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Today's
Regiment
History of the
Recreated Regiment
The
idea of the Fourth Legionary Corps
began in 1992, by two men who were veterans of the Bicentennial.
Shortly after, an opportunity arose to form a new Revolutionary War
living history organization based on high authenticity standards and a
deep respect to those men who originally served in the regiment from
1781-1783.
For
two years, extensive primary
research was done to assure the highest degree of authenticity,
suppliers of uniforms and equipment were established, and an
organizational framework was agreed upon. The goal was to put one troop
of twenty-five men of both mounted cavalrymen and attached light
infantry into the field. In the fall of 1994, the regiment was
officially launched and recruiting began. Today the Fourth Legionary Corps has
over thirty-five uniformed troops serving in its ranks, along with
attached support elements of waggoners, bowmen, and campfollowers.
Organization:
The Fourth Dragoons is a 501C3
non-profit organization chartered in the state of New Jersey. It is
governed the same way as the original troop was, with a Command Staff
of officers and NCOs who make decisions in accordance with the By-Laws,
and based on historical accuracy.
Meetings
& Communications:
The troop meets officially at an
Annual Meeting on a predetermined Saturday in January. This covers all
details of running the troop, such as finances, events, authenticity
and training issues and an overall general discussion on how the troop
operates. There are at least two Officer and NCO Meetings every year in
the summer and the winter, which includes representatives from the
privates.
Information is communicated to the
entire regiment through the publication of a troop newsletter called
"The Trumpet", which is published about once a month and can be
received either through e-mail or in a paper format. Event information,
historical articles and general announcements are found in the
newsletter. Periodic updates and flash announcements are conveyed to
the membership through an email system, phone tree and at the events.
Safety
& Training:
Part of doing Revolutionary War
living history, is recreating battles of the era. There are common
rules all the participants must know so as to do this in a safe, and
organized way. It is the responsibility of the organization to train
all our members in safety, how to load and fire black powder weapons,
learning the drill manual, and becoming a proper soldier of the period.
This is accomplished at several formalized training sessions that all
new members are required to attend, and veteran members do as a
refresher.
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