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By-Laws

     1.     PURPOSE: The 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry is an organization of "living historians" who create authentic impressions of soldiers and their families who fought in the American War Between the States. We strive to be among the best at drill and authenticity. Our organization professes no political or social ideals other than those expressed in the United States Constitution. We are a non-profit organization that exists for the enjoyment of our members, the education of the public, and the preservation of our heritage.

     2.     MEMBERSHIP: Full membership in the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry requires participation in at least two events per calendar year. Every new member must enter the unit as a private. Membership is open to both military and civilian impressions. Military members shall be at least 14 years of age with a supervising adult, and 16 years of age as an individual. Musicians in the ranks must be at least 12 years of age. Family membership is encouraged and is open to all ages. Women around the camp will be treated as honored guests, not as servants or cooks for the soldiers. Women are allowed in battle providing they thoroughly learn the drill and thoroughly conceal their identity. Membership is open to all races and origins of birth. Membership in the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry may be revoked by a simple majority vote (51% of the membership in attendance provided there is a quorum) of the membership against any member who is accused of violating the code of conduct. Two members and an elected officer or NCO must agree to press charges for this vote to take place.

     3.     MEMBERSHIP DUES: Dues are payable per calendar year and are not prorated:

Military & Civilian: $25 TOTAL ($10 goes to individual insurance)


     1.      CODE OF CONDUCT/AUTHENTICITY STANDARDS:

     (a)     Once camp is established at an event, all members will be in proper military attire and remain so until the event is over.

     (b)     At an event, no tents will be struck until the event is over or unless otherwise directed.

     (c)     Members are to be attired in accordance with the Uniforms/Clothing Equipment Regulations (see below). Confederate chevrons should not have wool backing except for the artillery branch. Federal chevrons may have wool backing for all branches.  

     (a)     Personal effects need to be period correct. No modern wrist watches, cigarettes, or eye glasses. Period correct representations and alternatives are available and should be used whenever possible.

     (b)     All gear outside the tents must be period-correct. Anything can be used inside the tents so long as it is hidden. This includes cots, air mattresses, heaters, fans, etc. These items, however must be completely hidden and remain inside the tent. Radios, TVs and DVD players or any other device that would make a noticeable sound can not be permitted.

     (c)     Food should not be visible in plastic wrappers or modern packaging of any kind. No modern sandwich accoutrements and condiments, such as sub rolls, sliced cheese, bottled mustard, catsup, mayonnaise should be visible. All foods need to be presented in as close as possible a presentation as these foods were in the time period. This means no coleslaw or other modern food creations and combinations should be visible. Cooking is to be done as it would have been done then with the proper cookwear. Visible snacks need to accurate to the time period or season. No modern snack bars and wrappers are to be seen around camp. Any beverage outside of a tent is to be kept in a period correct cup or container. All trash and material for disposal in any modern plastic trash bags is to be kept out of sight and within burlap bags. Burlap bags are the preferred covering for any item that might be within sight outside or within view of an opened tent.

     (a)     Musical instruments need to be period or void of modern features.

     (b)     Pastime activities need to include period games, such as poker, chess, checkers, baseball, or conversations and readings of period literature and newspapers.

     (c)     Other activities of portrayal for spectators should include but are not limited to such things as mail call, tending the wounded, sewing, pay day, issuing of rations, gun cleaning, fatigue duties and routines, guard detail, disciplinary actions and displays, and routine instruction of the School of the Soldier, and drilling exercises.

     (d)     All members will be expected to display the proper mannerisms common to the period, such as chivalry and courtesy.  These mannerisms are to be extended to fellow members (both military and civilian), fellow reenactors, guests, spectators, and event staff, with special manners shown towards women.

     (e)     When in uniform, members are expected to portray proper military protocols, such as, but not limited to, immediate obedience to officer and NCO orders, proper respect given to officers and NCOs (such as salutes and referencing according to rank) on the field of battle as well as in camp, as well as refraining from the very appearance of dissent towards those holding rank.  NOTE: No order will be given which is improper, personally demeaning, or hazardous to personal safety.

     (f)     When under arms, the strictest compliance with military bearing, courtesy, and etiquette will be observed.

     (g)     All weapons will be cleaned in the field each evening after firing or the following morning prior to safety inspection.

     (h)     At events, attendance at all musters, roll calls, and formations is mandatory.

     (i)     At the end of the day's activities at an event, a general relaxation of normal discipline and military demeanor is permitted (The exception would of course be in the case of a tactical war game where night-time vigilance through posted guards would be necessary.) However, basic military respect and conduct will be observed at night.

     1.     UNIFORMS/CLOTHING EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS: All members are given one year to furnish their own uniforms, clothing, arms, and equipment at their own expense. During that time, they may borrow from the company supply on a first come – first serve basis. It is imperative that all gear be representative of the 2nd FL Volunteer Infantry. Whereas Richmond Depot Type 1, 2, or 3 jackets are preferred, Columbus Depot jackets will be acceptable as either would be historically accurate. Headgear, such as caps, period slouch hats, and hats consistent with the uniform are acceptable. No modern cowboy/western or "hillbilly" hats. Footwear needs to be period correct and not modern. Make every effort to avoid stainless steel “tinware.” Acceptable muskets include .69-caliber smoothbores, three-band .577-caliber Enfields and three-band .58-caliber rifled muskets such as the Springfields and Richmonds. Members are encouraged to consult with veteran members prior to making a purchase.

     2.     MEETINGS: There will be an annual meeting within one month of July 13 - the date in 1861 when the 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry was mustered into the Confederate Army. The primary purpose of this meeting will be to elect officers and NCOs for the coming campaign season. Promotions will take effect immediately. Other promotions during the year may also occur as the need arises and will occur at the discretion of the Company Commander. Additional meetings shall be called when it is necessary to discuss business relating to the company as a whole. These meetings will normally be held at the scene of an event. Should it be necessary to meet outside an event, the membership will be notified.

     3.     MAJORITY VOTE: Decisions that are brought before the entire membership shall be resolved by a majority vote. All full members (soldiers only) 14 years of age or older have voting rights. For all intent and purposes, a majority vote shall be 50% of the membership plus one. At any time the entire company is not present and a decision must be reached, the majority shall be 50% of those present, plus one. In the event of a tie, the final decision shall rest with the commanding NCO or officer.

     4.     RANK STRUCTURE: There shall be one NCO per every four soldiers. For example, when there are four muskets present, there will be three privates and one corporal or sergeant. When there are eight muskets present, there will be one sergeant and one corporal. Further, when there are 12 muskets present, there will be one sergeant and either a 2nd sergeant and one corporal or two corporals. As the unit reaches 16 muskets, an officer position will be established. All promotions will come from within the existing membership. Promotions are given to full members as they become necessary and are the decision of the ranking NCO or officer, along with the final approval of the membership. Promotions are based on the following criteria in this order of importance: 1) Ability to perform the job 2) Attendance rate and 3) Length of time in the unit. In addition to permanent positions, a rotating (brevetted) NCO position will be established for each event which will allow for members to better learn this position. The ranking NCO or officer will select a member to brevet based on interest providing they have the necessary skills

     5.     AMENDMENTS/REVISIONS: These By-laws may be amended following notification of ALL members no less than two weeks prior to a scheduled vote. All amendments shall first receive the approval of the command staff and may then be passed by a two-thirds vote of the entire membership.