Military Methods & Procedures and Behavior Guidelines*

Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO's) will be treated with, and at all times, be accorded the proper respect due and accorded members of their rank in the style and tradition of the U.S. Army of 1860 . They are charged with maintaining the camps and activities of the members of the 17th in accordance with the rules and Bylaws of the Corporation, and with the rules outlined (if any) of the hosting authorities of the event. Therefore; it is expected that all members of the 17th Michigan will follow their orders and requests when given.

Officers and NCO's of the Company will at all times treat the Privates and Civilians with more than proper 19th Century respect. They must always remember that this is an avocation, and that the people they are interfacing with are volunteers and are expending their own precious time and money to give an accurate portrayal of a Union infantryman or civilian in the United States during the Civil War.

Camps will be laid out in the manner chosen by the Commander in accordance with the wishes of the authority hosting the event, or by the highest-ranking elected officer present.

The only tobacco products allowed in camp will be pipe and chewing tobacco. Cigars are allowed, but were hard to come by in the field. Cigarette use will be done outside the camp. Outside the camp is out of sight of those who view the camp.

As it was in the 19th century, the elected officers and NCO's strictly control alcoholic beverages in the military camp. They will determine the amount allowable based on the rules of the authority hosting the event, and/or what is acceptable to ensure an accurate portrayal of a infantryman is presented to the public. Beverages will always be consumed in, and stored in, nineteenth century style containers with only a small amount to be kept in camp if necessary. Large amounts must be kept outside of the camp.

No one under the local legal drinking age may consume, or possess alcoholic beverages in the 17th Michigan's Military or Civilian camp, or in the military ranks at an event.

Officers and NCO's have the duty to remove from the ranks persons who appear severely incapacitated (intoxication, sunstroke, sickness, etc.), and escort them to an area for appropriate care.

At midnight, all members of the 17th's Michigan will quit their activities in camp and retire for the night. Those members who feel that they require further titillation, will respect the needs of the majority of their fellow members, and continue their activities outside the camp, beyond the hearing of those fellow members.

All members of the 17th's Michigan will at all times show proper respect to all other re-enactors. They will not physically or verbally insult or challenge any member of another unit while in formation, or at any time they may be seen to be representing the 17th Michigan. No member or members will ever lay hands on another unit's flag. Nor will any member or members be a part of a party wishing to do mischief to the property of another unit ( flag, tent, rations, etc.).

Children under the age of 16 years of age are the responsibility of their fathers or legal guardians while in military camp.

To be accredited with having attended an event a military member must have taken part in at least one formation in which roll call is taken. The Commanding Officer may from time to time excuse a member to other duty during an event if it can be determined that it enhances the reputation the 17th or adds to the portrayal of the mid-nineteenth century military.

All rifles used at an event must have passed a Unit Safety Inspection. Officer's inspection of arms and cartridge boxes will occur at each event.

Failure to abide by the above rules may result in a warning, expulsion from an event, or referral to the Conduct Committee.

* Updated 02/14/04
 

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