Probationary Member

In order to become a full member, new potential members must first become a Probationary Member (hereinafter referred to as 'Recruits'). The information listed below explains the expectations of new recruits.

The Probationary period starts at the first attended event in which they are in uniform (as a participant, not a spectator). This period lasts for the duration of one year after the first event. During this time, a recruit is expected to attend as many events as possible. At a minimum, a recruit must attend at least one reenactment and one living history event. During this first year, each recruit does not pay any membership dues to the company. However, each recruit must pay the annual insurance fee in order to attend events. The company receives insurance, known as ANV Insurance, through the 1st Division ANV organization. Additionally, the recruit will be expected to pay any registration costs at events.

Starting with the first event, recruits will be instructed on the tasks and responsibilities of a soldier. They will be taught by a Company Officer or Non-Commissioned Officer in 1)School of the Soldier, 2)Manual of Arms, and 3)School of the Company. Each recruit will be expected to know all three by or before the probationary period is completed. It is also recommended that the recruit purchases the "Hardee's Light Infantry Tactics" book which includes all three elements. If a recruit has previous reenacting experience, then they will be expected to learn and understand any differences, if any, from what they already know.

All new recruits will be expected to actively participate at all activities for each event. These activities include but are not limited to: participating in company drill, participating in all formations, participating in battle scenarios, and interacting with the public. Additionally, each recruit will be expected to follow all instructions from the full members of the company. They will be expected to help with company logistics, camp duties, setup, and cleanup both before and during an event. These include but are not limited to: answering attendance requests, assisting with meal preparations, packing and unpacking the company trailer, assisting with meal cleanup, helping with camp setup, acquiring water, procuring firewood, setting up any tents and flies, and tearing down any tents and flies. Also as with any member of the company, recruits will be expected to understand all safety instructions with regards to weaponry, health, and well-being.

For the duration of this period, each recruit should be determining whether they 'fit in' with the other members of the company. Each reenacting unit operates differently, and the members are also different. At the end of the probationary period, each recruit should be asking themselves questions like "Am I having fun", "Is this group historically accurate for me", "Are there any issues with this unit and/or its members", etc. Prior to and upon completion of probation, a recruit can decide to leave the unit freely. --Any borrowed clothing must be returned to the company or its members.

Similarly, the voting members of the company will be examining each new recruit to determine if the recruit will make a good addition to the company. At the conclusion of the probation period, all full members of the company will vote upon each new recruit. Such a vote will determine whether the recruit becomes a full member. Each member will vote based upon how well the recruit has performed during the probation. The voting results can be 1)To accept membership, 2)To deny membership, or 3)To extend the probationary period for another year. Each recruit will be judged on how well they performed during their probation. The criteria for this will include:

1)How many events the recruit attended? (Also, did they attend one reenactment and one living history)
2)Was the recruit actively involved in all activities, duties and discussions?
3)Does it appear likely that the recruit shall continue to be active in the unit?
4)Did the recruit follow all safety procedures and directions?
5)Were there any issues with the recruit between existing members?
6)Has the recruit purchased some or all the required basic equipment?

If accepted as a member, a formal induction ceremony will be held at one of the next upcoming events. During this ceremony, the recruit will be issued "dog tags" and sworn into the company as a full member. To remain a full member, the person will need to pay membership dues for the next year, and will be expected to continue paying dues annually in order to remain in good standing. As a full member, the person will have the ability to vote for company officers, events, and other company matters. Additionally, the recruit will be eligible to be nominated for a company staff position.

Once a person has become a full member, they remain as such. If future work, education, or medical issues would prevent them from participating, then a person may choose to become an inactive member wherein they do not pay membership dues. As an inactive member, a person does not have the ability to vote for staff, events or other company matters. At any later time, the person may choose to regain 'active' status by paying membership dues. They do not have to go through the probation process again. However, an exception will be made to anyone who left the unit with negative standing. In other words, if a person loses membership due to violation of a safety procedure, causing harm to another member, or committing an illegal act, then that person must submit to another probationary period before regaining full membership status.