The primary purpose of the Artillery Battalion is to consolidate all artillery unit members of the1st Division, Army of Northern Virginia, Inc., under one command and support structure at reenactments. The establishment of a permanent administrative company accomplishes this. Such a structure seeks to provide an effective means to organize, communicate with and disseminate information to all of the individual member units. It further serves as a central point of responsibility and authority to efficiently establish camps, firing lines and minimal standards of safety and behavior.

C) Administrative Company:

Per Division By-laws, “each Battalion administrative company will consist of a minimum of five (5) combatants”. For our purposes, the number of support staff may be increased and shall be appointed at the discretion of the Commanding Colonel. All appointments [Senior Officers] are for one year and “at the will” of the Commanding Colonel. Wherever applicable, each appointment shall be designated as the Department Chief of a particular discipline. Each Department Chief shall possess the authority to appoint and promote their respective staff, subject to the Commanding Colonel’s approval. Each existing senior position with its primary function is hereby listed below:

Commanding Officer – The elected Colonel, possessing overall responsibility and authority.

Adjutant – Appointed 2nd in command may be called upon to fill in for the C.O.

Aide-de-Camp – Appointed personal aide to the C.O., may also fill in for the C.O.

Ordnance – Appointed with authority over all weapon and artillery safety and inspections.

Quartermaster – Appointed to insure that all camp supply needs are met throughout an event.

Medical – Appointed unit capable of giving the most immediate first-aid in camp and on the field.

Clerk – Appointed as the central point of all Battalion communication, on and off the field.

Provost – Appointed military police, charged with enforcing all Event and Battalion rules.

Engineer – Appointed to direct the camp layout and assist in the layout of the firing line.

Signal Officer – A unit C.O. directing period-style communication between distant commands.

Sgt. Major – Appointed to handle all aspects of unit reporting to the Battalion Staff at events.

Civilian Coordinator – Appointed as a central point of contact for all interested Battalion civilians.

SECTION II. A.N.V. BATTALION REGULATIONS

Relevant excerpt from Division By-laws - Article V.:

1. All units must agree to comply with existing standards of the Regiment or Battalion in which

they serve even though such standards may be more stringent than those of the Division.

2. Units in violation of 1st Division A.N.V. Regiment/Battalion standards and/or policies may be

placed on probationary status for a period not to exceed one year. Such action can be taken by

the Division commander upon recommendation of the unit’s Regiment or Battalion commander

or by any other Regiment or Battalion Commander in the Division.

SECTION III. MEMBERSHIP & STATUS

A) Battalion Member Units:

The Artillery Battalion is comprised of those units sponsored for A.N.V. membership, by the Commander of the Artillery Battalion.

B) Insurance:

Every unit in the Division must carry liability and accident insurance through the A.N.V.’s carrier and must file a minimum of five (5) active combatants for said accident and liability (military) insurance. Artillery combatants are required to carry additional certification by The National Civil War Artillery Association (N.C.W.A.A.) at the minimum level for the position on the cannon they perform. Artillery Units determined to be in less than full compliance with this requirement will not be permitted to take the field with the Artillery Battalion at A.N.V. events and will be returned to Battalion probationary status. Non-Combatants and minors will also need to be covered with appropriate insurance per Division by-laws.

C) Event Participation:

Battalion policy shall not be construed as to diminish Division Bylaws, but rather to establish

realistic standards for artillery units to maintain non-probationary status within the Battalion. The A.N.V. Bylaws state that: “All Division member units (probationary and non-probationary) must attend at least one of the Division’s designated “maximum effort” events each year”. The Artillery Battalion shall require all (battery-type) member units to make a “good faith effort” to attend at least one of the Division’s designated “maximum effort” events each year, with at least one (1) gun and minimum crew of five (5) combatants. Note that to crew a gun with non-members or those loaned from another unit, requires the approval of the Commanding Colonel. All (non-battery-type) member units must attend at least one of the Division’s designated “maximum effort” events each year, with sufficient numbers as to function effectively.

D) Division Probation:

The Battalion Commander may act as sponsor for a new unit and present the unit for a probationary membership vote at the next A.N.V. Annual General Business Meeting. If accepted, the new unit will be placed on probationary membership status. Units on probationary status shall not be entitled to vote at the Annual General Business Meeting. Units shall remain on probationary status until accepted for membership at the following Annual General Business Meeting.

E) Battalion Probation:

Any new unit, sponsored by the Artillery Battalion for membership in the A.N.V., shall serve a

separate nine (9) month Battalion probationary period, commencing from the first time its

members file for A.N.V. insurance. This probation may be extended or reinstated for cause, at

the discretion of the Commanding Colonel. Upon successful completion of probation the unit

shall be granted full voting rights in all matters pertaining to the Artillery Battalion only. Units

which are placed on Division disciplinary probation, shall automatically be returned to Battalion

probation for the duration of the Division probation.

F) Battalion Voting Rights:

Units meeting all of the preceding requirements regarding insurance, event participation and Battalion probation, shall possess the right to cast one vote, in all matters pertaining to the Artillery Battalion, which may require a popular vote. Units on Battalion probation may not vote.

SECTION IV. RANK STRUCTURE

The number of troops that we field is way below historical numbers, with ranks, two levels above where they historically were, on average. Compounding this, the size of our Officer’s Corps has risen dramatically. While changes are not mandated for existing units, we cannot overemphasize the importance of each unit giving serious consideration to all current ranks and any future contemplated promotions. All future non-artillery (specialty) units sponsored for A.N.V. membership by the Artillery Battalion must limit the rank of their Commanding Officer to a 2nd Lt. The rank structure of future artillery units making application for A.N.V. membership through the Artillery Battalion, shall be governed by the number of guns that the unit has and is capable of fielding, as follows:

Commanding Officer – 1 gun (2nd Lt.); 2 guns (1st Lt.); 3 - 4 guns (Capt.)

Chief of the piece – Sergeant

Gunner – Corporal

The rest of the detachment – Privates

SECTION V. GENERAL CONDUCT & SAFETY

A) Behavior:

All troops must conduct themselves in a military manner. Proper military courtesy will be shown at all times. Orders from Officers and N.C.O.s are to be given and followed to represent a military organization, as well as for the safety of all. Everyone is expected to conduct himself or herself properly, in keeping with the period we represent. Foul language was not accepted as proper then and will not be tolerated now, especially when spectators, women, or children are present.

B) Alcohol & Drugs:

The possession and use of alcohol is strongly discouraged and is always subject to being

officially banned by event coordinators. Anyone suspected of “being under the influence“, will not be permitted to take the field. Anyone creating a public disturbance will be dealt with, to the

extent that the situation requires. The use of illegal substances at an event, will not be tolerated

at any time, by anyone.

C) Investigations:

The Battalion Ordnance and Provost Departments may investigate any Battalion accident or incident, which occurs within an event. If warranted, the Commanding Colonel may refer the findings to Division, with a recommendation to pursue disciplinary action under Article XIV of the A.N.V. By-laws.

D) Minors:

Due to A.N.V. insurance limitations, minors must be fifteen (15) years of age, to be permitted on the field. At those events allowing children under 15 in the camps, they must be supervised at all times by their designated adult guardian, throughout the entire event. Artillery combatants that are 15 may perform the duties of powder monkey or manage the power box with supervision. Artillery combatants age 16 may perform powder monkey, powder box and position 3 and 4 only.

SECTION VI. CAMP REGULATIONS

A) Company Street:

Layout will be “regulation artillery”. All units are expected to report to the Battalion Staff upon

arrival and before unloading, to receive camp position and style of layout.

B) Tents:

WALL TENT: Each unit should limit these to just one (1) for its Commanding Officer.

TENT FLY: Limited to Commissioned Officers, Company Mess and Battalion Staff.

A-FRAME: Most correct for officers, but acceptable for enlisted & civilians.

DOG-TENT: Most correct for enlisted troops (but we’re not pushing it).

TARP: Subject to unit C.O. rules, it is also permissible for a crew to drape a tarp over their gun and limber and use this for shelter.

C) Camp Furniture:

Camp furniture should be kept to a minimum and be kept out of the street, so as to leave room

for spectators and reenactors to walk. All non-period items should be out of sight, at all times. All Officers, N.C.O.s and Provost Guards are entitled to full cooperation from every unit participant, regarding this.

D) Morning Reports:

Upon arrival at an event, unit Sergeants are responsible for reporting to the Battalion Clerk,

to pick up copies of the morning reports and any other relevant information.

E) Guard Duty:

On a rotational basis, unit C.O.s may be called upon to provide troops for guard duty at Battalion

level, or on the cannon line.

F) Visitors:

Any visitor not registered for the event, will be required to leave camp by the earlier of 9:00pm or the event time set as “close of camps”.

SECTION VII. FLAGS

NOTE - Unless a unit can present sufficient documentation to the contrary regarding their historical unit, the following shall be adhered to:

A) Battle Flag:

This is the proper flag that was used by the troops in the field. The regulation artillery flag is

36” x 36” and should be made of high quality heavy cotton bunting. In camp, its use will be

limited only by event restrictions. On the battlefield, only one (1) Battle Flag may be displayed for every four (4) guns.

B) 1ST 2nd 3rd National:

These flags may be displayed only at the Battalion Staff level and above.

C) Bonnie Blue:

This flag may be displayed only at the Battalion Staff level and above.

SECTION VIII. UNIFORMS

NOTE - In order to present a proper appearance for both early and late war events, it’s more practical to represent the look of mid-war artillery. Therefore, the following is recommended:

A) Jackets:

Should be Richmond Depot shell jackets, types II or III. Red trim should be kept to a minimum

(solid red collar only, or tape, or piping). The material should be kersey wool in Cadet-Gray

(bluish-gray), or dark-gray; or jean-cloth in brownish-gray or greenish-gray. All improper

jackets presently in service, should be “grandfathered in” until their useful service life ends.

B) Trousers:

As of 1862, the prescribed issue for the artillery was sky-blue kersey-wool with red tape for

all non-staff Commissioned Officers & N.C.O.s. However, all military solids and fabrics should be acceptable, as are period-correct civilian trousers (no bright colors or loud plaids).

C) Vests:

Period civilian and military styles of cotton or wool should be acceptable.

D) Shirts:

Richmond issued shirts with long sleeves, of un-dyed cotton or linen, or plaid pattern with bone

buttons. Glass or wood buttons are also acceptable. Since the men also received shirts from

home, there can be a variety of period patterns (plaids, pockets, collars, etc.). It is suggested that

Officers have a white dress-shirt and tie for formal occasions, such as dances and dress parades.

E) Headgear:

The slouch hat was the most common style. Styles and colors varied, but they had definite shape

and form (not the floppy “hillbilly” look). These were not issued by the military. The men secured them individually, so there should be a variety of styles in a unit. Kepis were issued by Richmond depot and were either red-trimmed or untrimmed jean cloth, or had red wool sides and crown, with a dark-blue band and a leather or oilcloth brim. Hat brass such as crossed cannons & battery numbers, (the souvenir primer-wire fad), or hat cords, while permitted, should be kept to a minimum. The Confederacy had better use for this material and Southern Soldiers generally, held such ornamentation in disdain. A Sgt. may have had enough “pull” to locate a wool hat cord.

F) Footwear:

This is a high priority item and should be the first purchase of new recruits. Military style brogans in turned-out russet or black leather, with wood pegged soles and heel plates, were the most common type of footwear. Period cavalry or artillery boots with heel plates are also acceptable. While modern shoes, sneakers, boots, desert boots, or motorcycle boots will be discouraged in the camp, they will be prohibited on the battlefield.

SECTION IX. ARMAMENT & ACCOUTREMENTS

A) Sabers/Belts:

May be worn by all Commissioned Officers and N.C.O.s from the rank of Sergeant, subject to unit C.O. restrictions.

B) Pistols/Holsters:

May be worn by all Commissioned Officers and all N.C.O.s, subject to Event and unit C.O.

restrictions. Holsters should be of russet or black leather, and have a flap closure. ALL revolvers and spare cylinders MUST be inspected by the Ordnance Department to be permitted on the field, whether they will be loaded or not.

C) Knives:

Bowie-style knives were popular in the early part of the war and in photographs, but were

discarded by troops during the first campaigns. Subject to Event and unit C.O. restrictions,

period knives will be permitted, but must be sheathed and remain sheathed.

D) Long Arms:

Some events or tacticals may permit anything from a one to a three-bander. At such an event,

their use and deployment will be at the discretion of the Commanding Colonel and they must

be inspected by the Ordnance Department.

SECTION X. ORDNANCE

A) Artillery Types:

The official position of the Artillery Battalion is that any authentic size tube, mounted on a

regulation type-1, type-2, pack or prairie carriage, authentic for that tube, shall be considered an

historically correct full-size field-piece. The Battalion shall therefore endeavor to impress this

point upon Event Sponsors, whenever the need and occasion arises. Tubes must be properly

tested and proven reproductions or originals. All new guns are subject to test firing in the

presence of the Ordnance Department, before being permitted on the field.

B) Limber Chests:

The chest should be of the same specifications as the originals. Chests need to have center dividers and a top mounted tray, located in the left side of the box. If primers are stored in the limber chest, they must be kept in sealed containers, separate from the rounds and implements. Lids on chests must have a curved top, or in the case of a flat top, they must have a lip all around the top so as not to allow sparks or water to enter. The lid should be constructed of copper or painted canvas covering and should have a chain so as not to allow the lid to open beyond a 90-degree angle. All chests must have a clasp type mechanism with a lock and shall be kept locked at all times, except when the crew is servicing the gun.

C) Construction of Rounds:

An adequate number of rounds should be prepared prior to attending an event. If the need to make additional rounds arises during an event, the unit C.O. must first check with the Ordnance Department, to confirm a safe location to do so. Rounds will be made of heavy-duty industrial strength aluminum foil. They must be of a “self-sealing” nature (no tape, staples, clips or any form of straps) to secure the rounds. Plastic Baggies without zip-locks, may be used to form an inner bag for the powder, but cannot be tied with twist ties, which could become projectiles. All rounds are subject to inspection by the Ordnance Department.

D) Ignition Device:

The only acceptable methods of ignition will be modern friction primers and properly constructed linstocks. Units using a linstock will show their equipment to the Safety Officer of the Ordnance Department and perform a proper linstock drill, before being allowed to use this method on the field.

E) Drill:

To aid in standardization of drill, all A.N. V. Artillery combatants must follow and be certified in the N.C.W.A.A drill. All Artillery combatants are asked to carry their card at events as proof of their certification. Failure to do so may lead to inability to take the field. If you have any questions regarding drill, please contact the Safety Officer of the Ordnance Department.

F) Equipment:

All equipment must be of proper type and size for each specific gun and must be in perfect

working condition. Units should be prepared to have their gun, limber, crew, safety equipment

and rounds inspected by members of the Ordnance Department, or designated Battalion Staff.

All crews will need the following minimum equipment to take the field:

1. Wheel Chocks - Used to lock the gun and limber wheels in place. (Each require two (2) sets)

2. Trail Spike - Must be of good strength and regulation shape and size, with no cracks.

3. Earplugs - A sufficient supply of earplugs must be available for all crewmembers.

4. Gloves - Worn by Crewmember #1 and Crewmember #2 at all times, while they are servicing the piece. Should be heavy welding type gloves. (Two (2) pair required)

5. Vent Pick Holster - Worn by Crewmember #3 to hold the vent brush and vent pick.

6. Vent Brush - Used by Crewmember #3 to clean debris from the vent hole. Must be a proper tight fit to sufficiently clean the vent.

7. Thumb Stall - Worn by Crewmember #3 to cover the vent hole, thus preventing air from

entering the chamber. Should be made of doeskin leather. (Two (2) required)

8. Worm - Used by Crewmember #2 to clean the bore of debris and unspent powder round.

Should be of proper length, size and sharpness.

9. Sponge and Ram - Used by Crewmember #1 to wet-sponge the bore and ram the charge. Also used by Crewmember #2 to dry-sponge the bore, or as a backup. Sponge must be sufficiently tight, to allow no air to escape around it. The ram head must fit the staff tightly and be of sufficient size to push the charge to the back of the chamber. (Two (2) required)

10. Sponge Bucket - Used by Crewmember #1 to saturate the wet sponge. Should be of regulation size and shape with a sealing lid and be free from holes and leaks. Should be deep enough to hold enough water to last for the duration of the engagement.

11. Gunner’s Haversack (aka Pass-Bag) - Worn by the Powder-Monkey to transport the round from the limber chest to Crewmember #2. Should be made of heavy leather, with a shoulder strap and flap closure.

12. Vent Pick - Used by Crewmember #3 to puncture the round. It should be made of non-sparking brass and be sharp at the point, with enough of a jag to ensure puncturing of the round. (Two (2) required)

13. Tube Pouch - Worn by Crewmember #4 to hold the lanyard and supply of friction-primers.

14. Lanyard - Used by Crewmember #4 to attach to the friction-primer wire. Should be of sufficient strength and length, with an “S”-hook secured at one end. (Two (2) required)

15. Misfire Pouch – Worn by Crewmember #3 to hold a spare lanyard, spare friction-primers, needle-nose pliers, syringe and gimlet.

16. Needle-Nose Pliers - Used by Crewmember #2 to extract stuck or dud primers from the vent.

17. Syringe – Used in the event of a misfire to saturate the round through the vent hole.

18. Gimlet - Used as a second method of extracting spent primers only, from the vent hole.

SECTION XI. SUCCESSION OF COMMAND

A) Definitions – The Following Terms Are Hereby Defined:

Staff shall hereafter refer to the ANV Artillery Battalion Senior Staff, as listed on the homepage.

Unit(s) shall hereafter refer to each of the member units, as listed on the homepage.

Battalion shall hereafter refer to the Staff and Units, as listed on the homepage.

Clerk shall hereafter refer to the Staff’s Chief Clerk, as listed on the homepage.

C.O. (s) shall hereafter refer to the named Commander of each Unit, as listed with the Clerk.

Civilian Coordinator shall hereafter refer to the Staff civilian, as listed on the homepage.

Election shall hereafter refer to the prescribed succession process for Commanding Officer.

Ballot(s) shall hereafter refer to the transmitted electronic form, to be used to cast a vote.

Candidate shall hereafter refer to individual members of non-probationary units of the Artillery

Battalion, that have fully complied with the below prescribed notification requirements.

Voting Right shall hereafter refer to those granted to the C.O. of a Unit in compliance with and meeting all membership, insurance, participation and probation requirements.

B) Proper Service & Disclaimers:

1. All service to the Battalion shall be by e-mail sent by the Clerk.

2. The Battalion and its Clerk shall not be required to honor claims of “e-mail not received”.

3. It shall be the Battalion’s responsibility to check e-mail regularly and update the Clerk of any changes to addresses, capabilities or C.O.s, as your listed e-mail address is your signature.

4. In the event of returned e-mail, Clerk shall attempt to phone the C.O. at provided numbers.

5. It is incumbent upon all to keep the Clerk informed of any changes to your information.

C) Notification of Candidacy:

1. All Candidates must declare themselves through the Clerk, by e-mail, by fax, or regular mail.

2. No declarations of candidacy will be accepted, after the September 30th cut-off date.

3. Clerk shall notify the Battalion by October 7th of the names of all Candidates.

D) Electorate:

1. Units on Probation may not cast a vote in elections

2. Under no circumstances, may the serving Colonel cast a vote in the Election.

3. In the event of a tie, the Civilian Coordinator shall be granted Voting Rights to cast one vote.

E) Election Process & Succession:

1. Clerk shall e-mail the C.O. of each Unit with Voting Rights, a “secret” Ballot, by October 7th.

2. Completed Ballots must be returned to the Clerk, by e-mail or hand only, by October 21st.

3. Proper identity shall be verified by the returnee’s e-mail address, as listed with the Clerk.

4. Clerk shall tally all Ballots and announce the decision by e-mail, prior to the Convention.

5. Succession by the Commander-Elect shall take place on Friday morning of the Convention.

6. Upon succession, the Commander-Elect shall receive the rank of full “Colonel”.

7. The Colonel shall possess the unilateral right to retain/appoint/dismiss, promote/demote any and all Staff, at any time.

8. The Colonel shall serve for a one-year term, with no restrictions on holding consecutive terms of office.

9. Should the Colonel become unable to complete his term of office, a replacement may be selected by the Staff.

F) Verification of Election Returns:

1. For purposes of verification, the Clerk shall deliver printed copies of the Ballots with originating headers, to an impartial Senior Officer of the Division (TBD), during the Annual Convention.

2. Apart from said Division Officer and the Clerk, all C.O.’s Ballots shall remain CONFIDENTIAL.

SECTION XII. BATTALION ANNUAL MEETING

A) Convening at 8:30pm on the Saturday of the ANV Annual Convention, the Battalion shall hold an annual meeting for the purposes of introducing any new Staff, any newly appointed C.O.s, or the C.O.s of units new to the Battalion or the A.N.V.; reviewing the past season and any such relevant matters.

B) Under no circumstances, shall any issues pertaining to the completed Election for the Battalion Commanding Officer, be permitted in this forum.

SECTION XIII. AMENDING THE S.O.P.

A) After initial ratification, any future proposed changes or additions to these Standards

Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be introduced and made available for Battalion

review, by e-mail, before being voted upon.

B) A 2/3-majority vote of eligible unit C.O.s, is required to make any changes or additions to the SOPs. The approved changes or additions will be added to the existing SOPS and new versions distributed.