6th Florida Web Page Recruit Info 20140621

Cracker's Neck, Florida
December 20th, 2014
Prospective Recruit,
The information contained herein is provided in the hope that it may answer some initial
questions.
ABOUT US Re-enacting is a dynamic display of living history. Our purpose is to encourage and promote the
study of the history of the American Civil War and particularly the history of Company H, 6th
Florida Infantry Regiment (the “Union Rebels”) and various civilian impressions through the
presentation of lectures and living history exhibits at various public places including schools,
parks, Civil War battle sites, museums and the like. We also participate in historically accurate
reenactments of various Civil War events, and other such public displays, demonstrations and/or
lectures in order to educate and inform the general public. In all cases, we strive to reflect the
highest and best standards of community service and historical authenticity in the conduct, dress,
grooming and equipment of all members of our organization.
While we do not at present have a "civilian" component, we are honored to provide service and
support to the "Companions" of the Walton Guard, Inc.
We are "geographically centered" near Eglin AFB (Fort Walton Beach/Niceville/ Valparaiso),
Okaloosa County, Florida.
The "Union Rebels" was formally established on June 17th, 2012. At this writing, our roster
currently stands at 2 Sergeants, 1 Corporal, and 11 Privates. Of these 14, 5 are retired USN, 2
are retired USAF, 1 is active USMC, 1 is USA Reserve, 1 is USN Reserve, 1 is a 1st year college
student, and 1 is a high school student.
We are a "Confederate" unit that may occasionally serve in a "Federal impression", the latter
being after discussion among the membership and prior to an event in which such impression
may be required. I DO NOT plan to take on a "Federal" alter ego for this unit. IF we are called
upon to "galvanize", a blue suit is all the "Federal" identity we need. Our impression is
somewhere between "progressive" and not quite "hard core".
The MINIMUM age to be accepted as a member is 16.
The 6th Florida Infantry was a "western theater” (Army of Tennessee) Confederate Infantry
Regiment that served from April 1862 through April 1865". Our uniforms and equipment
standards are in line.
We follow Hardee’s “Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics for the Exercise and Manoeuvres of Troops
When Acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen”.
We follow historical model for the unit's leadership. We are currently staffed as a mess, with two
Sergeants (your servant)and eight Privates. As our roster increases, so too will the need for more
non-commissioned officers. When such becomes the case, I will ask the members to provide a
nomination from the ranks; as the unit commander, I reserve the right to award that rank.
The "hobby" can be taxing. The "Union Rebels" lives "in the period" during events...we cook
over an open fire, sleep on the ground (sometimes in tents, sometimes not), and deal with the
cold, heat, wind and/or rain, gallinippers, and on occasion, “critters”. Some events require
marches of 5-7 miles, and what you have is what you can carry with you...food, shelter, water,
arms and ammunition. It is a lot of fun...it can also be a lot of work. It is definitely NOT for the
"faint of heart"...if you do decide to join us, you will get a very good feel in 2-3 days what
American Civil War soldiers on BOTH sides dealt with for months on end.
MEMBERSHIP I refrain from asking prospective members to enlist "on the spot" (despite my very great desire to
the contrary). It is very important for prospective members to have some idea of what they are
getting themselves into, and just as important that established members and prospective members
determine if they are “compatible”. With this in mind, we will provide an opportunity to
participate (in limited fashion) with us during a military drill, and to learn a bit more about each
of us and what we do without the necessary distractions imposed by "event guests and
spectators".
THE MINIMUM AGE TO TAKE THE FIELD UNDER ARMS IS 16 YEARS OLD –
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
As is the case with any group, you may come to find that we are not to your liking. If that is
indeed the case, I will be happy to refer you to some other units...hopefully, it won't come to that,
but I'd rather get you into the "hobby" with a unit that is more to your liking than to not get into
the hobby at all.
We drill on the 3rd Saturday of each month at Perrine Park, which is across the street from the
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso, Florida. Drill runs from 2 o’clock PM
until ~ 3 o’clock PM. In many cases, “drill weekend” falls on the same weekend as an event. In
those cases, drill will be conducted at the event.
You are most cordially invited to attend our next scheduled military drill. If you decide to do so,
clothing is “casual and comfortable” – we do not drill in uniform, and we will provide everything
you will require to participate with us.
The "Union Rebels" does not have at this writing "membership dues”; however, due to our size,
we must fall in with an "established" company in order to obtain liability insurance. We are
affiliated with the Leon Rifles of the Florida Battalion of Infantry (Tallahassee). Membership
with the Leon Rifles is REQUIRED. Liability insurance is also REQUIRED. The policy
provides $5,000 for emergency medical expenses, and $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TAKE THE FIELD WITH US UNLESS YOU
HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE.
Membership dues are called for in March as well as insurance premium ($5 and $10,
respectively); I am required to remit the funds for our company to the Leon Rifles on or before
April 1st of each calendar year. Membership dues and insurance premiums are NOT pro-rated.
If you choose to become a member, I will require the following information –
Full Name
Address
Phone # (Land and/or cell)
Email address
I will also require funds in the amount of $15 (cash or check) payable to me; I will forward the
information and funds to the Leon Rifles and have you placed onto the insurance policy.
INITIAL TRAINING If you do not have any previous “re-enacting” experience, that is not a problem...we'll train you.
You do not need any “military” experience. If you do have a “modern military” background
(post 1950), your "initial training" will not be too terribly different from what you experienced in
"basic"; many of the commands are the same (or similar), but execution is...different. Most
recruits will have little, if any, difficulty. Your "School of the Soldier" training is drawn from
William J. Hardee’s “Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics for the Exercise and Manoeuvres of Troops
When Acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen”, and will familiarize your with “attention”, “parade
rest”, “facings”, “marching”, “manual of arms”, and “weapon loading”. This is usually
accomplished in one hour. "School of the Soldier" & limited “School of the Company” training
will be accomplished at your first military drill.
UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, &C (What do I need, and how much does it cost) At first, NOTHING!!!
Our "hobby" is rather expensive to get your "initial outfitting"; something on the order of $1,500
- $1,800. Please set you mind at ease. I will require you to purchase absolutely nothing until
AFTER you have attended an event with us - if you find that after your first event the "hobby" is
NOT for you, then you have lost nothing but a weekend.
If, on the other hand, you come away as enthused about it as are my lads and I, then I will start
you on a VERY regimented path to picking up you "kit". Re-enactors are by and large VERY
patient with "fresh fish", and most reputable units will not expect you to have your "kit" for some
12 to 18 months. Provided that your “size” is similar to any one or more of our members, we
have enough extra uniforms and equipment between us to train you and put you into the line,
fully equipped.
When you are ready to begin purchases, BUY NOTHING without first checking with me or one
of my lads. There are a very great many purveyors of uniforms and equipment, some very good
and some very bad. We will ensure that you get the most "bang for your buck" AND that your
purchases are "accurate". There will come a time where you will be able to do this for yourself; I
again urge to BUY NOTHING until you have completed your first event AND you check with
me or one of my lads.
STILL INTERESTED ? Please feel free to contact me by email, and provide a bit of information about yourself. For
example, “What is it about "our" period that interests you, and what do you hope to gain from the
reenacting/living history experience?” “Do you have any reenacting experience? If so, do you
have uniform(s), equipment, &c., and if so what condition?” “What is your age? Do you have
any college?” “Are you employed, and if so, what is it you do?” “Are you married? If so, what
does you wife think about your new "interest"?”
I’ll also ask that you provide your shoe size, waist/inseam measurement, Jacket size, and hat
size, as this will allow me to secure uniform and equipment for you should you desire to
participate with us at a drill or event. CONCLUSION Should you desire to join us, I will place you into the "Union Rebels" members group; that way,
you'll receive information as I post it to the unit.
I am very serious about my lads "answering the mail". If I request information, a response IS
expected...I keep my lads completely informed, and I go very far out of my way to take very
good care of them, but I need good info from them in order to do that. Put another way, I’d
much prefer getting a “No” for an answer...than no answer at all.
Thank you again for you interest in the “Union Rebels”. If you have any questions, or you need
some more information, please feel free to contact me by return correspondence by using the link
of the “Recruiting” page.
With greatest respect &c, I am
Your Humble Servant,
Sergeant "M" Joshua Sterman , Commanding
Company H, 6th Florida Infantry (Union Rebels)
1st Battalion (Florida Battalion of Infantry)
1st Infantry Brigade
Department of the Gulf

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