to kick puppies when you see how many folks just walk around without their jackets on. And it's not just the company level either. This is on up to the highest echelons. Colonels and Generals.

[@jacksonstory4773]

Would there be any use in becoming a reenactor at 14? Would unites allow it?

[@smokeandtack5251]

I enlisted at 14, it just depends on unit or organization rules for the area. The East coast is more relaxed on age compared to the west or Midwest. My unit allowed me in as a rifleman, some wait until 16-18, some won't even take you until 16. Ask around

[@captainpanda5533]

You can also start your reenacting career as a fifer or drummer. That's a common starting point for younger reenactors who transition to muskets later.

[@tlcustomsllc4401]

Can you do a video on proper hat insignia? Placement of pins on kepi, forage, and cavalry hats?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Oooh! Excellent video idea. It's on the list, thanks for the suggestion!

[@tlcustomsllc4401]

Company D 2nd USSS I’ve seen such a variety of placement of regiment, company, and even corps.

[@smokeandtack5251]

I based mine on a photo of a relic, where they have the bugle near the front rim of the hat, the curve pointing forward so the bell is pointed back. Within the bugle is regiment, above it is the company letter. I believe it was a 7th GA hat

[@leonidaslantz5249]

What can a person do if you cannot wear brogans due to foot operations and need to wear inserts that preclude their use?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Well, our personal opinion is health and comfort come first. With some extra money, you can have high quality brogans custom made for you and made to accommodate your inserts or other unique foot needs. Missouri Boot & Shoe is a place we highly recommend. They're expensive, but the only shoes you'd ever need to buy. You would just send in your measurements with your inserts accounted for. You could also try on different brogans with your inserts and see how they work. I have inserts in my Sekelas. Other than that, give it your best effort to find a shoe to meet your needs and that blends in as good as possible. If the rest of your impression is good, most people won't notice and if you're still giving it your best most units won't think twice about your accommodation.

[@lowlandnobleman6746]

Y’all just revealed one of my farbisms at 2:42 “English Military”. That’s one of my pet peeves. People using the words “English” and “British” interchangeably, even when talking about things like Scottish regiments that wore kilts. I get it, England is the biggest part of Britain, but it’s not the only part. It probably doesn’t help that academics are every bit as guilty of this as the lay folks.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

The one that gets me in that regard is "Royal Army"... no there's the "English/British Army"... but only the royal airforce and navy lol

[@caelanburgos4644]

One thing that bothers me the most is when people downgrade how a Confederate soldier would have really looked and preformed, our guys down here in Fl are pretty good for the most part and I started reenacting last year. The reason I don't like the whole animal skin peter Pan look is because I have ancestors who fought and it to me is insulting them portraying them as a rabble of animals. I do have one question since ya'll are big into authenticity, my Lt. told me I can get really whatever CSA jacket I wanted and my unit mostly has Columbus depot jean wool but were mixed here and there so I got this Grey sack coat and I read some accounts about them even one personal letter a soldeir wrote but how often do ya'll see those in the feild ?

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Question answered, thanks!

[@davisjacobs5748]

On the point of Federals using Confederate gear, the only thing I can really think of would maybe be, in very rare cases, a CS Richmond. But, if you're portraying a Federal POW, then maybe Confederate trousers or a jacket. But, as far as Confederates using Federal stuff? Well, it happens, but not nearly as much as a lot of mainstream reenactors portray. There were some leather gear used, some canteens used, and some haversacks used. But, on the whole, it's WAY overdone.

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

Davis Jacobs lol I use a Richmond

[@mregensb1sgt]

We wear kilts, but in the 78th Highlanders for the French and Indian War (7 Years War) not for Civil War.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

That sounds like a great impression.

[@jamesmarshall7428]

I personally don't like seeing the adjustable kepis, look like baseball caps.

[@Rango37]

18:57 Beatles fan confirmed!

[@themeatsquire9330]

What about those wacky looking Indian-confederate mush mashed uniforms? those really stir me up

[@jasontronetti3871]

There is a guy in the 21st Georgia wears all grey and a green kilt

[@jasmachugh4222]

Biker beards and ponytails drive me nuts!!

[@mrappe51]

Very few of the Confederates or Union soldiers were ‘professional’ soldiers. Please don’t substitute the word professional for the word competent or good etc.

[@samschmidthuber4887]

Do a sword manual for officers video

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

We should have one out at the end of May.

[@sethaldarith6778]

WHERE THE HANDKERCHIEF LINKS AT?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Oh, check out regimental quartermaster. They might be under their campaign gear section.

[@danielkohli1542]

South Union Mill Has them too.

[@TheSoupcanman]

Obvious women in the Ranks Angels on the battlefield Kids carrying the flag...… Over representation of specialty units. I do standard, non descript, Federal Infantry. Suicide Charge...…. for fuck sake. Improper Uniforms (Dead animal parts, sunglasses, etc) Non period stuff all over camp, especially kitchen area. Taking a hit then getting right back up to fight. No blanket rolls or campaign packs during battles. Gosh damn vehicles and 4 wheelers in the camp!

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Great list and thanks for mentioning kids carrying the colors. That drives us crazy, too.

[@TheSoupcanman]

You guys are out there with my pal Glen Allison.

[@2foodisgood]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSSI am 12 and I am joining 10th Virginia very soon I am going to be the color bearer

[@jlcm1984]

I think that the best answer to the bare footed Confederate is it depends on the unit and the scenario you are portraying. The further west you are and the further away from supplies, the more likely your gear is going to be in a shoddy state. But again, it's not the norm and it depends on the unit and the scenario and it really comes down to research. The eastern theater armies are pretty well supplied throughout most of the conflict, especially Confederates and especially in the early war period. And the sad thing is, it's really well documented. There are literally several books on the subject of supplying the Confederacy, so it just means that people haven't done their research. Speaking of uniforms, another reenactorism that I noticed is the state of the uniforms. Typically a unit would be supplied at the same time, so you would see all of the uniforms in the same sun dried or distressed state. Instead you see a various state of jackets in the field, some brand new and some sun dried. Does your group ever do a "re-issuance" scenario of uniforms? I think that is something that is not done very often.

[@lilsteve68]

great post know your battle... and its knot just shoes

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

Are you wearing jeans? FAAAAARB!

[@thatguy4106]

James Bond and t-shirts...lol

[@chrishastings2665]

I'm a "O" state reenactor. we aren't all bad.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Chris Hastings a lot of you guys aren't. We used to have "dual citizenship" and were both parts of each club. For the most part people are fairly good but there's some...

[@chrishastings2665]

Company D 2nd USSS I'm afraid I made a bit of a farb mistake. I've been enjoying your videos since this comment. And I see you're in Washington now. didn't realize there were any enthusiasts out your way. Sorry I just assumed you meant Ohio. keep up the great content.

[@jacknakash2677]

Remember you cannot shame a FARB as a FARB has no shame. But l remember a guy who ran a Virginia unit (Confederate) that had "lrish heritage) and ordered/had all of the men in the unit wear green modern day type neckerchiefs. Ughhhhhh!!!!!!

[@bennettcontos3524]

Barrel condoms hahahaha

[@Uncle_Jacob]

Please don't say "crush it" when talking about chest binding. Lol

[@kb4xley]

My most hated confederate impression summed up here - www.comeandtakeit.photography/2017-CWW/i-ZbVQxrM Dismounted cav, of course :)

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

My EYES! I can't unsee that! Thanks for the great share.

[@JohnDoe-iw7zc]

Idk about the woman think i mean I'm sure its not super important but i want to know if a girl is next to me , if for no other reason than to hit on her lololol