I thought this would be the best place to post this, but after reading several threads around the forum I have to ask where the individual unit leadership is at with many of their new guys?

I understand the excitement of getting into the hobby for the first time and trying to learn as much as possible but really the best place for a new person to ask for advice on the very basics of their impression is generally not on the forums. This is not a stab at ANY of the new folks who ask questions but is a bit of an admonishment to the leaders of new units. Going on the forums and asking "what do I need for such and such event" or "which hat is better for a soldier in such and such unit" are questions that should have been answered by the unit leadership. I will always try to answer questions to the best of my knowledge and am always glad to do so but I almost always preface it by "you probably need to check with your unit leadership but....".

OK, my soapbox is now open.

Quote :

toptimlrd wrote : OK, my soapbox is now open.

Bob,

My home Unit, Company B, 4th. Texas Infantry has a "Recruit's Guide" we give to every prospective member. We like to think it covers just about everything you need to know; but were afraid to ask. Besides clothing and equipment; it covers "The School of the Soldier", weapons maintenance, and a varity of other subjects. But, people still want a personal answer to their questions. As an example, we have a number of accepted vendors, for much of the equipment. The old vets often get asked, so exactly what vendor did "you" buy your stuff from? A reasonable question, that leads to a discussion of the minimum quality we allow, versus the best the Hobby has to offer.

In regard to the forums. Many young people today, are used to getting most of their information from the Internet. In many ways, for them, the forums are just another form of "Google". Reading something on line; reminds them of a question they may have forgotten to ask at the last event.  

Most of the "unit leadership" of which you speak, doesn't lead at all. And, they've been doing the same job for years. They are eternal officers and don't really care. Period. The NCO's of those units, don't know their jobs, and could care less too. Those units don't dispense information to their members nor, do they allow the unitmembership the choice of what events they would like to attend. Go buy your stuff from anyone and show up. We'll show you how make rounds and to shoot your gun. And, where you can buy beer on the way to the event. Yes, this may seem a little harsh but, their(leadership's) inaction has given most all "mainstream" units this kind of percieved reputation. There's no mentor, no line of communication and fresh fish feel so uncomfortable asking folks in their "units" questions, they turn to folks in front of keyboards.

In a year or two, these folks will be selling their stuff because they're furstrated.

Grumpy,

You're painting with a pretty wide brush!  

Bill

Grump,

I know it can't be all of them, but some do work that way.

One of the first things I tell a new, enthusiastic, recruit is "stay the h*ll off the forums". There are two experienced reenactors in our unit (yes, ours is small) who can answer as many questions as they have. I urge them to lurk as much as their heart desires, but, we are the one's that "count" as far as our unit goes. FWIW, we have written unit guidelines that cover a multitude of topics and we are always available and urge questions. Every new recruit (granted we haven't had that many) has thanked me for that advice.  

--Last edited by mstuart on 2009-01-26 17:37:30 --

I obviously can't speak for the entire hobby but certainly for my very own 6th OVI I can say that our leaders from the Captain down to the experience privates were very helpful this recruit back in 2007 as to where to go and to whom for information regarding uniform, accoutrements, etc.

Another thing I appreciated was the 3 ring folder with basic information regaring uniform, weapons, unit history, CW songs, and other stuff was a great help.  I actually took that a step further and have added materials from the internet and company meetings, etc. to the point where I now have a 3-ring binder as well with info on cartridge making, folding a great-coat, etc.

Having said that I find my first and best resource those in my company.  I would wish that every company were so blessed.

I'm with Grumpy Dave on this. How can a new reenactor know whether the unit he's found is dispensing good or bad advice, unless he can corroborate it with advice from those outside his unit? The internet is the obvious place to do that.

Yes, he could research each detail step by step on his own, and then compare anything he wants to buy with originals, but that's overwhelming to a new reenactor who just needs to get a sense of who to trust to lead him where he wants to go and what options he has for fitting into the hobby.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

Naw, that's why I used "most of" and "of which you speak." And, at this point I'd like to add, "Most of" those folks never read an internet board and discourage their membership from doing so. And, there has been no change or development, in their leadership or the way the unit does things or the events they attend, adnausemn. And thank goodness. That's how most of us get our new members.

Use of the internet or other outside sources for that matter is a good suggestion as it certainly can be a great tool for corroborating and supplementing that which is taught by the company in which one may have enlisted.
I have done a fair amount of internet searching and then consultation within the company and find that often they are very compatible.  Obvioulsy, though depending on what you are interested in finding you may find it through other sources.
I have enjoyed a number of books recommended by our company members and find them to be great educational tools as to the life of the soldier, the times in which they lived and served, etc. Such reading helps give perspective on camp life, etc.
Information is out there but some of it has to be vetted out as to the validity and/or accuracy just as any other source.  

--Last edited by hamiltonjoe1950 on 2009-01-27 14:12:10 --

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GrumpyDave wrote : Naw, that's why I used "most of" and "of which you speak." And, at this point I'd like to add, "Most of" those folks never read an internet board and discourage their membership from doing so. And, there has been no change or development, in their leadership or the way the unit does things or the events they attend, adnausemn. And thank goodness. That's how most of us get our new members.

I take this types of things to heart and try to lead by example.  I suggest books to read and look to improve my impression.  I can't ask members to improve theirs if I remain stagnant.

I try to answer what I can, but I also know that I don't know everything, so I will help where I can and suggest resources for that which I can't.

The other night I had a member ask about braces and I hadn't ever looked into that.  But I did a quick search and found what seemed to be some trustworthy sites, and passed the information along also showed the person some sutler sites to compare quality and price (Jarnigan vs Corner Clothiers)..

WOW! I'm impressed. What started as a general rant by yours truly actually ended up with productive comments from our membership. Of course with the folks we have here vs. some of the other forums I wouldn't expect any less. Thanks everyone for giving me hope.