New Recruits FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most often asked questions by interested individuals:

1.   Do I have to have a Confederate ancestor to join?

No. Although many of our members had ancestors in one of the armies of the Confederacy, we also have others who did not.  A genuine desire to honor the deeds of the brave sons of North Carolina is the only requirement of that nature.

2.   How much money will I need to invest to get started?

As with nearly any hobby, some initial investment of equipment is necessary.  While our regiment and some individual members do have “loaner” equipment, you will be expected to equip yourself within the first 12-18 months of your membership. Once you have made the initial purchases, totaling around $1200 (which includes the cost of an excellent reproduction musket), your costs for attending events is quite low.  Participation costs for a weekend event usually add up to a tank of gas and some food.  A really inexpensive mini vacation of sorts!

3.   Are any of these expenses tax deductible?

We are recognized by the state as a Historical Site Volunteer Organization and are classified as a non-profit educational organization. We have tax-exempt status from the IRS.  Dues, required equipment, and mileage have been tax deductible in the past.  Constantly changing tax laws may affect these deductions and you should contact your accountant or tax attorney to be certain.

4.   What is the minimum age to be a member?

You must be 16 to carry a musket.  Interested individuals younger that 16 may join as uniformed “junior reserve” members and serve as musicians, new recruits, cook’s assistants, etc., provided that their father or guardian is a member of the unit and accompanies them to events when they participate with this unit.

5.   Are there other expenses besides equipment?

Yes.  Dues for uniformed members are $30.00 and are payable in January of each year.  Dues are used to pay your registration fees for events!  They are also used to offset food costs for members at many of the major events and the cost of our annual Regimental Ball.  You also receive the quarterly Butternut and Gray and monthly General Orders, our regimental newsletters.

6.   Is this a political organization?

No!  We are living historians who work diligently to portray an accurate version of the Southern soldier.  We are not part of, nor involved with, any racist organizations or other hate groups who misuse our battle flag for their own selfish means.

7.   What type of activities will I be taking part in?

We participate in living history programs, battle reenactments (both tactical and spectator), Confederate Memorial Day celebrations, parades, commemorative events, as well as informative presentations for schools, and other interested groups.  We participate in living history programs at various state historic sites in both North Carolina and Virginia.  The First/Eleventh is also entrusted with the preservation of Fort Branch, an original Civil War era fort on the banks of the Roanoke River, where we have our “winter quarters” and sponsor the annual reenactment held there.  Additionally, each year we attend numerous events, some of which include large national events such as Gettysburg, Bentonville, and Sharpsburg/Antietam as well as smaller regional and local events at other significant related sites.

8.   What type of weapons do we carry?

Enlisted men and NCOs carry a 3 band musket, either an Enfield or Springfield or earlier 3 band model.  Swords and pistols are carried by officers and senior NCOs.

9.   “Aren’t you hot in that uniform?”

Our uniforms are authentic reproductions, made of either wool or jeanscloth (a wool/cotton blend).  While the uniforms can get warm during the summer months, they are appreciated during the cooler weather.  The clothing represents a standard weight worn by men of the American Victorian period.  The Confederate soldier served his Cause regardless of the weather.  This is the reason our events continue regardless of weather conditions.  We are able to change clothes and head toward a cozy home at the end of an uncomfortable event, our forebearers did not have this option.

10.         Are women allowed to join?

Yes, but not in the ranks of the soldiers, since that was never knowingly allowed during this period of time.  Our Regiment sponsors a women’s auxiliary organization that supports the regiment at many of the events.  They participate along with us in living history programs, informing the public about the diversions and concerns of the war years and civilian life during the 19^th century.  Wives and sweethearts are encouraged to join as well as any other family members who can project an authentic civilian impression for the period.

11.         How do I learn to drill, use the musket, etc?

The skills used by the soldiers of the Civil War are very foreign to anything that is used today.  You will gain needed skills with assistance from experienced members at events and through individual practice (it’s not as difficult as it may first appear).  Additional skills are developed at events during company and battalion drill.

12.         Where do I get my equipment, uniform, weapon?

Dealers of reenactment equipment are known in the hobby as “sutlers”.  There are probably over a hundred in the United States today.  Some sutlers manufacture their own goods while others serve as distributors.  At medium to large events, there are usually a wide variety of sutlers located on “Sulter’s Row”.  Please shun the temptation to rush out and buy your equipment prematurely.  To avoid purchasing something you can’t use, you are encouraged not to buy any equipment before joining the regiment and to take a veteran member or officer with you for guidance.  

What do I need to do to join?

Read this information carefully, but do not act in haste.  Your decision to join will require an initial investment of money and time.  If, after reading all this information, you have any additional questions, need more information, please contact any of the recruitment members listed on the cover page

If you are now ready to join our Regiment, please contact any of the regimental officers or members of the recruitment committee to be our invited guest at a future event.  The member you contact will work with you to select the most beneficial event for your needs and provide more specific information regarding the event’s location and date.  We look forward to seeing you at an event in the near future.

Last Updated:  27FEB2004