Advance/Picket Company for STAND OF COLORS

[hernicus]

Gentlemen:

There is an opportunity for Federal (and Confederate) soldiers to be "under arms" 24/7 at the "Stand of Colors" event outside Kansas City May 16-18, 2008. There is an entire section of the event site (almost 150 acres out of the 500 acres) that is designated as a "campaign" area for the entire weekend. Loosely-planned scenarios and evolutions will include guards/picket posts 24/7 (sleep on arms), authentic field camping, small company-sized excursions to scout the enemy lines/engage, picket exchange, and the ability to utilize IGP (Dal Bello) and skirmish tactics all weekend. This will be as close to an immersion event as possible given the nature of the event. The officers will be running this as "an army in the field facing the enemy" the entire time from Friday night through Sunday afternoon! There will be no "timeouts" LOL!

The "campaign" area of the site is completely concealed from the modern vendors, the main army camps, and the porta-potties, parking lots, etc, and there will be NO PUBLIC allowed in this area at all. The only time you have to interact with the public or the main event is during the 2 public battles during the weekend (which will evolve from increaased fighting in the campaign area moving to a full engagement on the main battlefield area).

This is a rare opportunity to do "campaining" at a public battle event for an entire weekend. Individuals and companies that wish to be formed with the "campaigner" wing of the Army will be so accomodated.

For more information, and to register for the event, goto http://www.standofcolors.com or contact me directly for more information on the Federal side.

cos@firstfederaldivision.com

[Thomas Alleman]

Sounds like a great event idea but how authentic you think it will be? Will everyone play and act accordingly? What about standards? Also what units and what about bushwhackers, this is West MO? It does have the flavor of outpost, plus the steamboat Arabia is in KC and Wide Awake films.

[hernicus]

Thomas:

There are SOP's and guidleines set up, as far as Rules of Engagement (ROE) etc. Officers will be in command of their troops (no unauthorized bushwhacking). there ar ebasic authenticity standards for the event and for the FFD (on the US side) and CSA side. Unit designations have been made on the Federal Side; the CSA is wokring on that independently. And again, this is not OUTPOST, but a rare opportunity to do more of a campaign/immersion event at a public event. And yes the steamship Arabia museum is FANTASTIC!!

[BrianHicks]

Who are the Officers?

Which units will be providing the core groups?

[Silas]

First Fed Division.

[hernicus]

Who are the Officers?

Which units will be providing the core groups?

Brian:

The Federal Commanding Officer is General Steve Dunfee, commander of the First Federal Division, one of the founders of the Army of the Pacific, and a longtime hardcore campaign soldier.

The Battalion commanders and company commanders will be from the AOP, Western Brigade and will be some of the same fellows you have seen at events such as September Storm, Outpost, Red River, etc..

[Bushrod Carter]

Brian:

The Federal Commanding Officer is General Steve Dunfee, commander of the First Federal Division, one of the founders of the Army of the Pacific, and a longtime hardcore campaign soldier.

The Battalion commanders and company commanders will be from the AOP, Western Brigade and will be some of the same fellows you have seen at events such as September Storm, Outpost, Red River, etc..

That answer is from the "Kinda Sorta But Maybe Vague Depatment"

Names?

[BrianHicks]

Of the three events mentioned, Outpost is the only one I was present for.

The other two weren't on my calendar.

Personally, other than perhaps Silas, I don't know think I know any one that Officers with the FFD.

[Jim Moffet]

I will be commanding the Western Brigade, and Rob Murray is my lieutenant colonel. We both attended Outpost III. Rob commanded a company at BGR, and will again at Marmaduke's Raid later this year. The adjutant for my battalion will be Bill Hoskins, who also wore straps at BGR.

Jim Moffet

[BrianHicks]

I know Rob Murray (from BGR, as well as having just spent W64 with him).

[Rob Murray]

Brian and Pat,

Dang. So much for being a wall flower. Yes I will be there. This event could prove to be a dandy little event. Is this event for everyone on the A/C? No, it's not. All I can say is that the leadership of the Western Brigade is committed to providing a good military experience to its troops. If anyone has questions or wants a "Federal" home for this event, feel free to PM or contact me at rmmurray@charter.net

[Bushrod Carter]

Jim and Rob,

Thanks for answering that question! It is always good to know the people you will be (potentially) working with. I think, at some point, we've all been burned by falling in under folks we didn't know. This really helps. Thanks!

[hernicus]

Pat:

Looks like you got some more names. I can't publicize any names officially until I have official word that they are coming, lest I be chastized for false advertising.. LOL! Damned if you do, damned if you don't as you know!

Suffice it to say, that, all things considered for this event, it gives a unique opportunity that you won't find at most public battle events. Rest assured, the feds are under quality leadership with definite C/P/H bona fides... The event will be a good "hybrid" between the ability to campaign and be in period all event and a good sized public battle event as well. I hope soldiers will take a chance! Come and enjoy!

Hope to see you soon my friend! Hope all is well!

[co_mountaineer]

Does any know of any Confederate campaigner companies looking for a few more recruits. My small mess from colorado is looking for a home for this event.

[hernicus]

Rob:

You can contact Nick Medich of the Army of Tennessee. He is commanding a CS Brigade/Battalion at Stand of Colors and can give you more information regarding falling in with CS C/P/H ers. He can be reached at nickmedich@aol.com.

Hope that helps!

[DougCooper]

I have seen the satellite photos of the area where the campaigners will be and it is pretty remote. The woods and fields remind me of Outpost. Plenty of screening trees between the lines and in the approaches to place picket lines and to allow manuever and concealment.

Whether gray or blue for this one, some good choices if you want to be on the line for an extended scenario, and then join the larger formations for the pitched battles.

[MO-Pard]

Does any know of any Confederate campaigner companies looking for a few more recruits. My small mess from colorado is looking for a home for this event.

Rob

Did you ever receive an answer offline or from Medich?

This is in our backyard and we are looking either for a quality C/P/H company to fall-in with if we cannot raise our own. We are looking for BGR and Outpost types.

Respectfully

[Rob Murray]

Hey Jay, Come on over to the Western Brigade camp. It would be good to see you in captivity again:D

[co_mountaineer]

Jay,
Medich emailed me saying that all of the conferates were "campaigners" and that when I arrive at the event, he wants me to find him and he'll put my mess (of 2, my dad and myself) into a company that was in the outpost area. So, if you'd like, my dad and I can join your company if you get it raised.

Y.O.S.,

[MO-Pard]

Jay,
Medich emailed me saying that all of the conferates were "campaigners" ...

Rob, not sure what he meant by that statement, but not all will be there in the forward area. I received an email as well saying his HQ would not be in the outpost area.

We do have a company for any able-bodied, strapping lads. As long a folks can go on little or no sleep, and pack everything on their back and move on a moments notice(count on it), they are welcome. Seeing you are a veteran of BGR I have no doubt you are up to the task and are welcome. IN fact most of the guys in this company are also veterans of BGR. Send me your info in a PM. Same for anyone else.

[MO-Pard]

Rob-

thank you for the generous offer of 'hospitality.' Outpost, did see me and the leftmost portion of our company taken down or captured, in order to spare the rest of the company. As the 2SG on that side, there was little I could do on that flank. Still, being a POW, was one of the most memorable 'period experiences' I have had in some time.

I truly recommend others consider being captured periodically for the stimulating and unpredictable experience. You will never experience first person with the enemy to such a level.

Looking forward to the event, and it will be unique and hope there are many like-minded friends who will be in attendence on the CS side. (please pm me Southern brethern if you are coming....) I do hope, however, that I may show you the same courtesy this time...........

God Bless the South and Sterling Price...

Best Regards

Hey Jay, Come on over to the Western Brigade camp. It would be good to see you in captivity again:D

[Jim Moffet]

I wish to thank all who served with the Western Brigade in the advanced camp this past weekend near Kansas City. Captains Beedle and Sprague's companies did a bully job, as did Capt. Kinzer's command. The land was exceptional for patrols and outposts, presenting considerable complications to operations. All commands coordinated well, and I consider the maneuvres a singular success.

The Federal staff performed at a high level of proficiency, and the maps prepared by the TE department of the FFD were invaluable.

Special mention must go to the men of the Horse Hair Mess, without whose constant diligence and attention to duty it would have been impossible to safeguard the Federal right flank. I would be honored to have your service in any future campaign.

Oh, did you know that they have ticks in Missouri? That was a campaign within an event, one which I regret continues to this hour.

James Moffet
Western Brigade

[Furlough Frank]

Bully for Col. Moffet! He was all over that big old sight. I can't wait until next year so we can do some more of the same. How about a Friday engagement? I was one of the three Colorado boys in the Holmes Brigade out dodging ticks and shooting Johnnies! (Or dodging Johnnies and shooting ticks.) I even brought a few ticks home with me. I will be glad to share 'em with anybody!

YOS

Frank E. Campbell

"Us boys all took a small part in the fracus." - Sam Watkins - 1st Tennessee Volunteer Regiment, Co. H

[tenthmo]

Colonel Moffet, it was an extreme pleasure to serve under you at the Stand of Colors event. Glad you and your boys could find something to take back to the great state of Minnesota. So sorry it had to be the dreaded wood tick however, the Missouri state bug. I found almost 45 of the vermin on me.
It was certainly a sight to see you, your staff, company officers, and NCO's all stripped to the waist in quest of the dreaded vermin. At first glance it looked like your were all getting ready for a mass baptism, but on closer inspection you all looked like apes examing each other. Sorry to jest and no harm intended. The situation with the ticks was indeed more dire than anything Johnny Reb could throw at us.
By the way, I am merely a private with Holmes Brigade.
Speaking for many in my group, I wish to extend a hearty thank you to every member of the 1st Minnesota for coming all the way to Kansas City, Missouri in support of this event.

[Old Overholt]

If ever one wanted to experience firsthand the drudgery of army duty, the thrill and uncertainty of closing with the enemy, the inconvenience of Mother Nature and the nastiest of her little bloodsucking creations , bad food, cold nights and hot days within hours of one another, and all the little joys that our forebears experienced in this era we strive to recreate, our time with the Western Brigade certainly provided it all. While the rest of the event will have to be judged on other merits, those of us who spent time "downhill" in the campaigner area will not forget it and, as literally thousands or tens of thousands of tick bites heal, we will all no doubt look back fondly on the experience with new appreciation for those who did the same thing but couldn't go back to the comfort of home after 48 hours in the field.

I was impressed by the unit cooperation between Holmes and the 1st Minnesota all weekend - especially on Sunday - and felt like we were all old pards at the end of the day. The easy camraderie must be acknowledged, and we thank you for your hospitality and for traveling so far to visit our back yard.

Now pardon me while I go scratch myself for an hour or two...

[Jim Moffet]

Thanks for kind words, boys - I was just doing my duty - as we all did.

Full disclosure is required here - posts keep referring to the "First Minnesota" as the other company in the advanced camp ("Tick Valley" in my official report). The 2nd company was made up of members from both the First and Second Minnesota, 3 Canadians from the Winnepeg area who normally portray 17th Mississippi w/ the AoT, and about a dozen AP history class students and their teacher from the St. Louis area!

Those kids were in loaner gear, and this was their first event! (for most their ONLY event EVER - the ticks will assure that - so much for our cunning recruiting plan). They had studied the CW for less than a month, and then served with the Western Brigade for this event. Their teacher, a member of the 11th Mississippi when not at work, had done a bully job teaching them the manual of arms. Capt. Beedle (2nd Minnesota), Lieut. Freidrich (1st Minnesota) and the NCOs from both Minnesota units then took over once we got to the "seat of war." They slept w/o canvas, served on picket and patrols, and either walked about a mile round trip to do their 'business', or used the wilderness for their sinks. They fought in the larger 'engagements' where drill ranged from a 60 man skirmish line facing 300 CS infantry in line; to deploying a column of platoons into a battle line; and a few elements of the school of the battalion. Those kids were top drawer, and now have a better understanding of the life of a CW soldier than most American 17 year olds!

It again proves that attitude is the essential requirement for campaigning!

Since we didn't know them, and for a bit of fun, the staff filled out a loyalty oath for every one of them. As Missouri was a border state, we wanted to make sure. The company was formed, and I had all of them pulled out of ranks and posted front and center. They were made to raise their right hands, and repeat the entire text of the oath. We then presented the papers to them as a keepsake - or to use as necessary paper, as needs be. One of the sudents turned to Mr. Montgomery, the teacher, and said "You took the oath - now you cannot go back to your Confederate unit!"

It was an honor to serve with you all.

Still scratching.......

Jim Moffet
Western Brigade

[Phil McBride]

I suppose a word from the Confederate side of the park would be in order. We four Texans who drove up from San Antonio included two 16 year old JROTC students from the high school where I once served as principal. It was their second reenactment, and tick assaults notwithstanding, they seemed to have a fine time. Although we were mainstream camping, the Saturday morning tactical raised their respect for old-timey soldiering. We took a lot of steps that morning. So, it's good to know that at least a few youngsters on both sides were learning history while engaging in our hobby this past weekend. Maybe Civil War reenacting isn't dying out just yet after all.

Phil McBride
The Alamo Rifles