RED FLAGS of Reenacting (...and some green ones) - Ft.

This past weekend, I went to the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Lansdale, PA with some of my fellow members from the 40th Regiment of Foot, and while I was there, I asked them: "what are some red flags that people should watch out for when looking to join a reenacting group?" Here are some of there responses.
/ christheredcoat
/ 40thbloodhounds

[@BrandonF]

There's definitely a lot of red flags involved in the Soviet WW2 reenactments I do.

[@kalebthehistorian5928]

Yours does? My unit only has one, comrade.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

In more ways than one, I suspect…

[@isatq2133]

🤣

[@792slayer]

I see what you did there.

[@00muinamir]

/rimshot

[@lordjazoijua94]

A red flag for me was a group that spent a lot of time just drinking beer and not doing any drill. Had little interests in period camping or behaviour.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Yep. Sadly a common one that’s always irked me.

[@joshuagenes]

Probably historically accurate tho.

[@benlewis4241]

@@joshuagenes I can imagine the refrain- "I joined a US millita reenactmant group and they literally only spent one minute in drill!"

[@joshuagenes]

@@benlewis4241 Terrible!

[@CodaMission]

Idk that just sounds like some dudes vibing

[@upyr1]

a red flag for a Mideval reenactment group is when they say "we're doing the high middle ages" and everyone starts asking "is my bong period?"

[@PalaeoClive237]

True enough. Back in the 80s/90s you'd be surprised how many musketeers and pikemen had a Nokia stashed in their tunics or forgot to take off their watches. During a re-enactment of a 1644 battle in Hampshire we'd drawn our swords to engage the Royalists hand-to- hand and a loud ringtone went off. The battle stopped while the guilty guy handed his phone to a camp follower. Soiled the atmos alright.

[@TheWelshViking]

Ooh, there are some interesting crossovers with Viking age reenactment red flags here. Love it.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

I suspect a lot of them are fairly universal.

[@Rogue_Nine416]

there's a lot that applies to WWII as well, which is a real shame, especially the lack of inclusivity

[@Rynewulf]

Ive encountered so many cliquish reenactor groups at events. Like they'll set up a tent in the middle, rope it off and glare at anyone who dares try talk to them and disrupt the brood circle. Whereas the nicer ones put private tents round the corner or outside and activity areas in the middle, so if they need a break from the public they have privacy without being clannish and giving reenacting a hostile image. Seriously some sit down in the middle of events, but act like youre breaking into their kitchen

[@bellakaldera3305]

To me Reenacting is far more than a "hobby", it is an avocation, an art form and "experimental archeology" to boot. We make every effort to properly outfit each member and encourage each to create a convincing persona. As I have only recently been voted commander, I consider it not my job to tell folks where to go or what to do, but to lead my people where they want to go. Everyone is a volunteer and this is not a true military operation, I can't "order" anybody to do anything they don't want to do, so I try to lead by example and enthusiasm. Kindness and carrots, not sticks and beratement. Then there is that most of the people in the unit are neurodivergent history nerds, who have no desire to be the loud person in front, but enjoy the"escape" from the 21st century. My job is to keep the unit together, grow it for the Susquecentennial and take care of my people, so that they keep showing up and doing the great job they do. Because we don't just put up tents and march with muskets, we create a museum grade learning experience of past days, and we are proud of it.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

That’s honestly a much more accurate way to go about it, too.

[@PalaeoClive237]

True. Our English Civil War group was scrupulously authentic to the point of not getting paid for months! Sadly, we never got to do any historically accurate ravishing and pillaging of local Royalist-sympathiser towns.

[@spamviking]

I went to a military history show years ago, the one group I remember was an Afrika Corps reenactment group who had a Pak 38 or 40 field gun they'd fire for displays. Of the dozen men in their group all but 3 were some variation of officer with ranks no less than major with at least 2 being field marshals. The 3 enlisted men were the only ones working the gun as the other 9 stood around and watched each trying to put on a show of out-order the other but being soundly ignored by the actual guys handling the explosives. None of these men, again excepting the ones doing the actual work, looked to be younger than 60 too. Adding: at that same show I just remembered, the guy checking the tickets at the gate for the cars coming in was dressed as a Wehrmacht soldier with a little red and white striped guard box and boom gate, and was absolutely hamming it up with inspecting each persons pass with a thick German accent. When I came in there was a car full of guys dressed as WW2 American GIs and the German reenactor goes "Be on zee lookout, zhere are reports of AMERICANS try to sneak in!" and people were just losing it with his Colonel Klink ass accent and antics.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Yikes. 😬

[@thecreweofthefancy]

Vetting membership should be like #1. Like I've encountered so many flat out creepers over the years or the "well respected" dude who after a few beers flies on a racist tirade and then after further digging turns out that it's been known but people were afraid to tell it. Like keeping our units full of awesome folks keeps us going as a hobby, keeps us at events, and doesn't make the public uncomfortable.

[@MatthewChenault]

It’s also worth noting that some of these red flags might not be red flags depending on what the person is getting out of it. If the unit has a large, civilian wing (and is more family-protected), then having more furniture available and more accommodations for families is going to be the norm. However, a massive red flag on the composition of a unit is finding out about their internal politics. If they get along well enough and remain adherent to their core principles, then it will run fine. However, if you have some particularly ambitious members or members causing significant conflict, then it will cause some turmoil.

[@thomasabrials6190]

As a Civil War reenactor I actually liked to drill, go on long marches and do all those things soldiers spent so much time doing. However, most units I participated with just stayed around camp not doing much. They would also involve their wives and kids in the hobby which limited their ability to do more “hardcore” soldiering.

[@HMthRegtofFootndBattLI]

That may be just an excuse. There are plenty of women (and children) in the hobby who are every bit as "hardcore" as most of us.

[@PalaeoClive237]

This is true. Our English group included real enthusiasts who were wargamers or history teachers. Some wives/girlfriends were very skilled at making authentic gloves, sashes and repairing uniforms we wore. Some even role played as camp followers, including one who acted as a healer after the battle. Children, on the other had, were a distraction and annoyance mostly as they never took it seriously.

[@nhansen197]

My red flags are people who are super critical of others, people who are experts by virtue of having read a book - these individuals know what they know but don't know enough to realize that they've only scratched the surface, and if there is someone who is just there to boss people around. I've had some bad experiences as a member of the public. It's typically the person who puts perfection over everything else while blind to their own short comings.

[@als3022]

Stitch Nazi's. Thankfully I am in the Southern Campaign and haven't run into them too much yet.

[@chikntendie]

Something I found personally is to make sure that the group has a good mix of personalities as well. It's super important to have people that get into the hobby for their own reasons as well. Of course we all go out because we are fascinated with the history, but we all still have different reasons driving that fascination and I think that is very important. For me personally, I most enjoy life in camp so I put a bunch of my efforts into portraying as accurately as possible what an average soldier would be up to around camp. The gent at 8:00 also brings up such a good point with making sure the unit as a whole has a kind of "bottom up" approach where every member has a voice. In my own group our leadership does an amazing job at this by actively pushing us to be more involved with decisions on what we as a group want to do.

[@NDFlyFisher]

“Not jerks about it” Probably the best comment in the video.

[@Captine3250]

I didn't realize there was an event going on down at peter wentz. I don't live terribly far from that. The American Civil War group i go out with definitely has a bit of these red flags (mainly the alcoholism), but a lot of the green ones too (mainly the alcoholism).

[@revere0311]

^this speaks to me. Great observation lol.

[@PalaeoClive237]

I thought a lot of the ACW soldiers were pissed? Maybe they had to be pissed to charge the enemy?

[@revere0311]

@@PalaeoClive237 idk about ACW, I have heard before the battle of Brandywine in 1777 George Washington distributed shots to his men. Idk how true that is tho, I’d assume so? Who knows lol

[@PalaeoClive237]

@@revere0311 Brandy or Wine, I wonder? Well, I'd like a bit of 'Dutch courage' if I was advancing in a close-order infantry formation toward similarly armed enemy lines. I read that the Civil War troops drank heavily in camp or on garrison duty if they could get alcohol, but mostly craved coffee in the field to keep going rather than booze. U S Grant was famously borderline alcoholic even in the field. The Russian infantry in WW2 certainly needed their famous 100g daily ration of vodka to charge into hell!

[@revere0311]

@@PalaeoClive237 😂 Brandy, Wine with a side of Buck Shot lol

[@derektodd4126]

I just love the enthusiasm you guys put into your hobby. Best wishes from Northern Ireland.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Cheers!

[@jonprince3237]

The comment at 8:10 I agree completely. One of my red flags is any group with an inverted pyramid rank structure/organisation. The kind that has five members portraying 2 officers, 1 sNCO, 1 jNCO and a private who presumably they take turns being in charge of. If a group can't set aside ego enough to use a rank structure that's appropriate to their numbers/what they're portraying then that makes me wary, and as said, I suspect they won't really care or be prepared to listen to what members think or want. The counter argument to that is "The army isn't a democracy!", but equally what we do isn't "the army", it doesn't need dictatorship to function effectively, and dictatorship from the top is one of the things I've seen consistently kill off groups, alienate and drive away members and discourage new people joining. Perhaps more related to WW2 period but another point to consider is what specific unit a group portrays, if it's popular, elite or notorious then the membership will probably have attitudes and beliefs that reflect that choice and the more serious "living historian' may not fit well.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Absolutely. Bonus points if, in addition to being incredibly top-heavy with too many officers, they also insist on acting like they’re in the present-day army.

[@gourdidol]

You really nail some key points not included in the video. Red Flag: reenacting, say, an elite Jaeger unit but looking more like land pirates, or basically any group that does Waffen SS or, dare I say it, the 101st Airborne on D-Day.

[@annasolovyeva1013]

Groups that want to be "all officers" can be "White guard" XD. The counterrevolution force of Russian Civil war that was mainly supported by officers, so they made units where basically everyone was an officer...

[@seanbissett-powell5916]

I kind of had the reverse of this problem. As a Napoleonic re-enactor (former, now, age and health have started to catch up with me...), when we set our unit up we decided to use a rank structure appropriate to our numbers. That meant the field commander was a sergeant. In due course I ended up in charge, and being a sergeant was fine and fun. Until it came to "officers meetings". They should have been planning meetings to ensure the event went smoothly. But the over-dressed officers seemed to think it was real, which led to my input being ignored. Eventually, the other guys in the unit persuaded me I needed to go dressed as an officer. I made clear that I'd do that for the meetings, but only go on the field as an officer if we had the numbers to warrant it or it was needed for a specific scenario.

[@duncant.2570]

One of the green flags that I've started to appreciate, having started young, is units trying to get new members in, especially younger guys that can carry on reenacting for ten plus years. While my units are open to all ages, the younger guys have to be included to keep the hobby going. And not just getting them to join, but to do things. As a 22 year old Corporal in my Civil War unit, I'll grab the younger guys for squad level details, whether getting water or spending half a hour on a hand cart racing back and forth, so they feel that they belong in the reenacting family. My biggest red flag is being on either extreme of the "6 foot rule" to other reenactors, especially unprompted. For those that don't know, it's that an impression/item should look good from 6 feet away. If it looks out place from farther, replace it. If you're close enough to tell that I skipped a couple stitches, back up. While you should strive to be better, it's not the end of the world, as not everyone can drop several hundred dollars on a better rubber blanket. I prefer drill proficiency to stich counting myself, as I tend to try to maintain the claim that I'm the U.S. Regular sent to teach the Volunteers to be soldiers. The public won't notice if your underwear has the correct seam, but they will notice who fumbles their musket.

[@pacman1386]

I love that this covers any period for reenactors, and I have seen a lot of the red flags.

[@jamesley4969]

Nice thoughts, my unit thinks the same way. I will have to subscribe to your channel. Our units have met on the field numerous times. You always seem to be chasing us through the woods. Donegal Township Rifles PSR.

[@asorbus1966]

I've been in the reenactment world for a long time (1981) and know/knew people doing it much longer than I. My own experience spans working as a paid docent, as well as a range of eras. The video indeed gives a good overview of many of the good and bad out there. Let me add my own mantra on how I do living history: "I take my history seriously, just not myself doing it." Its not meant as a personal put down or excuse, but rather an approach to be compassionate to people, to balance being true to an era without being unapproachable to the public at large. In the end it is a hobby, and one pursued with passion. Never forgotting that my passion doesn't excuse bad behavior towards others I associate with in my group, fellow groups and a public who may (or may not) have any knowledge of what I'm really doing with all my stuff when they see me and the people I'm with in an outing.

[@brianseward9099]

Excellent video man. Ive been a reenactor for over 13 years, and a lot of what you and the guys from your unit said hit home. I seem to hear the "well the public won't know the difference" line a lot, and it's always bugged me. Its part of the reason I bought an "older" model repro musket for my Rev War impression. There is always room for growth in regards to an impression, and yes...money, time and real life can hinder that growth. But the desire to be better is a good trait to have. I agree in regards to units not being asses about authenticity as well. It's a fine line for some to walk, but positive reinforcement/encouragement always works better than making someone feel self conscious.

[@Gallipoli620]

One red flag of mine is a group that is overly-puritanical about having a source for every single detail, and which dismisses all conjecture about materiality. It shouldn’t be a complete free-for-all, but 18th century reenacting requires a fair bit of conjecture to fill in the gaps of an army that was still developing modern professionalism. There needs to be a middle ground between “we don’t have specific documentation about this, so I’ll just do whatever I want” and “we don’t have specific documentation about this, so it didn’t exist”. The army didn’t have a “standard shirt”, it didn’t have a “standard knapsack”, etc. You really need that conjecture if you to want to do more than just recreating paintings from 50 years later.

[@PalaeoClive237]

This is a good point. The original sources for, say, Viking Age warfare, are few and also tended to be biased toward one side. If you've a number of objective accounts from people who served in the American War of Independence or ACW say, there are authentic observations there, especially if you have authentic drawings or photographs from campaigns. The sources shouldn't be all from officers either as these may have inbuilt biases. You only have to look at historical movies to see how far from reality they can be if only one or two 'historical advisors' or one with an agenda, can be. Braveheart, anyone?

[@mickaleneduczech8373]

There was a Zouave unit on the west coast (US) that would tell the public the the Zouaves were early special forces with special combat training. In battle, they would not fall into the battle line, and would only be skirmishers. I haven't reenacted for awhile so I've no idea if they're still around.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Good Lord.

[@RedDongleGames]

So i just began ww2 Prinses Irene Brigade reenacting in the Netherlands last year and a red flag for me is the big amount of big tents (looks like ww2 british officer tent but the US version) and only 1 person sleeps in it. Or people who take 2023 camping gear and leave it while people are visiting. And for me i'm not super social but an older mate is and i think we work pretty well together. I'm also sad that many many people dont know their own country's history but instead are more focused on US and british para's. I still love every reenactor btw and i'm happy to be part of the community. And I try to make the 1 event in the 4 year group more like a decent group who does many events in a year but i need to fix socials to make it interesting for the people.

[@Sparrow1138]

Great post! - I have a few 18th c portrayals that I do and Have always enjoyed interacting with the Bloodhounds. Trying hard to get our family friendly artillery unit to continue to progress - so far my best achievement was getting our unit to replace the huge rendezvous style coffee pot with tin buckets with cheesecloth and ladle instead. While artillery has a lot of baggage I’ve tried to continue to progress independently. It gave me great pleasure to see others complaining that our crew “looked too mishmosh and motley” perfect because we had no Quartermaster and we match with our actual documentation. Keep up the awesome representation!

[@JupitersLegacy753]

Facial hair is a big red flag for me!

[@stephenpierce2242]

Great video as usual! Totally agree with the one guy on Musket Safety. That is 100% the biggest red flag for a unit.

[@pnyarrow]

Wise words indeed and not just for re-enactors but any 'hobby group'. Be the best you can be! Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@peterthomo8359]

I can see where you are coming from but.. I believe that societies have a problem with not being family friendly, I belonged to a ACW society in England and found in the eighties we had people who wanted to do living history and people mainly who had their families lived in plastic tents away from the site, this way it was a more inclusive and membership was high, sadly as the years went by living history members derided those who brought their families and lived in plastic tents at night,which meant that membership dropped and only Die Hards were left and it turned into something that men used to get away from the family rather than including them.those children were the life blood of the society enticing other family’s to join for a fun weekend ie living history in the day with the public but in the evening sleeping in a nice tent with the family and would have filled the ranks when they grew up now it’s a filled with middle aged men.I rejoined and the comments on people who lived in plastic (modern) tents was enough for me to leave, shame as the wives and especially the children loved it.and yes there are families that do living history but you have removed alot of recruits from joining by making it a all boys club to get away from the family

[@gourdidol]

You're entirely right. Funny enough, the unit central to this video, the 40th, was for decades largely a "boys-only" unit, and often remains that way for some events -- but, more and more, we've become a home for impressions of women who were with the army (the historic 40th was over a quarter women and children when it evacuated in Boston in 1776, for example). We've also now got members who've had kids and are planning to start bringing them to events. The only difference is that ALL members - whether they're portraying soldiers, women, or children - all work and camp together under the same basic campaign impression. Sometimes this means tents, sometimes it means wigwams, sometimes it means bivouacking under the stars. When we've had kids along, they've always had a blast. The key note, which maybe could have been more clearly conveyed here: your green flags may vary. Different people require different types of units. Some of the points raised in the video, I think, are still very generally applicable to all units. Invest some time in identifying your own red/green flags and in finding the right home for you.

[@daveglynn748]

Keep making history come to life. Well done chaps👍🏻 From Manchester England🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheFarOffStation]

I’m just a little confused though, toads are red flags to have in units but they’re green. It seems a bit counterintuitive.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

🐸

[@Clarinetboy82]

Living in Springfield, Missouri, we're not too far from Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, and we also have the 1840s Gray-Campbell farmstead. The great thing is the battlefield has a couple of reenactment groups that come an do Civil War demonstrations for the public throughout the year. One in particular is an artillery group and does canon demonstrations. Wilson's Creek does not permit battle reenactments. The last time there was a simulated battle was in 2011 on private land for the 150th anniversary of the battle. At the farmstead there are living history people that do demonstrations for the public and and school groups throughout the year. The great thing about it is these groups love history, and thoroughly enjoy the public. What's also great is they all have a variety of ages involved.

[@ryanmichael1298]

8:49, I only want to do medium sized battles.

[@gourdidol]

Goldlilocks Warfare, eh?

[@leahspencer6884]

This was really interesting. I agreed with the red (and green) flags presented by the guys you interviewed. The video, however, highlights my personal biggest red flag, which is a lack of inclusion. A group that doesn't allow space for marginalized voices is not one that I personally want to have any part of. I certainly don't need to be told that the only interesting parts of history are the ones with guns.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@CAPNGRIZZ]

You know what I like about what you guys are trying to do as reenactors is pay homage to the fallen by not only learning about the history, but also living it. Keep up the amazing work!

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Cheers!

[@kingmaker2865]

Its a tricky one. I do 15th century reenactment in the UK. You get both ends... you get those that look down on everyone and take it too hardcore. Think they are better then everyone and experts because once the public go home they wont dare use a gas cooker for dinner.. or just sent a txt to their wife, or even wash. And then the bottom end.. where guys rock up with rubbish kit... drink , fight.. and know nothing about the period they reenact or the details. I guess its like any hobby really. U have to sacrifice and adjust to people and their personalities. Its a struggle for sure... within reason. But aslong as you all enjoy yourself... thats whats important. :)

[@revere0311]

Green flags I’ve found in the reenacting community was the camp hoping. I had a great time connecting with reenactor’s from all over the country at Brandywine 2022 and talking about the historical context of the battle of Brandywine. Learned a lot and enjoyed it even more.

[@APV878]

I agree with a lot of the comments made. If you & your group wants to go out, burn some powder, then lounge for the rest of the day, that's fine by me, but, if you're then asking why the public passes your camp by, might be time to start asking the hard questions. Although if you don't care what the public thinks of you & group, then it's a moot point. Good luck with that, yanno? As for the groups that are "camp furniture heavy", I don't necessarily have a problem with that, if that's what the group wants to do and doesn't mind arriving super early and then staying late at an event site to set up/pack up, or usually it's the One Person who ends up bringing all the unit gear or cooking gear, and they're the ones who are then responsible for it. A related "red flag" I'd add to the mix is if you have that One Person with All The Gear and they expect everyone else in the group to set it up and then pack it up (and it must be done a certain way, because it's "their gear" not yours), that's a sign of trouble. Unit Gear can be a real pain in the butt. Especially if that One Person is aging out or having health issues or worse passes away, then you have to figure out what to do with all of that gear, who's responsible for it, etc. A good flag in that sense would be a (group rule) where everyone brings their own gear, sort of Pot Luck style. But if the guy who brings all the cooking gear isn't able to make the event, the attending members ought to be able to make do on their own, no depend on that One Person, etc. Another good/bad situation is where a new member joining says they have appropriate gear but it turns out to be junk or not-approved for your unit. It can get real awkward real quick. How do you encourage that new person to update their gear but not come off as insulting or overbearing or snobby. And how the leaders of the group try to encourage or help members stay up on their research and reconstruction and maintaining a level of quality, will tell you a lot about if that unit is "right" for you.

[@The_Jawnski]

Thanks, Chris. As someone who seems to always be between units for one reason or another, I think I really needed this video to set me on the right track.

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

I volunteer at the Peter Wentz Farm. I am sorry I missed you there. In addition to volunteering, I would like to join a group but I am having a hard time finding one. I am not interested in the battles. I am all about the day to day life of the "Normal" Folks. I lover creating thing in the 18th century way. for example (Redware, Bricks, blacksmithing (not knifes), Wood turning, Cooking, Sewing, farming etc.. I am not an expert at any of these thing but would love to do more and learn along the way. Any suggestions?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Feel free to shoot the 40th a message on FB! We actually have a pretty sizable contingent of non-combatants and do a fair number of events with little to no combat at all.

[@samromano1515]

Phenomenal points that are easily translatable to every possibly reenacting time period.

[@Whizzer_]

Did the redcoat re-enactors get together and watch the coronation of King Charles III?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

We were a little pre-occupied.

[@greedycapitalist8590]

@@ChristheRedcoat You didn't miss much. It was boring as sin. Even Mr and Mrs Mountbatten-Windsor looked they couldn't wait for it to be over.

[@gourdidol]

In general, most folks here in America who reenact the British side of this war aren't really that interested in the modern British monarchy, and some aren't really even Anglophiles - they're more just generally interested in the history and material culture of the war. Some certainly are exceptions to this, but it's probably not as common as you might think.

[@STho205]

I went to Mount Vernon that day...as a Continental Light but there were quite a few Crown forces there...I myself did Royal Americans 60th Foot a decade ago, as I lived in an area where there were no British Army participants...somebody had to do it. Not a problems in VA and the Carolinas though.

[@daveglynn748]

As a spectacle of state pagentry' it was magnificent' and nobody does pomp and circumstance better than the Guards Regiments of the British Army🇬🇧

[@treysmith8917]

As a friend, Dave Ostrander, once told me, If we come out here and not educate the public, we are just one step closer to LARPing

[@STho205]

Most of it is LARPing or theme camping. I always winced when I heard a fellow participant say they were Educating the Public. Often that was while doing something farby and cherry picking what they wanted to show and tell. Seldom was that a man, woman or group that was actually doing a holistic interpretation.

[@treysmith8917]

@@STho205 MOST! That’s right, I enjoy educating people who are engaged, but then again I do enjoy the LARPing to get that historical period rush! Like a mini glimpse in a Time Machine. Like going to a civil war event and even the toilet paper is period printed paperwork, nothing around you and modern minie maybe say a jet stream

[@kittenclaws5775]

Ive found its worth being leery in reenactor groups of casual racism and mysogyny. Some groups are great about this and others are a bit, err, "too historically accurate" for my tastes 😂

[@gourdidol]

There's been an overdue reckoning of this in recent years (obviously especially since 2020), but with mix results overall - sometimes very important needed changes and, in some corners, almost regressive entrenchment.

[@Rogue_Nine416]

it's been a HUGE problem in WWII reenacting for decades but it's slowly starting to change

[@Lonovavir]

Aka the "That's why my character would say" defense. I've seen a bit of that in WW2 reenacting.

[@bengercak8391]

Great timing on this video! I plan on visiting a reenactment group two weekends from now.

[@BlastersandBladesPodcast]

But does the unit believe in the value of the lash? Cause discipline must be maintained! The beatings will continue until morale improves!

[@qtea3.149]

Using this information to possibly help me find a regiment :) thank you for the awesome video!

[@ChristheRedcoat]

You’re welcome! :)

[@dajolaw]

Green Flag: If Mr. Briar wants to hang out with your unit, you're probably doing it right.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Very true!

[@lornemarmet5898]

With "Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War" my red flag (and I quit) was having to use Roberts Rules of Order in emails!

[@jasonswain3948]

Thank you for another great video! Huzzah!

[@Aramis419]

Hey!! The farmstead! Welcome to my neck of the woods!

[@ChristheRedcoat]

It was a great site!

[@mikemiller4065]

I didn't join my reenacting group. I was drafted out of the crowd.

[@cullensmith1817]

"You need to report on site by 17:00 on Friday so you can report to the Captain for your assignment." This is a hobby, not the actual military. I'll be there around 6:30. I'll try to be in camp by 8ish.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

"Reenactor time" is a real phenomenon. If someone say's they'll be on site by 7, be prepared for them to show up around 9.

[@cullensmith1817]

@@ChristheRedcoat I got work to due.

[@ryanmichael1298]

To be honest, I've often been interested in reenacting but due to poor feet, the idea of doing battles and marching is not appealing. However, it might be interesting to interact with the public while sitting or in some other foot friendly manner.

[@henriraub2029]

You might want to consider an artillery group. I have never seen them walk anywhere. 😊

[@davidbradley6040]

General Wolfe's uniform reforms were excellent. Ridiculous to go back after his death.

[@allanburt5250]

Brilliant Chris than you for sharing with us 👍

[@ChristheRedcoat]

You’re welcome!

[@sirfox950]

What a great birthday present!

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Happy Birthday! 🥳

[@mikewelch7656]

❤ Truths that must be spoken ❤

[@jackdupont1883]

I know theirs tons in ACW re-enactments that I do!

[@MortusVanDerHell]

Red Flag for LARP und Reenacting (last more than first) for me: alcohol and weapons united. If someone drinks and than grabs alcoholized an gun, a sword or a knife - that's not, what you want. That is a lack of disziplin and somebody WILL getting hurt. Not now perhaps, but it's only a matter of time. Sorry for my bad english, but as a german, I am no native speaker. 🙂

[@AndrewD.76]

I am just now getting and researching for my gear for a civilian impression in Seth Warners Regiment.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Nice!

[@AndrewD.76]

Thanks!

[@Reignlief]

my first group was great for a few years before it slowly started turning into a 2nd job. Must be at X number of shows per year, must have x new equipment each each. regs changing every few shows. And then the leader litterally made it his job by starting to take a wage from the society. Now I march with an english civil war regiment and it is far better.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Sounds familiar.

[@outpostraven]

Thanks for posting!

[@henrygaylordswanson]

Chris has such a nice voice. I love putting on these videos as background noise to combat my tinnitus. Might be a very specific use of your videos, but I thought you might find it interesting.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Glad to be of service!

[@Airland_combat]

I personally want to do Civil War Reenacting. I honestly don't care what regiment as long as it's Union. I want to be able to go to Gettysburg (I live only like an hour away) and perhaps be able to travel to Fredricksburg or the Wilderness and Spotsylvania and teach people and show people how it must've been. I find the only challenge is the cost for an 1861 Springfield or other union rifled muskets that were prominent bayonet and the cost of blank cartridges. I can easily afford a uniform. It's just the cost of the weaponry and other things to go with it. Any advice on how to find era replicas that fire for a decent price?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

I’m not sure how much Civil War muskets are going for these days, but if they’re anything like Rev War muskets, your best bet is probably to find someone who’s selling one used.

[@Airland_combat]

@@ChristheRedcoat Auction then, they typically go for +$1,000 on some sites. But, I'm assuming auction or garage sales if that's the case?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

I was thinking more along the lines of finding another reenactor looking to sell theirs. You may be able to get one for as low (relatively speaking) as $800, that way.

[@Airland_combat]

@@ChristheRedcoat So, try and get in touch with reenactment groups? I know my brothers girlfriend's dad is a reenactor and he has a Civil War era Gun I just don't know if he's willing to give it up.

[@j_taylor]

​@@Airland_combatIn most hobbies, I find that newcomers are welcomed and given a chance to see if they enjoy it (on their own terms.) At the same time, those giving the welcome are looking for new people who would enhance the group. And of course, some are remembering how they got started. If you get involved and look like you'll stick around, and if you make some connections there, along with the encouraging words you'll find help with equipment too. Maybe someone has an extra musket, maybe someone else is getting old and wants their legacy to continue after they leave. I'm not a re-enactor but I have seen these patterns in other hobbies. If people see you invest effort and care, you will find help.

[@GravesRWFiA]

niether red nor green but pick a group you get on with. this sounds odd maybe but if you find guys telling jokes you don't like or are so 'authenticity' minded they insist on hand sewing kit. and these are turn off's then you want to walk away. a green flag should be will they help you get your kit at events when starting out. so you're putting your stuff together but don't have it all yet and they'll lend you what you need to get out on the field

[@PilotSpOB]

Yes yes yes. A lot of great points. As someone that’s forming a new progressive minded unit this is fantastic

[@patrickdusablon2789]

With regards to "excuses" there will always have to be some compromises made due to modern requirements. Whether it be shoes that look the part from the top and the sides but have a rubber sole and some insoles so I can walk comes Monday morning (or just not slip and slide on a modern floor and not bail out at the most inopportune time), or gauntlets and a bascinet that are built heavier than period examples because I need my fingers to work and to not have a concussion so I can go to work once the event wraps up. And that includes having hooks, laces and/or straps to tie my visor shut, or eyeslots with bars so I don't lose an eye. And I'm not going to bout with a steel pollaxe because the damn thing work too damn well and I'm not inclined to injure my friends for the sake of authenticity!

[@ChristheRedcoat]

When I talk about "excuses," I mainly mean things that are done incorrectly without sufficient reasoning. Naturally, compromises do need to be made at certain points - in my time period, for example, we use flashguards on our muskets to direct the flash in the pan away from the person next to us when firing. But that's not really what I'm talking about, because that's a valid safety concern, so there's a good reason why we do that. A better example would be something like putting wool coverings over the canteens; there's no documentation for them in our period, but people use them anyway because they claim it's for safety, when in reality they actually do nothing to keep you safe. So it's a very public-facing anachronism that serves zero benefit. But in general, I have no issue with compromises being made in the name of safety.

[@patrickdusablon2789]

Thank you for the clarification, it seems like we had what we could call a language issue here. I definitely understand your point.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

Lets not forget the "I wanna be the Officer" types who often transform into chronic problem children.

[@PalaeoClive237]

Yes, in English Civil War re-enactment groups I've met posh types with horses who would demand to be officers or threaten to leave. We had very few horsemen as it was, so they were told to 'play' the ordinary trooper or push off.

[@chrishastings2665]

I do civ war. It's so much easier to just walk in with everything and it looks right. If we're gonna be talking to the public we aren't doing them any favors looking like we have our own personal supply wagon.

[@leoscheibelhut940]

Death to Tyrants! That aside this was very helpful to me as someone trying to get into reenacting. Thank you very much!

[@lusolad]

A lot of reenactment just seems like theme camping to me.

[@ChristheRedcoat]

There’s some truth to that.

[@lusolad]

@ChristheRedcoat dont you think the canvas flies are overdone? At Fort 4 you have tent city sometimes. I guess I understand. Gotta keep the wives and kids comfortable. When there were camp followers, how did they house themselves? Military style tents? Leantos? Brush shelters? I dont know much about Rev War military. I was involved more on the native ( Indian) side of things....

[@annajonasson612]

A bit red flag for me is if people in a society talks bad of other groups. And another big red is if they are not friendly to audience/visitors and kind if ansvers their quiestions in a snobish way.

[@edspace.]

I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you think (sorry if the word is wrong, English isn't my first language) politics would be worth baring in mind? Vice did a video about WW2 reenactments kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoKvdIObhthkjac which was responded to kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHPbp2xnidpkY5I I ask partly because I've heard people tell me that they are put off reenacting (or at least reenacting some periods, American Civil War and World War 2 being the most common) due to the fear of the ideological views that get (or they believe get) attracted to reenacting (or at least in part such as things like "nothing after 1900" or "World War One only").

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Absolutely, politics are something to keep in mind. I’m especially wary of those who claim to be “apolitical,” but exclusively reenact WW2 German, Soviet, or Civil War Confederate.

[@edspace.]

@@ChristheRedcoat Thanks for understanding, its a difficult subject to address (the politics that's woven into reenacting (even as little as whether to call it a hobby or not) might be a video all into itself), regardless of whether one can be apolitical about history if one's claiming to be apolitical yet only reenacting the most politically controversial periods and armies (Nazis, Confederates etc.) this would be quite the red flag as it might suggest not being open about intentions. Hopefully one day I can make a video talking to a reenactment group (with the Ducking Historians asking questions).

[@sirisaacbrock798]

Great video! What's the fife tune at 0:58?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

40th Quickstep! Quite a jaunty little tune.

[@sirisaacbrock798]

@@ChristheRedcoat Thank you! Its a nice tune.

[@andrewansell2215]

I love beer!

[@vespelian]

A true red flag is the group with no interest in their supposed period.

[@rorinthelarpdad120]

Ran into a Viking reenactment group that were lead by a white supremacist. That was a ride

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Yikes.

[@natewatts195]

Do you have a video that does a breakdown of the uniforms? What do each of the hats represent? Are they light infantry hats or were those hats for the entire regiment?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

I have a video on that in the works, but basically there are two types of hats in this video. The one that I’m wearing is a campaign style light infantry hat or cap. The other kind with the regimental number in the front is a forage or fatigue cap - basically a lighter, less formal cap that the wearer can wear when not on duty, or when performing fatigue tasks in camp.

[@natewatts195]

Thanks for the reply. I will have to repaint the feathers. I thought light infantry had green feathers but these feathers are brown or black. I am just about done painting my miniatures army but I have to hammer out the little details. Then I have to figure out the hessian uniforms which is another nightmare.

[@gourdidol]

@@natewatts195 The evidence isn't super-solid for what color feathers were worn, but currently known evidence (period accounts and also extensive artwork) suggests they primarily wore black feathers for the first half of the war... and *may* have started wearing other colors (green or maybe red, based on different evidence) after 1778. But, currently, black is really the most parsimonious. The recreated 40th depicted in this video used to wear green feathers, but the evidence come to light in recent years really suggested black is much more accurate.

[@natewatts195]

@@gourdidol thanks for the information. I can’t believe how complex this stuff is. Thank god I found this channel and Brandon F. I was just going to paint everything like it was in the patriot movie (which is good) but not entirely accurate. So instead of Redcoats with Blue facings I have Redcoats with Yellow, Green, Black, Buff and Red facings. I’ve also got Tarleton Dragoons with the green coats. Then there’s the Americans which I painted Blue with Red facings. That’s ok since I’m mostly doing Pennsylvania based battles. Now if I did battles in the New England area I would need to make them Blue with White facings I think. Or Blue on Blue for the Carolinas. So many details. These Channels and their content help a ton.

[@gourdidol]

@Nate Watts you're in for a heck of a ride, learning about all the different uniforms (and complete lack thereof) of the Continental Army. It varies SO MUCH from year to year, campaign to campaign, and region to region. The patterns you describe are the uniform regulations that took effect after 1779, but even then there were shortages and variations. If you're just painting generic troops, you could just do blue or brown coats faced red or something common, or even just do all hunting shirts. Otherwise, you'll really need to research what specific units were wearing (or not) for specific campaigns.

[@dennislemay454]

This is a pretty good video. There are a few points I disagree. But what I disagree with is a matter of opinion. When you talk about red flags I take it as units or individuals you have to be on alert for unsafe practices. One thing the video fails when it comes to the "comforts" like furniture in camp. It is true that was lacking. But it's basically for those in the hobby with ailments. It's fine for the younger folks to do what you present. But you cannot disparage the older age members of a group. Yes, i have been doing Revwar reenacting since 1975-81 with a break because I enlisted in the Navy in '82. Got back in to the hobby shortly after retiring for 20. I noted my bad habits actually about two years ago. I embrace correction. Another thing the video lacks is the on going research and developments and lack of. Some information such as supply records are hard to get hold of because most are private. I will bet these records in time will become available. Those are my thoughts. Stay the course and keep up the good work.

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

Next you should go to some Civil War reenactors, they have their own red and green flags

[@myparceltape1169]

Muskets used safely would have been part of army training, I expect. What did they train for in hygiene at the relevant time and do you account for losses due to preventable illnesses?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

I have a whole video on that, incidentally :)

[@myparceltape1169]

@@ChristheRedcoat It is good, thank you.

[@Bobbymaccys]

Anyone who has had too many drinks and trying to operate a firearm

[@ChristheRedcoat]

As they say at Newville: “if it touches your lips, yer dun!”

[@SuomiFinn42]

What’s your intro/exit music? And the intro/exit image?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

The music for this video is 40th Quickstep. The image is a detail from “A View of the Country Round Boston, Taken from Beacon Hill,” by Richard Williams, a British officer, 1775.

[@LeviTheNerd]

W video

[@yankeesl40]

Lol the state of the 40th

[@gourdidol]

?

[@jackdorsey4850]

Dear Chris, Now that you have a King to save congratulation. Also, I noticed your hat was cock on 1 side but some man had that hat's cock the opposite way is this regimental with the standards of the British army of the day?

[@ChristheRedcoat]

With these caps, I suspect there's not so much a "correct" way to wear them like with a standard cocked hat. Naturally, when under arms, you'd want to have the turned-up side cocked to the left like with a cocked hat, but they're designed to be more practical, so you can rotate them around and use the brim for protection against the sun. The other gentleman in question is also an officer, so that probably gives him a bit more leeway to wear the hat how he pleases.

[@jackdorsey4850]

@@ChristheRedcoat again as always thank you for taking the time to answer my question again thank you...

[@gourdidol]

The "correct" way is most arguably to have the cocked side on the left, where the musket is at shoulder - much like one would wear a fully cocked hat. But, when we look at the period art (especially the della Gatta paintings of the British light infantry wearing these hats), they seem to have them all over the place - it's more informal. Bonus is that this style of hat allows one to wear the hat as shade on really sunny days.

[@David-js4wd]

Groups come in all flavours so find the group thats suits you, be it the drinking mob right through to the I'll sleep in the ditches too to show my authenticity types, you'll be surprised to see some very knowledgable, dare i say academics in the groups who some will look down on as poor representations of their chosen period. Horse for courses, and you'll see in time people move on, usually up the ladder as they age.. Just my view of the hobby after 30years.. others experiances/views - differ i get that..

[@spiffygonzales5160]

Some of these answers kinda bother me. I get where they're coming from with the "drinking beer around the campfire hanging out is a red flag" type answers. You want it to be historically accurate. But you've also gotta think about the interest in history in general. If you went to a reenactment and saw a dude drinking a beer with his French Soldier buddies youd think "oh it's actually pretty chill here." Compare that to you having only a mild history interest and asking a dude how his days been been and you can't get an answer that's not something akin to "vive Napoleon, vive le emperor, vive France!" it might be funny at first then you'd most likely get agitated pretty quickly. The idea is to be historically authentic (and as accurate as reasonably possible) in remembrance of those soldiers and bringing more interest into history. Never done it myself, but it seems like your regiment is more strict than most. Nothing wrong with that, but you also gotta remember that if everybody was like that it could push away a lot of people who cold potentially get into it otherwise

[@ChristheRedcoat]

Nobody’s saying that drinking beer and hanging out is a problem - believe me, we do plenty of that. The issue is when people are there only to do that, and don’t make an attempt to interact with the public.

[@TeethToothman]

🖤🫀🖤