Cavalry Authenticity Training Program NOW available for mounted cavlarymen...

[Ken R KNopp]

Cavalrymen!! ...............

Have you the desire to enhance the essence of your cavalry experience? Perhaps to experience a bit more of what “it” was really like?

The fine folks at the Civil War Reenactor (CWR) have permitted us to announce here an effort being hosted on the Authentic Campaigner site. In an attempt to elevate the level of authenticity of the mounted cavalryman of the War Between the States, we have created a training program that, to our knowledge, has never been attempted. Let us say emphatically at this time, that while we accept veterans and novices alike this is only for the serious “mounted” cavalryman who wants to elevate his overall impression to the highest levels. It will require a very open and receptive mind, a lot of work and study, as well as it may be a bit expensive in order to acquire the proper grade of tack, uniform, accoutrements, etc. You must be committed but... the rewards will be quite high as well.

We have put together a Mentor/Recruit program using several of the most knowledgeable authentic cavalrymen in the country as “Cavalry Mentors.” Each recruit will be assigned a mentor who will go through a remote program of training and advising that will include photo submission, much communication, critiquing of kit, suggested reading, advice as to where to go to get quality items, etc. Basically, you will have private training from beginning to end.

We have also created a new Cavalry Camp of Instruction Forum on the A/C web site which is designed for the novice authentic cavalryman to ask questions (through the guidance of his mentor) which will be open to educational/instructive replies by other veteran cavalrymen thus expanding the educational process even more!

Make no mistake, this is only for those men who are serious about stepping up to the next level of the hobby and who have an open mind and can accept constructive criticism handled in an inclusive, professional/educational manner. No one will be berated or “spoken down to” but rather will be treated with courtesy and respect. While it is not mandatory to be a member of the A/C to participate in this, those of you who that are, have probably seen this announcement in the past month or so. Given it's relationship to the Authentic Campaigner all rules and regulations of the site will be in effect at all times.

Our purpose in this effort is three-fold: To Grow, Educate and Retain a greater number of men who have a passion to portray the mounted civilian/soldier of 1861 -1865, both North and South.

Interested and serious inquiries are to be directed to:

Ken R. Knopp: krk1865@bellsouth.net
or
Mark Choate: choatecav@aol.com

... and of course, for more details check us out on the Authentic Campaigner at...

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...of-Instruction


Ken R Knopp
www.confederatesaddles.com

[FloridaHoosier]

Moderator note: Mark and Ken were gracious enough to confer with me prior to posting this announcement, due to it being from a different forum, particularly one known as sometimes having a seperate function within the hobby. My personal and profesional feeling is one of optimism and joy that the Authentic Campaigner Forum and the authentic wing of the hobby in general is willing to hold out a hand and give of themselves to better the hobby. For full disclosure, I will be one of those recruits within the program, as I am currently working on a cavalry impression myself and want to do it, like my other impressions, to the best of my ability. I'm starting from scratch, as all of us have done at one time or another in our path to the hobby. If you are interested in the program, or have questions/comments, please direct them to the above gentlemen. Again, I appreciate the fact that the AC Forum is trying a different approach when it comes to new members of the hobby or those like me who want to take a different approach.

[mike51tenn]

Huzzah, well done!

[indguard]

Authentic Campaigner site aside, this sounds like a good program. I wish them luck with it. I was also pleased to see those school of the officer that were had in the past. Speciality things like thing should happen more often.

WTH

[2nd_mi_johnny]

I'm actually really glad that They posted it. I would love to take part to improve my over all federal cav persona.. even though I'm not a mounted trooper (Yet) I would love to put together an exceptional kit.

[Ken R KNopp]

I just wanted to give this a "fresh" bump. We have had a wonderful response "to date" with "several" fellas signing up as recruits. We also have a list of great veteran Federal and Confederate cavalryman (geographically located) from which to draw for support- all teachers not arrogant, "know-it-all" reenactors! If your a cavalryman with a desire to improve your impression and experience the hobby the "cavalry way" contact one or both of us ASAP.

*Horse required!

Ken R Knopp
krk1865@bellsouth.net

Mark Choate
choatecav@aol.com

[RJSamp]

I'd be more than happy to mentor anyone desiring to become a cavalry trumpeter......have a boat load of experience, tricks and tips, and great stories about trumpeting whilst mounted (or swimming IN the creek....).

[Ken R KNopp]

Thank you RJ!! I just wish I had someone right now with the desire to learn the bugle to send in your direction. If there is one thing the cavalry hobby really needs more of, it is you trumpet "blowhards"! Of course, although a silly/feeble attempt at pun humor I really do mean it as a high compliment to those that correctly undertake this ever-so-important aspect of the period. Sadly you fellas are in such short supply. Thank you for the offer! Will keep it "top-o-mind".
Ken R Knopp