I.  To strive, to the best of our ability, to portray all aspects of a Civil

   War soldier.

              *As member of the Buckeye Mess, you will be expected to portray all aspects of                      a Civil War soldier, and not just some, i.e. ...uniform, drill, etc.  It is important

                   to be knowledgeable on all aspects.  This would include: uniforms/clothing,

                   equipment, first person/material culture, drill and military protocol.

II.  To maintain an authentic impression of the Western Federal

     infantryman.

              *We will as a standard portray a typical mid to late war Western Theater

                    Federal Infantryman.  However, we will base our impressions on the event

                    or the scenerio.  Members must be able to adapt their equipment, clothing

                    first person, or camping style to the event scenerio.

III.  To maintain the most authentic uniform and equipment available.

              *Uniform and equipment standards are stated within the rest of these

                    guidelines.  Click on the "Vendor List" button to see our required equipment

                    list.

IV.  To create and maintain a credible first person persona.

              *First Person is an important part of our experience at events and we must

                   ensure that all members can engage in and maintain first person.

                 *In order to do first person at events, names and occupations, based on the

                   scenario and the unit portrayed will be handed out to each member. 

                   Additional research and documentation on the unit will be shared among the

                   membership ahead of time.  This background information will aid in creating

                   a credible first person persona.

*Members must actively engage in first person conversation at a first person

                   specified event and maintain it the entire time.  This is regardless of first person

                   challenged individuals around you.  We will do first person as a mess and

                   break from it as a mess.

                *If you must break away from first person for a specific reason, do so discretely

                   and away from camp and the others.

                 *The best way for you to practice first person is to join in the conversation

                    and speak.  You will never learn if you do not open your mouth.

                *Specific information and guides to correct first person can be provided to

                    those who wish to learn more about it.

                

V.  We will treat each of our members as brothers or family.

              *In order for any group to function properly, they must get along.  The idea

                   behind a mess is for comrades and brothers-in-arms to camp together, cook

                   together, drill together, and fight together.  Thus, members of the mess are

                   friends and brothers.

                 *Existing members of the mess will make a point to look out for the well-being

                    of each other.  This will include health or safety issues, camping, cooking or

                    sharing rations, or sharing information.  All decisions for events, guidelines,

                    voting, etc, shall be discussed by the entire group and a unanimous decision

                    must be reached.  The following guidelines shall apply to those who wish to be

                    a part of the Buckeye Mess.

                    A.  Joining the Buckeye Mess:

                                 *Any individual who expresses an interest in joining our mess

                                          must first adhere to our specific guidelines for clothing and

                                          equipment, first person, and drill.  This individual must meet

                                          these requirements, with assitance from existing members,

                                          before taking the field with our group.  The new candidate must

                                          attend two events and perform satisfactorily in order to be voted

                                          upon membership.  The existing membership of the mess must

                                          unanimously vote for acceptance of the member.  It is either all

                                          all or none.  After that point, a new member may be accepted

                                          and may then contribute what they can to the unit.  The purpose

                                          of this is to maintain a good comradery between members of the

                                          mess.  Too many units have been broken up by divisiveness in

                                          the ranks.  New recruit requirements are as such:

                                          1.  A new candidate must follow our guidelines completely and

                                               must make every effort to follow them.

                                          2.  In order to guide new recruits, an existing member may

                                               assist with clothing or equipment needs for the time being.

                                               However, a new recruit must make every effort they can to

                                               have their own items.  Loaner gear is to be used as just that,

                                               loaner gear, and not for a long-time loan.  The suggested

                                               vendor list will provide guidelines on what to purchase.

                                          3.  New members will attend two events, during which, the

                                               existing membership will evaluate their drill capabilities,

                                               first person/camp life, and overall attitude.  After that point,

                                               the membership will vote on whether this person should  be

                                               admitted to the mess.

                                          4.  Attitude is probably the most important factor in evaluating

                                               a new recruit.  A new member must display a positive

                                               attitude and desire to become more authentic.  They must

                                               also be willing to take constructive criticism and ask lots of

                                               questions.  These can be very deciding factors for a new

                                               member.

                                           5.  After being accepted into the mess, a new recruit will have

                                                 equal say in all dealing for the group: events, vendors,

                                                 guidelines, voting, etc.

                                              

VI.  We will, the best of our ability, not let politics rule us.                    

              *We will as unit, try to keep all politics to a minimum.  As a unit we are a

                    member unit of the GHTI.  We must be able to work well with  the messes

                    in this organization.  We must also be able to continue having established

                    contact with organizations such as AOP, AOT, and other hardore/campaign

                    organizations.

Most importantly, we will openly aid any person interested in an authentic impression.  We will never become a poser, and continually research and work on our impression.

             

Click the above campaigner to contact us!

Click here for Buckeye Mess Uniform and Equipment Guidelines

Guidelines for the

   Buckeye Mess