The 79th has a small store of uniforms and equipment available for the new recruit to use. The sergeant will outfit you with the necessary uniform items, and the corporal will supply you with your field kit. These items must be returned to the sergeant at the end of the day.
Training:
The sergeant or the corporal will drill you before formation in the manual of arms, how to load, and basic marching. After training, you must read over the ACWA safety rules and take a small test. You may not be allowed on the battle field unless you have taken and passed this safety test.
On the Battle Field:
You will be assigned a veteran soldier who will keep an eye on you during the battle; explaining moves and giving hints. If you are in doubt as to what to do when a command is issued, always follow the person in front of you. When firing on the battlefield, always be sure of what is in front, and to either side of you. Don't fire if the unit next to you is about to advance, wait until you are all in a straight line. If there are wounded in front of you, either wait until they are retrieved or aim high in the air.
Dying:
As a rule, both sides, confederate and union, complain about the other side not taking enough hits. This is true, as no one really wants to take a hit early in the battle. The trick is to die early and die often. Death and wounds should be loud and noisy. You are getting hit with a .58 caliber ball, and those things pack a whallup. Don't slump lifeless to the ground, don’t fall forwards on your face, if you are wounded, don't just sit and moan softly, let your voice be heard! Let the audience think "wow, that guy must REALLY be hurting!" It's your one chance in the spotlight, put on a good performance! When you are ready to die, first make sure that your weapon is unloaded. If necessary, dump the powder on the ground and grind it into the dirt with the toe of your boot. Then, grasp the muzzle of your rifle in one hand, check behind you to be sure of the ground, and take a flying, screaming leap backwards. Never let go of your weapon unless you are not going to pick it up again. If the muzzle of your rifle hits the dirt, it could pick up a stone or a piece of something. This rifle is now potentially loaded with a projectile, and must be properly cleaned before you use it again.
After the Battle:
After the battle the brigade forms in review for the crowd. Some civilians and nurses will come through the ranks offering water and pickles. Why pickles? It's a dehydration test: if the pickles taste sweet, then you are dehydrated. When the unit is dismissed, remove your kit as soon as possible and start guzzling water. The commissary usually has a store of bottled water if you run out.
Cleaning your Rifle:
Shortly after the end of the second battle, the sergeant will call for the unit to fall in. Form up without your kit, but do carry your rifle. Make sure the hammer is uncocked, and that there is a cap in the nipple. Hold the rifle by the sling with the barrel angling outwards. The sergeant will then go down the ranks and poor hot water down the muzzle of each gun. Let the water sit for a few seconds, and then bring the hammer to half cock, releasing the water. The sergeant will go down the ranks again and poor hot water a second time, which should be allowed to run out the nipple unobstructed. The sergeant will then direct the unit to where cleaning patches have been set up. The ramrod of the Enfield rifles has slot cut into it allowing patches to be threaded through. Those armed with Springfield rifles will have to borrow someone else’s ramrod. Run the patches down the barrel, changing them frequently, until the patch come out clean. The rifle will now pass inspection.