Richmond VA, Dec 5th:
Following private showings of officer items in the collection, the Field and Staff of the Southern Division convened their first annual meeting in the ‘Stuart Room’ of the Museum of the Confederacy. Twenty-three attendees, from South Carolina to Massachusetts, braved a costal snowstorm to attend the afternoon meeting.
The Southern Division consists of two infantry brigades- the Southern Brigade commanded by Brig General Jeff Stepp and the Mid Atlantic Brigade, commanded by Brig General Dave Pridgeon. The Divisional Cavalry is led by Captain Rob Bruno and Artillery commanded by Captain David Stanley.
Total Roster Strength of the Division is 962 of all ranks, with 15 mounted horse and 4 guns, 2 horse drawn.
The meeting was convened for three purposes: personal contact between Field and Staff, the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the Division, and selection of Division events for 2010. Following Field and Staff introductions, S. Chris Anders, Division Commander, provided the primary remarks of the meeting, outlining the joint vision for authenticity, the prior achievements of member organizations in regard to both the hobby and preservation, and the common goal of providing the most authentic possible experience for the rank and file through organizing and ‘steering’ of events. Anders also reminded the Officer Corps that whenever any procedure is discussed, that research into the original manuals and first person accounts must be the foundation for Division Policy.
“We must provide the men in the ranks with the experiences they desire, the public with the history they paid to see, and most of all, portray our forefathers with honor and dignity” Anders remarked. “To do that, we must realize that the hobby is about THEM. Too often in the hobby we make history fit us, and it MUST be the other way around. To properly honor the sacrifices of the Confederate Soldier, we must emulate them to the best of our ability in impression and action. Hobbyisms be damned, we will follow the script as written 150 years ago. This includes our drill, our paperwork, our bearing and our appearance. When in doubt we will refer to the original sources, manuals and accounts. We will let history guide us, and follow that example to the best of our abilities.”
Anders closed his remarks by admonishing the officers of the Division to adhere to “Article 113” of the “1862 Officer’s Pocket Companion”.
Two breakout sessions followed Anders’ remarks. Brigade and Battalion adjutants met to review the general outline for the administrative operation of the division. Meanwhile, Force Commanders and Division Staff Dept. heads met to discuss basic field operating procedures. A variety of topics, dealing with all aspects of field experience, from provost, medical, quartermaster, and commissary issues to tactics and logistics were discussed, as well as methods to create and maintain an authentic military experience for the boys in the ranks .
Upon completion of the breakout sessions the entire group re-convened to discuss events for the 2010-2011 season. After general discussion consensus was reached, and the division will come together for the PSL’s “Shenandoah ’62” event in June and work together again at the “Return to Manassas” event in August.
For 2011, several events were discussed, including an Officer School, geographic “Musters”, the 150th Firing on Fort Sumter, 150th Manassas and a Tactical based on the actions in North Carolina in 1861.
Divisional Staff contact is made through the AAG office @ richwatters@lazerlink.com.
Following private showings of officer items in the collection, the Field and Staff of the Southern Division convened their first annual meeting in the ‘Stuart Room’ of the Museum of the Confederacy. Twenty-three attendees, from South Carolina to Massachusetts, braved a costal snowstorm to attend the afternoon meeting.
The Southern Division consists of two infantry brigades- the Southern Brigade commanded by Brig General Jeff Stepp and the Mid Atlantic Brigade, commanded by Brig General Dave Pridgeon. The Divisional Cavalry is led by Captain Rob Bruno and Artillery commanded by Captain David Stanley.
Total Roster Strength of the Division is 962 of all ranks, with 15 mounted horse and 4 guns, 2 horse drawn.
The meeting was convened for three purposes: personal contact between Field and Staff, the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the Division, and selection of Division events for 2010. Following Field and Staff introductions, S. Chris Anders, Division Commander, provided the primary remarks of the meeting, outlining the joint vision for authenticity, the prior achievements of member organizations in regard to both the hobby and preservation, and the common goal of providing the most authentic possible experience for the rank and file through organizing and ‘steering’ of events. Anders also reminded the Officer Corps that whenever any procedure is discussed, that research into the original manuals and first person accounts must be the foundation for Division Policy.
“We must provide the men in the ranks with the experiences they desire, the public with the history they paid to see, and most of all, portray our forefathers with honor and dignity” Anders remarked. “To do that, we must realize that the hobby is about THEM. Too often in the hobby we make history fit us, and it MUST be the other way around. To properly honor the sacrifices of the Confederate Soldier, we must emulate them to the best of our ability in impression and action. Hobbyisms be damned, we will follow the script as written 150 years ago. This includes our drill, our paperwork, our bearing and our appearance. When in doubt we will refer to the original sources, manuals and accounts. We will let history guide us, and follow that example to the best of our abilities.”
Anders closed his remarks by admonishing the officers of the Division to adhere to “Article 113” of the “1862 Officer’s Pocket Companion”.
Two breakout sessions followed Anders’ remarks. Brigade and Battalion adjutants met to review the general outline for the administrative operation of the division. Meanwhile, Force Commanders and Division Staff Dept. heads met to discuss basic field operating procedures. A variety of topics, dealing with all aspects of field experience, from provost, medical, quartermaster, and commissary issues to tactics and logistics were discussed, as well as methods to create and maintain an authentic military experience for the boys in the ranks .
Upon completion of the breakout sessions the entire group re-convened to discuss events for the 2010-2011 season. After general discussion consensus was reached, and the division will come together for the PSL’s “Shenandoah ’62” event in June and work together again at the “Return to Manassas” event in August.
For 2011, several events were discussed, including an Officer School, geographic “Musters”, the 150th Firing on Fort Sumter, 150th Manassas and a Tactical based on the actions in North Carolina in 1861.
Divisional Staff contact is made through the AAG office @ richwatters@lazerlink.com.
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