1ST DIVISION, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

 Adopted: April 3, 1999. Revised: November 2010 

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 The Provost Department of the 1st Division, ANV shall be responsible for and handle all matters pertaining to safety in camp and on the field.

1.2 The term Provost Marshal refers to the department head of the Provost Department.

1.3 The term WEAPON shall be defined as any and all devices designed to fire a powder driven projectile or blank charge and all bladed weapons such as, but not limited to swords, sabers, bayonets, lances and knives. Whether a weapon is actually functional or loaded makes no difference.

1.4 The term ACCOUTREMENTS shall be defined as any and all issued type military goods taken onto the field. These items include, but are not limited to cartridge box, cap box, bayonet and scabbard, belt, haversack and canteen.

1.5 The term FIELD shall be defined as the area in which drills and battles take place.

1.6 The term ORDNANCE OFFICER/SERGEANT is the person selected by the individual Battalions to perform the task of inspecting and clearing the weapons as safe. He will report to ANV Headquarters for safety meetings, and is responsible for turning in the daily "WEAPONS INSPECTION FORM" prior to his battalion/regiment taking the field.

1.7 The term SOLDIER refers to an ANV unit member, who carries a black powder weapon onto the field. The minimum age to carry a black powder weapon is 16 years old.

2. INSPECTIONS

2.1 Every member of the ANV, military or civilian, who desires to carry a weapon, loaded or unloaded, shall participate in weapon inspections.

2.2 Weapons with fixed bayonets should never be laid on the ground.

2.3 Initial pre-scenario weapon inspections will be conducted by company officers or their designees in camp prior to all battalion formations. (See Initial Inspections below)

2.4 Final pre-scenario weapon inspections of the battalions will be conducted in the presence of the division provost personnel prior to the division moving onto the field. (See Final Inspection below)

2.5 Prior to each scenario, battalion and company officers shall present their weapons for inspection to battalion ordnance or provost personnel.

2.6 Prior to each scenario, division staff officers shall present their weapons for inspection to division provost personnel.

2.7 Any weapon found to be defective or questionable for any reason must be failed. Such weapons will not be carried in any formation or activity until repairs are made and it has been re-inspected.

2.8 It is recommended that each company ordnance sergeant keep a list of his company's weapons. This list should include the owner's name, weapon description and serial number.

2.9 The provost marshal may, at anytime, request that an individual, company, battalion or regiment re-inspect their weapons.

Initial Inspection: Prior to leaving the bivouac area for the final pre-scenario inspection, company officers will insure that the following inspections are completed.

2.10. Canteens are filled

2.11 Cap boxes and cartridge boxes contain approved caps and cartridges in sufficient quantities for the impending scenario

2.12.Weapons will be checked for half-cock safety and proper lock function.

2.13 Bayonet scabbards must have metal tips and bayonets must fit securely on weapons.

2.14 Check for barrel obstructions with ramrods.

2.15 There will be no snapping of caps or firing by files in the camps.

Final Inspection: When the companies are formed in their battalions at the final staging area, battalion ordnance personnel or battalion officers will request the presence of division provost to observe the final inspection. With division provost personnel present, the battalion will be inspected using the following guidelines:

2.16 Check for barrel obstructions with ramrods

2.17 Snap caps at high elevation by company volley. Check for malfunctions

2.18 Individually snap caps with muzzles no more that two inches from the ground. No fixed bayonets during this phase of the inspection.

2.19. When individually snapping caps into the ground, have rear rank "about face." Clear area of anyone in front of and behind the company.

2.20. If the unit commander wishes or if weather conditions dictate, a firing by file with blank charges will be conducted.

During Scenarios

2.21 Once the division has completed the final inspection and has departed for the scenario, no one may enter the ranks of any unit without being inspected by battalion or division ordnance personnel.

2.22 Battalion and company ordnance personnel will be responsible dealing with non-functioning weapons during scenarios.

2.23. If a weapons misfires, the soldier will recap the weapon and fire again. If the weapon does not fire with a second percussion cap, the soldier will retire from the firing line and call on a file closer for assistance in clearing the weapon.

2.24 Each file closer will have a vent pick with his accouterments. At least one file closer in each battalion company will have a CO2 discharge tool.

WEAPONS AND ACCOUTREMENTS

Section 3: RIFLES, MUSKETS AND CARBINES

3.1 Only proper weapons of the period will be allowed. No Hawkins, Plains or modern weapons or ammunition are permitted.

3.2 All weapons will be functional, clean and free of barrel obstructions. Weapons will be inspected in the following manner:

3.3 The unit to be inspected will be formed up an in "open order". Bayonets are fixed and ramrods "sprung."

3.4 The inspect inspector will go to each file and, as he does so, the file member will present his weapon to the inspector.

3.5 The inspector will raise and lightly drop the ramrod, listening for the clear "PING" that shows the barrel is clear and clean.

3.6. The inspector will then check the bayonet-locking device (ring). If the bayonet is of the type that uses the front sight and the front sight is not present, the bayonet may not be used.

3.7 The stock will be checked for cracks.

3.8 The half-cock will be checked by applying pressure, equal to but not exceeding the weight of the weapon, to the trigger. The hammer will be checked for looseness and correct alignment over the nipple.

3.9 The nipple will be checked for deformity, cracks and stability.

3.10 The maximum load for .577 or 58 caliber weapon is 70 grains of ff / fff black powder. The maximum load for a .69 caliber or larger weapon is 80 grains of ff / fff black powder.

3.11 Weapons will be capped off to ensure they are clear.

3.12 At the commanding officer’s discretion, the ANV unit, including any non-ANV personnel taking the field with the ANV unit, will load and fire one cartridge by file. Personnel having misfires at anytime during the inspection will step out of ranks ten paces to the rear where ordnance personnel will clear the weapon, make take corrective action and have the soldier reload and fire one cartridge prior to rejoining the ranks. Any weapon that fails to operate safely will not be carried onto the field.

3.13 Breech-loading carbines will be inspected in the same manner as longarms except that, (a) with the action open, a visual check must be made of the interior of the barrel and a ramrod inserted into the barrel in its full length to the muzzle.

3.14 The max load for a carbine is 60 Grains ff / fff black powder.

4. PISTOLS

4.1 Officers are encouraged not to carry loaded pistols.

4.2 Pistols will only be carried by officers, NCOs, cavalry troopers, artillery officers and others at the battalion/regiment commander’s discretion.

4.3 No more than 2 pistols will be carried by a person unless that person is a cavalry trooper.

4.4 All pistols will be carried in a proper military holster with a flap capable of being fastened.

4.5 Pistols which are to be loaded for a scenario will be inspected in camp before the division forms up for battle.

4.6 The battalion ordnance inspector will ensure that all pistols and spare cylinders carried by personnel are inspected prior to their being loaded and carried into the field. Pistols will be inspected in the following manner:

4.7 Pistols will be not loaded. The cylinder will be removed from frame. The barrel will be removed if possible. These parts will be handed over to the inspector.

4.8 The cylinder will checked to make sure light can be seen through the nipples while looking through front of cylinder. Nipples will be checked for condition.

4.9 The barrel will be checked for obstructions by (a) looking down the barrel and using a piece of wooden dowel, which is placed in the barrel and allowed to go through the entire length of the barrel.

4.10 The pistol is now reassembled, the safety checked, and the action inspected for proper function.

4.11 Only mounted troops are allowed to carry spare cylinders. Spare loaded cylinders will be capped only after being installed on the frame of the pistol. Spare cylinders must be carried in a proper, period leather case and worn on the belt.

4.12 The maximum load for a pistol is 30 grains of fff black powder.

4.13 When loading pistols, personnel will load in pairs, each watching the other for errors.

4.14 No "wonder wads" will be allowed. Wading material such as cream of wheat or corn meal is recommended. The charge and wad shall be completely sealed to the top of the chamber with grease.

5. EDGED WEAPONS

5.1 Bayonets must have a working locking mechanism and be locked in place if bayonet is fixed. If the bayonet uses the front sight of the rifle, the sight must be there or the bayonet will not be fixed.

5.2 Bayonet blades must be totally covered with the tip covered in metal, or if of a Confederate type, it must have a wooden plug at bottom, and leather of the scabbard stitched all the way down.

5.3 Swords must be of proper period type and be in good serviceable condition. Leather sword scabbards must be totally covered with the tip covered in metal. Metal sword scabbards must be in a safe and serviceable condition. Persons carrying swords in battle should do a self-check of hilts to ensure they are good and tight.

5.4 Carrying large belt or sheath knives into battle is discouraged. If they are carried they must be tied into their scabbard. It will not be unsheathed at any time on the field.

6. ACCOUTREMENTS

6.1 Canteens will be of the proper type, constructed of wood, tin, or steel. No glass bottles, padded or not, slung or carried in the haversack is acceptable.

6.2 Canteens will be carried on the field, they will be full of water, and will be checked before leaving for the field.

6.3 Cartridge Boxes will be of the proper type. Cartridge box tins are strongly recommended by the Divisional Safety Officer. Most events require tins in boxes. At no time will caps or cartridges be carried in pockets, hands or held in the mouth.

6.4 Cap boxes must be of the proper type, with a flap that can be secured.

7. CARTRIDGES AND LOADS

7.1 No live rounds with projectiles are allowed at any time in camp or on the field.

7.2 Projectiles used for display in camps or for living history must separate from the cartridges. NEVER store projectiles in cartridge box.

7.3 Cartridges will be made of plain paper. No writing or lettering is allowed. No Penny wrappers or paper with staples will be accepted.

7.4 Wadding should not be used unless specifically required for that type of weapon.

7.5 Cartridges will be inspected for authenticity and size.

7.6 Wonder wads will NOT be used. See 4.8 for pistol loading information.

7.7 Small arms maximum loads: .577-.58 cal, 70 grains fff .69-.75 cal, 90 grains ff carbines, 60 grains fff Pistols, 30 grains fff

8. REPAIRS AND SERVICE

8.1 Any weapon that fails while on the field must be inspected by the Ordnance Sergeant before it is used again.

8.2 It is recommended that if a soldier buys a new part for a weapon, he should have his Ordnance Sergeant install or check the installation of the part, before the weapon is used.

9. SAFETY ON THE FIELD

9.1  Unless inconsistent with the ANV Age Limit Age Limit Bylaw, participants must be 16 years of age or older to carry any weapon, i.e., rifle, musket, carbine, pistol or edged weapon on the battlefield at battle re-enactments or living histories.

9.1a It is highly recommended that Battalions/Regiments having participants between the ages of 16 to 18 years of age have parental consent in writing and/or a parent present on the field in order to take part in events.

9.2 All weapons will be treated as loaded at all times.

9.3 Any weapon that is dropped on the ground must be cleared by the Ordnance Sergeant before the weapon goes back into the line.

9.4 Any soldier that has a misfire will immediately inform the Ordnance Sergeant who will retire 10 paces with the weapon and try to clear it. If the weapon cannot be cleared, it MUST not rejoin the formation or be used for the remainder of the battle.

9.5 Under no circumstances will weapons be grounded on the field after they have had their pre-battle inspection.

9.6 Two band rifles will be used at the discretion of the Battalion/Regiment commanders.

9.7 Cartridges will not be laid on the ground for “instant" use. Dropped cartridges will be inspected for debris before being used. Under no circumstances shall cartridges be held in the teeth except to tear the cartridge during loading.

9.8 Ramrods will not be drawn on the field by soldiers. The exceptions to this rule are the Ordnance Sergeants who can use the ramrod to prove a weapon clear after retiring 10 paces.

9.9 Percussion caps will NOT be carried in the teeth or held in the hand to speed up loading.

9.10 When loading on the field, proper loading procedures will be followed. Cartridge papers will not be loaded with exception of breach-loading weapons. Powder will be poured and paper discarded. The spent percussion cap is never removed before the powder is put in the barrel.

9.11 Six wing caps designed for modern in-line black power weapons will not be carried or used by ANV personnel. Any person found to have them in their cap pouch will immediately surrender them to the Ordnance Officer/Sergeant or leave the ranks.

9.12 Bayonets will not be fixed on the field except (a): To stack arms before battle or (b): After the battle and after weapons are cleared.

9.13 It is highly recommended that smoking in the ranks should not be permitted.

9.14 No person will simulate becoming a casualty with a loaded weapon.

9.15 When simulating becoming a casualty, the individual will not throw themselves backward without ascertaining if it is safe to do so.

9.16 All firearms including revolvers will be cleared on the field before returning to camp. Whenever possible the individual Battalions will form and clear as units.

9.17 No firing at troops at less than 25 feet. No direct aiming at troops within 40 feet.

9.18 At no time will mounted troops be fired upon at close range, and never shoot close to or directly at an animal.

9.19 There will be no hand-to-hand combat unless previously arraigned.

9.20 Tampions will not be carried onto the battlefield.

9.21 “Medic” is the word for a real emergency. At the call for “medic” only qualified medical personnel should respond. Upon hearing this call it should be repeated up and down the line.

10. ARTILLERY

10.1 Artillery will follow the safety guidelines as put out by the Chief of ARTILLERY.

10.2 At no time will troops fire their weapons within 25 ft of an Artillery piece or limber chest.

10.3 Troops will not move through Artillery positions without permission from the Battery Commander.

10.4 Approach all Artillery positions with caution. Watch for signals warning of a misfire or a loaded piece. The signal for a loaded artillery piece is sponge rammer on the hub of the wheel. The signal for a gun that is loaded and misfired is implements crossed on the barrel.

10.5 It is necessary that all Officers and NCOs are aware of what the different Artillery signals mean. and can act on this knowledge.

10.6 No one will touch an Artillery Piece without the permission of the crew.

10.7 No smoking within 25 ft of an Artillery position.

11 CAVALRY

11.1  The ANV cavalry will follow the safety guidelines as put out by the Chief of Cavalry. Inconsistencies between these regulations and those of the Chief of Cavalry shall be brought by him to the attention of the ANV Provost Marshal.

11.2  At no time will there be any mounted cavalry saber charge against any infantry or dismounted soldier on the ground unless it is a pre-planned scenario by all individuals   involved.

12 SAFETY IN CAMP

12.1 Campfires shall not be left unattended.

12.2 A container of water will be positioned close by each fire pit.

12.3 No one will ride or lead a horse into the Company streets except the Staff row of Infantry or Artillery camps, Civilian camps or Sutler areas.

12.4 Pets are allowed if they are permitted by Event Regulations and are controllable.

12.5 Fireworks of any type are prohibited.