Recruit
Training |
1.) Safety Standards 3.) Weapons
1.) Safety is of the utmost importance in all aspects of reenacting. Safety standards will be followed at all times, along with any rules or requirements set by the hosting unit or event committee. 2.) Reenactors are personally responsible for conduct on and off the battlefield. Code Of Conduct standards will also be followed at all times. 3.) Handle every firearm as if it were loaded and never point a weapon directly at anyone. Especially spectators! 4.) Never or for any reason, should a spectator be allowed to handle a weapon of any kind. 5.) Reenactors under the age of fifteen will not be allowed to carry a weapon. 6.) When not employed, personal weapons will always be secured. Pistols will be holstered, knives will be tied down, sabers will be sheathed and rifles will be held, stacked or placed in a location that is non-accessible to the public. Prior To Combat
1.) Reenactors will undergo a weapons inspection for safety and serviceability. 2.) Each participant will also be drilled in the basic fire commands, to reinforce their level of conduct on the battlefield. 3.) Ramrods are never to be use or even drawn during a battle reenactment. It is also preferred that they be left in camp. 4.) Test firing or clearing of a misfire should be done away from camp. Bystanders should also be warned by yelling "Fire in the Hole"! 5.) All revolvers will be loaded using the "Cream of Wheat" method, regardless of mounted or dismounted use. Cartridges will be loaded using the florist foam. 6.) Revolvers must never be carried with the hammer down on a live chamber. Serviceable safety notches or pins must be employed if all chambers are to be charged. Therefore, if the weapon has unserviceable safety notches or pins, the pistol will then be carried hammer down on an uncapped chamber. 7.) It is preferred by the unit that black powder and not pyrodex or a black powder substitute be used for the loading of firearms. On The Battlefield
1.) On the Battlefield, reenactors will follow all safe and reasonable commands as given by unit Officers and NCOs. Also, a reenactor should never be given an order that may be deemed as unsafe or that may jeopardize the safety of spectators or fellow reenactors. 2.) Avoid movement with a fully cocked weapon, either on the ground or on horseback. If movement is required prior to the discharge of your weapon, either the cap will be removed or the hammer will be brought to the half-cocked position and the shooter's thumb will then be placed between the hammer and the cap. 3.) Repeaters will also be brought to the halfcocked position prior to movement or the weapon should simply be discharged. 4.) All NCOs will be charged with monitoring the condition of weapons in their command and make every effort to avoid troop movement with loaded weapons. This includes notifying the OIC as to the firing condition of the troops, should an order for movement be given. 5.) Prior to "taking a hit", weapons should always be discharged. 6.) Avoid crossing your comrade's field of fire and always be aware of muzzle integrity. 7.) Never fire directly at anyone. Always elevate your barrel or if needed fire to the side. 8.) Hand to hand fighting should be prearranged before the battle and should also be conducted at half speed. 9.) In case of "A Real World Injury", the call "Medic!" should go up. Thereby stopping all action and notifying first responders to move forward. (The period correct term is "Surgeon!") Though there were exceptions, the standard uniform in the union army, consisted of a dark blue jacket, sky blue trousers, an issue of footgear, a hat of one kind or another and an issue of leather gear. However, due to position in the mounted service, the uniforms and the equipment slightly differed from the typical infantryman.
*Examples of officer and enlisted uniforms as worn by the Union cavalryman. Headgear Though the bummer was the issue throughout the union army, a black slouch hat became a common and versatile choice for the average trooper while on campaign. Especially in the west were uniform regulations were not strictly enforced. For reenacting purposes, the 1st Wisconsin has accepted an open-door policy towards "acceptable" headgear. Jackets Though the dark blue sack-coat was more common late in the war, the common image of a cavalryman depicts him wearing a waist-length, cavalry shell jacket with yellow piping to denote the mounted service. For reenacting purposes, either the cavalry shell jacket or the basic sack coat will suffice. However, stripes and rank insignia will be worn only by those authorized by the unit commander. Trousers The standard issue for all branches of service in the union army consisted of the wool, sky blue trousers. To guard against saddle wear trousers were reinforced with wool on the seat and legs. This is the regulation mounted services trouser. Footgear Though boots were considered a standard cavalry issue. It wasn't uncommon for troopers to improvise with a pair of brogans, especially if their boots wore out. For reenacting purposes, both boots and brogans are acceptable. Shirts And Underclothing Though it was common for units to issue a basic three-button pullover, shirts "from home" were actually considered underwear and whenever possible, should be covered by a jacket or at the very least a vest. Other necessary items of any soldier's uniform were his socks and braces (suspenders.) Braces were usually made from cotton, linen, canvas or even leather. Socks were usually made of cotton or even wool and either issued or homespun. For reenacting purposes, any period correct shirt or (if needed) an improvised collarless shirt will suffice for a new recruit. Suspenders and socks can also be purchased from any sutler. Basic Leather and Additional Equipment Saber belt The saber belt with the rectangle eagle buckle is the main component of a trooper's leather issue. Common items worn on the saber belt include cap pouch, cartridge box, pistol and holster, and of course the saber. Carbine sling The carbine sling is worn "bandoleer" style, across the trooper's chest with snap hook on the right. It is then attached to one of various carbines by the snap link. Other Equipment Items Additional personal equipment may include; a canteen, a haversack, spurs, a poncho or gum blanket, a wool blanket, a greatcoat, gloves or gauntlets, a pair of saddlebags, a shelter (dog) tent or wedge tent if deemed necessary. Carbines
From our research, there were over thirty different carbines issued to Federal Cavalry throughout the war. We have been able to document several types to the First Wisconsin Cavalry. Some of the long arms include the Mississippi rifle, the Merrill, Sharps, Werner, Smith and Spencer carbines. For reenacting, any safe, serviceable and period correct carbine is acceptable in the 1st Wisconsin. And though the most commonly used carbine is the Sharps, Smith and Spencer carbines are also being used. Muzzle-loading carbines such as the Mississippi rifle and the Enfield musketoon are also acceptable. This includes the two-band Zouove, due to the cosmetic similarity to the Mississippi rifle. No Hawken rifles will be accepted. Revolvers
At least one steel-framed Cap and Ball pistol was issued to every trooper. Unit policy states that no more than two revolvers are to be carried in open view. Revolvers are to be steel-framed, period correct and safe. Examples include the 1851 and 1860 Colt Navy, the 1860 Colt Army, the 1858 Remington New Army, the Colt Dragoon models and the Colt Walker. Revolvers are also to be carried in safe, serviceable and period correct holsters. Brass framed revolvers were exclusively used by the South and are discouraged. Ruger Old Army models are also not acceptable. Sabers
Sabers were the most exclusive and recognized cavalry weapon.
For reenacting, the 1860 or 1840 cavalry saber, with three-bar basket hand-guard, curved blade and all metal scabbard will be acceptable. No straight sword, long sword, NCO or foot officer swords will be allowed. Weapons for new troopers If horse and equipment is already owned, weapons should be obtained in the following order. 1.) 1-2 pistols (or more) 2.) Saber 3.) Carbine If the trooper is to serve dismounted, weapons are to be obtained as follows. 1.) 1-2 pistols 2.) Carbine 3.) Saber |
