RECRUITING

Generally Speaking

Signal Corps of the James is seeking qualified individuals and families to join us.  What are the qualifications?  Just an interest and desire to get together with like-minded individuals, experience the challenges and tribulations of Civil War military and civilian life, and, above all, meet and have fun with other interesting people.  NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!.  We have plenty of experience and will help you get into the hobby as easily as possible.  

We are a family friendly unit.  We provide opportunities for the kids to get involved, as junior signalmen, drummers, fifers, other musicians, or just period civilians.  We have several families in the unit, with children from 8 to 18 years of age.  Spouses are welcome; just be advised that everyone is expected to act in a period correct way.  That means children must respect and mind adults at all times.

Being a "Mainstream" unit, we do take advantage of modern conveniences, as long as they are hidden from public view during public hours.  Things such as air mattresses, propane heaters, and ice chests can make it a little easier, but hey, if you enjoy sleeping on the ground, with nothing but a blanket in the snow then you are welcome to do it.  We won't stop you...  :)

Prior to every event the Civilian Coordinator (Susan Whittle) will put out a Commissary and KP list.  This is a nice thing because you don't have to cook and then clean for yourself after every meal.   You also don't have to bring food for yourself (or family) for every meal either.   There are traditionally 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts at events.  (individuals and families will bring their own lunches and drinks).  Those four meals will be split up between those participating in the Commissary.  Responsibility for bringing the food for one meal, cooking it, and then cleaning up (usually another meal) is found to be much easier!  The Commissary and KP list is emailed out prior to events and then posted at events in a prominent place.

Our camp is set up as a "Company Street" with the large fly surrounded by three tents.   A smaller 'dining and food' fly and all of the unit's "A" (or wedge) tents then come out in two lines from there.  This configuration is both period correct and allows us to have our own 'space' within the larger reenactment.  CLICK HERE to view an example of how our camp is set up.  

How To Get Started

First, complete and submit the membership information form below.  We will then contact you to begin the process.  In many cases, we have sufficient clothing and equipment to outfit you until you can obtain your own. 

Your first event will be an introduction into  life 150 years ago.  Don't worry, you don't need to know a thing.  We all started out not knowing what to do or how to act, but, had a lot of fun acquiring that knowledge and experience over the years.  We all had help getting started; now we are happy to help others as we were helped.

Membership

Once you have participated in a couple of events, you may have the opportunity to join us.  Or, you could decide that our unit is not for you.  If so, that's ok, there are plenty of other units out there with different perspectives, and we will try to help you find the right one.  However, if you do like us, and we think you will be a good fit, you will receive an invitation to join the unit.

Signal Corps of the James is commanded by Major Scott Dailey.  As a member of the unit, you will be expected to follow orders of Major Dailey and other command staff.  Our unit does not elect our commanders.  This avoids the inevitable politics and disputes that plague so many other units and may lead to their demise.  

Getting More Information

From here it's up to you.  In order to try something that will most likely become the most fun and rewarding experience of your life you have to let us know that you're interested!

If you want more information on how to get involved in our unit please fill out the form below and submit.  We will take it from there.