Umbrella Organizations, Leaders, Numbers

[GrumpyDave]

The NR could always drill.

[Jim of the SRR]

Originally Posted by Pvt Schnapps

I have a feeling that if Chris says the CVG is a progressive or campaigner battalion, you're going to object to that because they haven't as a group attended any events in your region, or you don't recognize any battalion-sized events that they have attended in the Mid-Atlantic as "campaigner."

Fair enough -- the last two "battalion-sized" "campaigner" events I attended were Winter '64 and "After the Battle" in 2008, with the "battalion" in each case consisting of two companies raised from independent messes, individual mainstreamers out for their periodic campaign experience, or contingents from battalions, like the CVG, that consider themselves "campaigners" or "progressives."

But the CVG as a whole wasn't there. So unless we see groups like the CVG as c/p/h battalions because the majority of their members do at least get out to a couple campaign events each year, what do we have?

If the answer is that we have no c/p/h battalions because there are no units that attend predominantly c/p/h events in their entirety as battalions, then I can accept that -- the definition and conclusion have a certain integrity.

But what does it get us? What practical value is it to have a definition that no one meets? Is it just aspirational? Or is it meant as a rebuke to those who claim more than they deliver?

I admit -- it's a slow day and I'm just kind of curious

Just clarifying that we do have two distinct hobbies here (irregardless of what we call them). There is cross-over by particpants from both hobbies, agreed. There are also events like Mr. Anders, that I do support that defy either side and blend the two (but these are rare). But you have clarified a specific battalion and a cross-over event they supported and that is what I was looking for. I guess I could throw in the the 1st MN as well.

Thanks,
Jim Butler

[Colonel Dave]

You are correct, Joe, it was 1978, not 1981. The SVR was formed in 1878.
It is **** getting old and your memory doesn't fade, it just gets blurred.

I forgot to add the in addition to commanding the National Regiment at 145 Gettysburg, Tom Downes assumed Brigade command on Sunday and did an excellent job. Tom is a great field commander.

[Pvt Schnapps]

Originally Posted by Jim of the SRR

Just clarifying that we do have two distinct hobbies here (irregardless of what we call them). There is cross-over by particpants from both hobbies, agreed. There are also events like Mr. Anders, that I do support that defy either side and blend the two (but these are rare). But you have clarified a specific battalion and a cross-over event they supported and that is what I was looking for. I guess I could throw in the the 1st MN as well.

Thanks,
Jim Butler

Jim, I hope you know I have nothing but respect for you and your organization. But you know what I say about the hobby -- if there were really two hobbies no one would be embarrassed or horrified by the other half...

[tompritchett]

Might I suggest that this subject of what is a "c/p/h" versus mainstream versus progressive mainstream versus whatever label be continued, if needed, in a new, separate thread rather than here. Thank you.

[Opdyke88th]

Originally Posted by GrumpyDave

The NR could always drill.

So? Drill means nothing, in and of itself, no matter how good your company/battalion is. UNLESS the lead is flying...and I don't think that's going to happen.

[plankmaker]

Huh?

You mean drill stops bullets? Are we back to the drilled haversnacks already?

Mark Campbell
Piney Flats, TN

[flattop32355]

Originally Posted by Opdyke88th

So? Drill means nothing, in and of itself, no matter how good your company/battalion is. UNLESS the lead is flying...and I don't think that's going to happen.

I would respectfully disagree, in the sense that any group of men cannot function well in the field without knowing drill. So my perspective would be that the other stuff means nothing without a working knowledge of drill.

[Silas]

Originally Posted by Opdyke88th

So? Drill means nothing, in and of itself, no matter how good your company/battalion is. UNLESS the lead is flying...and I don't think that's going to happen.

And the battalion to which you belong is what? The last quality event you attended was what and when? Before you go taking substantial hacks like that, it might be nice to know your own status in the hobby. The Golden State doesn't have very many companies, let alone battalions, with solid reputations.

[Colonel Dave]

My personal experiences with drill on the company, battalion, brigade and Division level

1. It allows a unit to move across the battlefield and still maintain order.

2. A unit can quickly change fronts if the opponent were to attack from an unexpected direction.

3. It allows the unit to deploy in the most effective manner, be it by company into line or on the right, by file into line.

4. Most importantly to me, the well drilled units tend to be more reliable in battle, have more gusto and a higher overall morale. When you know you can do any evolution, in any direction and by the right and left flank, ordered by the next level up commander, then you have more confidence.

I have never seen a poorly drilled unit display any aggressive or assertive behaviour on a battlefield. When you are deficient in the knowledge of drill, the unit has less speed and are disorganized when they get to their destination.

Want more out of the hobby? Drill,drill, drill. You will be amazed at the difference.......if you are a reenactor that cares about a small dose of accuracy and espirit de corps within your unit.