The problem with most CW clubs is they don't muster enough rifles to justify more than a lieutenant or perhaps a captain. 100 rifles for a "battalion"? Maybe 1864. That's two companies, so two captains (and Late War, maybe even 1 Louie and 1 Sgt.).
I like the suggestion about dividing club leadership and field rank. You graybeards are driving the talented youngsters to the Dark Side.
We're happy to have them.![]()
Bill Cross
Proud Member of The Rowdy Pards
'In the end, it's the history, stupid. If you can't document it, forget about it. And no amount of tomfoolery can explain away anything that makes history (and living historians) look stupid and wrong."
Don't ride much, do you!
That is not only a test of individual leadership. It is a test of the organization, as well. If the organization has a good structure and is made up of people dedicated to common goals, it will see success after a leadership change. If it is a cult of personality, it will fragment and fall apart.
John Wickett
Repatriated Hoosier
I'm not sure a lot of reenacting units need to be called "organizations" having "leaders." They're clubs of like-minded individuals. They enter into a voluntary social contract to follow someone in a limited fashion. When units break up or fade away, it may not be a failure of leadership; it just may be its time. People change. Kids grow up and go to college. People move. Those of us of a certain age start to experience health problems. The people that they enjoyed participating with had life changes and no longer participate. Others simply discover that their level of interest wasn't great enough to motivate anymore. I think a unit should adopt a rank ratio system so that in some way the average numbers its producing on the field are translated into something like authentic looking command structure. I learned a while back to start packing a private's 4-button in my gear. That way when people bailed on thursday before an event, I could stand in the ranks. I found being willing to be in the ranks gave units the freedom to say "We really need a 2nd SGT." which is what I love to do.
Rob Weaver
Pine River Boys, Co I, 7th Wisconsin
"We're... Christians, what read the Bible and foller what it says about lovin' your enemies and carin' for them what despitefully use you -- that is, after you've downed 'em good and hard."
-Si Klegg and His Pard Shorty
Rob,
For mess and company level clubs, I agree with you. In fact, I have long refered to them as "clubs"... and get funny looks from fellow reenators when I do! However, for battalion level groups and higher, I think "organization" probably does fit. The Colonel/Commander/Executive/BMFIC/Whatever is a "leader of leaders" in that he is directing a number of company-level (or smaller) groups by coordinating/communicating with the leadership of each group, moreso than the individual members directly.
While I chafe at the "anti-authenticist" tone of Todd Huston's post, I will concede a point to him:
People who successfully organize events and/or battalions at events don't get that stuff done by dumb luck, but by hard work, diplomatic and organizational skill, and (if they're smart) a hands-free device for their phone. As such, they deserve a measure of respect. Without such people, efforts like the 15th Iowa at Shiloh don't happen... period!
John Wickett
Repatriated Hoosier
My wife's family has owned horses and taught riding for over 350 years. They tell me what opinions to have about horses and riding.
Personally, my feeling is that there are few joys greater than having a horse that is one's friend that wishes to spend time with the rider and ride together as a partnership. I greatly miss a horse that used to get between me and any horse that showed aggression, and protected me from harm. I feel that it would have been a betrayal of our relationship to ever hit her.
Last edited by David Einhorn; 11-27-2012 at 11:08 AM.
David Einhorn, Author of the book titled, "Civil War Blacksmithing" available from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Civil-War-Blac...+blacksmithing
OK gentlemen ... let's play nice. There is absolutely NO reason to turn this into an "us vs. them" fight. Let's keep it "civil".
OK, moderator hat off.![]()
[FONT="Book Antiqua"]I Remain, Your Obedient Servant,
Jimmy "Doc" Nelson
Resident Medical Geek
Western Federal Blues
I'm not a real Captain, but I play one at reenactments. Oh, and I did stay at a Holiday Inn last week.
It is a passion and a past time but I exert only the authority that the men allow me to exert.
Andy Redd
Andy Redd
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