Military Musician - A field musician must be at least 12 years of age and functional in the playing of the fife, drum or bugle. If the musician is under the age of 18, he must have parental permission.

Military Medical Personnel - Participation by either sex is allowed, provided the woman, choosing this role, successfully disguises herself so that there is no outward appearance of her femininity or if she chooses to portray a nurse, the woman may dress accordingly but her participation on the battlefield is limited to the final; closing stages of the battle re-enactment. Usually this latter impression takes place immediately after all “fighting” has ceased or in the camp areas. If the person is under the age of 18, parental permission is required.

Vivandiere - Participation of women as vivandiere is accepted on a limited basis and should not be the sole impression of that member. The overall participation of vivandieres on the field is limited to one person per battalion on certain occasions or disallowed altogether on other occasions. Under the age of 18 requires parental permission.

Civilian - Participation as a civilian is welcomed, but it is limited to the camp, sutler area and general public areas only. Civilians are usually not allowed on the battlefield during a battle re-enactment.

Clothing and Equipment All clothing and equipment is the private property of each individual. We encourage new members to purchase their kit as quickly as their financial resources permit, but we realize that this is a major financial investment to start out and that it may take some time. Since many established members often have extra pieces of clothing or equipment available to borrow, wee advise new members to make purchases of period shoes and eyeglasses/contact lens (should they need them) their first order of business. Bothof these items are not exactly easy to borrow. New members are cautioned not to purchase anything without the guidance of an experienced member. Also, many pieces can be purchased at the larger events, and a walk to the sutler areas with an experienced member could save many dollars.

Dues and Fees There is a membership fee of $20 per year. This money covers the postage cost of all mailings, the production of a periodic newsletter, general regimental expenses and a regimental donation towards battlefield preservation. Most events require a registration fee, varying from a couple of dollars up to perhaps $15, with the average being around $7. This money us used by the event sponsor and is utilized for firewood purchases, portable toilets, land rental, battlefield preservation and their other administrative costs. In the Third Alabama, a separate Event Registration Form is sent to each member in the beginning of the year that outlines the events the unit has chosen to attend and the fees required for each event. Monies are sent in to the treasurer of the unit and registration is handled by the unit’s secretary. Any funds not dispensed remain in your account and carry over to the following year.

Meetings, Drills, and Events Meeting - The Third Alabama tries to schedule one formal meeting per year, which is usually held in January, or early February. The purpose of this meeting is to go over the event invitations that the unit has received for the coming season and to decide which events the unit will attend. As schedules adjust throughout the year and new invitations are received, members receive notification via newsletter, e-mail, phone or informal meetings at events.

Drills - There will be one or two drills held in the early part of the year, which the military members are encouraged to attend in order to work the kinks out after the winter’s layoff from events. Drills are also scheduled on an as needed basis during events to train new members or for other members to hone their skills.

Events - There is an average of two events (battle re-enactments or living history) per month on the schedule from approximately April through October. Although there is no maximum or minimum required attendance, members are requested to make every effort to attend those designated “Maximum” or “Full Strength” event.

Insurance Each member is required to contribute towards insurance in order to participate at re-enactments. It is generally liability insurance which covers injuries to fellow re-enactors and spectators and is usually required by event sponsors. The cost of insurance varies each year in accordance with the policy chosen by the unit or battalion and ranges from approximately $10 to $20 per member per year. Family group rates are available.

To join the 3rd Alabama, contact our Recruiting Officer