Columbia Rifles Membership Information and Roster

How do I become a member of the Columbia Rifles?

We are always seeking living historians who desire an authentic, campaign-oriented reenacting experience to join our ranks. Membership is by invitation, so those interested in joining the Columbia Rifles must contact one of the following members to inform us of your interest:

President: Charles Heath, Heath9999@aol.com.

Standards: The Rifles' authenticity standards ARE enforced in the field. Only through maintaining a high standard authenticity can the members' collective desire to achieve the correct look and atmosphere of the soldiers we attempt to portray be achieved. New members are given twelve months to bring their equipment into conformance with the Rifles' Standards. At the option of the Board, an extension of six additional months may be granted.

Physical Fitness: To the greatest extent possible, the Columbia Rifles seek to portray Union soldiers as they actually appeared in the field. This necessarily includes physical fitness and appropriate age. All of our men are required to be ready to take the field in their issue wool uniforms in full marching order (including fully packed knapsack) for lengthy periods of drill, marching, and "battle" scenarios during all weekend events. It goes without saying that our members all engage in regular programs of physical training and exercise to keep in shape for these events. Those who are physically incapable of handling the rigors of this kind of activity due to poor health and/or advanced age are strongly discouraged from applying for membership.

Attendance: The Columbia Rifles does not have attendance requirements. We do require that those who join our ranks for an event remain with us for the entire weekend schedule. Attendance at the annual drill/training weekend is highly encouraged.

Dues: Annual membership dues are $18.00 U.S. and include insurance coverage at unit events and a subscription to the Rifles' illustrated bi-monthly newsletter, The Columbia Examiner. Each issue is 10 to 16 pages of news, event notices, op-ed articles, reenacting "how-to" articles, event reports, and historical background on the units we portray.

Governance: The Rifles are governed by a Board of Directors elected at the unit's annual meeting. At events, field command rotates among the members of the Board-appointed "Officer/Sergeants Pool", and corporals are appointed on an event-by-event basis by the commanding officer. This approach is intended to reduce "officer burnout" and "officer fiefdoms", and allow those qualified individuals who wish to try company command roles to do so. It also allows officers/sergeants the chance to occasionally serve in the most honored and desired role of all: that of the common, private soldier.

Still interested? Click here for a letter to prospective recruits that outlines the membership approval process in greater detail.

Do you have more questions? Answers can most likely be found elsewhere on this website. We recommend you refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page, the Authenticity Standards , the Approved Vendors list and The Columbia Examiner Online. Further questions can be answered by contacting any of the individuals listed above.