Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

How often will the unit meet?

There is one general business meeting held at the annual "School of the Campaigner" training weekend. We are also exploring the idea of conducting some meetings in a secure on-line forum.

I'm a member of an independent mess. How does this effect my status in the CR?

Membership in another unit is no bar to service in the Columbia Rifles at any level.

What if I'm already in a mainstream group?

The only requirement is that you commit to one unit or another for each event that both the CR and your mainstream unit are attending. This is only fair to us and to your other unit.

Can I just subscribe to the Columbia Examiner newsletter?

Sure. Annual subscriptions are available for a fee sufficient to cover copying and postage. Contact Charles Heath for further information.

Are there any attendance requirements?

There are no requirements as such. All that is asked is that folks show up when they say they are registered to do so. Members are strongly encouraged to attend the "School of the Campaigner" weekend as this is when a great deal of the unit's business will be conducted.

What about discipline?

The reason we're all doing this is that we have a desire to reenact with greater commitment to authenticity and military procedure than many of the groups we have worked with before. Although mechanisms for enforcing the Standards are in place, it is expected that people who join the Rifles are dedicated enough to act properly without a cudgel hanging over their heads.

Who commands the unit?

Officers and first sergeants are picked by the Board of Directors from an 'officer and sergeants pool' consisting of the most qualified members of the unit. Frankly, being a proper officer or sergeant is often a pain in the butt. This system allows the burden of command to be shared over the course of the year. No one becomes burned out and the unit has a body of experienced people to draw upon as needed.

How are the members of the pool selected?

The pool members are elected by the general membership from a slate of candidates qualified by the Board of Directors.

How many officers will there be?

The number of officers and N.C.O.s is determined by how many members of the unit are at a given event. If we only have a few men at a given event, the highest ranking man may be a sergeant. We will not be another "two officers, two sergeants, four corporals and a private" outfit.

Why are annual dues being collected?

A certain amount of money is necessary to buy insurance and pay for the production costs of the newsletter. Any money needed for event-specific supplies (ration issue, etc.) will be collected by a fee assessed on those persons actually attending that event.

What does the Board of Directors do?

The Board of Directors acts as the governing body of the unit in all matters when not actually on the field. The Board oversees the activities of the Executive Officers who manage items on a day to day basis.

What about Civilians?

The Columbia Rifles is exploring the possibility of either having a civilian contingent or assisting civilians interested in working with the Rifles set up a separate, affiliated progressive civilian organization. At present, we do not have a civilian contingent per se, because it has been our experience that the needs of authentic civilians are not necessarily well met within the confines of a predominantly military organization. That being said, we welcome the opportunity to assist authentic civilians in any way and to interact with them in the field in a meaningful and historically accurate context.

Can anyone fall in with the Columbia Rifles?

This really depends on the quality of your impression and what is more important, your overall attitude. If you are willing to abide by our rules and participate fully in the unit's activities, you may be welcome to drop in for a spell. We do ask that you consider joining up if you fall in with us more than three times.

What is your national affiliation?

The Columbia Rifles is a member unit of the Potomac Legion.