Hesse-Kassel Jäger Korps
Regulations
Purpose:
The purpose of this Document is to set Policy's and Procedures for the Korps. These will be the Guidelines that the Korps will use in its activities. This to include its participation in Events, Demonstrations , Parades or anything else that the Korps commits itself to do. All members will abide by this Document whenever they participate in any activity where they Represent the Korps , or use Korps Equipment or Resources.
-All new members will receive a copy of these Policies and Procedures. They will then sign a statement that they have received this document and that statement will be filled with the Secretary.
Adoption:
A-1-0.This Document will be accepted by the Membership by vote of at least 75% in Favor. This Document will take effect upon vote of the membership. A-1.1.Thereafter this Document may be amended at any Regular Meeting with a simple Majority of those present .
Sections:
1-1 -Uniform Standards
1-2 -Militia Uniform Standards
1-3 - Tentage & Camp Setup
2-1 -Safety
a. Black Powder
b. Cartridges
c. Misfires
d. Safety Inspection
e. Weapons Maintenance
f. Weapons usage
g. Battle & Demonstration Procedures
2-2 -Edged Weapon Safety
2-3 -Camp Safety
3-1 -Application
4-1 -Camp Appearance
5-1 -Other
1-1 UNIFORM STANDARDS
The following uniform list is what is needed to participate. One does not need everything, for example if one has Cloth Breechs one does not have to have Woolen Breechs. Each New Recruit will be expected to outfit themselves with the following within a year. Extra time may be given upon approval of the Board of Directors.
a) Primary uniform requirements:
I. One hat either Proper Jäger Hat(Tricorne) or Hunting Hat.
II. One proper Shirt. Of Drop sleeve design or other appropriate design that a soldier could have aquired.
III. One proper pair of Pants or Knee Britches. These should be either white ,green, buff or other color approved by the membership.
IV. Proper Hose and Gaiters. The Gaiters should be of the over the knee design.
V. Cartridge Box of proper design. This box should be of brown leather, and be carried as a belly box. A shoulder box can be obtained at a later time
VI. One neck Stock :Made of velvet or linen material. Leather Neck stocks are not appropriate for our impression.
VII. One Regimental Coat of proper quality and design.
IX. One proper pair of shoes.
b)Uniform Standards
I. Cocked hat - Of proper Military Design as research on this is confused Green or Black Cockades are allowed. This hat should be of proper Jäger design.
II. Hunting Hat- this hat will be a regular round hat with the Back Pinned up. These hats are based on the fact that the front of the Regular hat being hooked up so that it could be let down in the front. This hat may be used until the proper Cocked Hat can be obtained.
III. Eye wear- Period eye wear or contacts if needed. A member may wear modern eye wear if needed until period eye wear or contacts are aquired.
IV. Shoes- Period shoes or Leather Boots for the Lieutenant ,Feldweble and Korporal.
V. Gaiters- Brown leathern gaiters. Or Black Cloth gaiters. All Gaiters should come well above the knees.
VI. Shirts- Period shirt or other period correct color shirt. As in 1-1 II.
VII. Weskit- White or Green weskit of Linen or Wool material.
VIII. Regimental Coat- Regimental Coat, of proper wool in color and quality. The Body of the Coat should be made of Forest Green, faced and cuffed Red. The buttons on the facing will be six per side in pairs. There will be three buttons on each pocket. Each Pocket will be a false pocket. Each cuff will have three buttons on each. The Buttons will be made of pewter.
-The Officers Coat will be different in the collar, the Collar will be the same red as the facings. And will have a silver aiguillette hanging from the right shoulder.
- The Feldweble will have a yellow wool strip on the edge of the collar and the top edge of the cuffs.
-The Korporal will follow the pattern of the Feldweble except the tape will be white.
IX Pants or Britches- White linen/duck cloth breeches, Green Woolen breeches . Also Gaiter Pants are allowed made of white with red lines Pillow ticking.
X. Tournister- Cowhide haversack. (Tournister)
XI. Neck Stock- Fabric neck stock. Black or white in color. As in 1-1 VI.
XII. Weapon- Jägerbüsche (German style Hunting Rifle.) Brown Bess short land pattern or approved substitute such as a French Charleville or Pennsylvania Long Rifle may be used until a Jäger rifle may be acquired.
XIII. Edged Weapon- Hirshfanger (straight blade) or Cuttoe(curved blade) (sword and scabbard). Also proper 18 Century knives may be carried.
XIV. Cartridge Box- Belly Cartridge box, belts. Another appropriate cartridge box may be carried for extra Cartridge carry.
Refer to 1-1 V.
XV. Canteen- Kidney shaped British(Half Moon European style) or Hessian Canteen. A modern British Canteen may be used as long as a cover is put over it. Also a wooden canteen may be carried.
XVI. Miscellaneous- Cleaning kit, bedding, mess gear. Double Knapsack of Green or Natural color.
XVII. Non-Standard Equipment- Other equipment that could reasonably be gotten by a soldier in the Field. An example would be an American design Haversack. This item could easily be picked up from someone in the field whom no longer needed. If there is an objection brought by a member then the membership will vote after it hears a members Historical Proof or reasoning. The use of the item will be discontinued until the vote is taken
XVII. Women- Women will acquire clothing appropriate to their portrayal (necessary woman, camp follower, etc)
Women may portray a Jäger as long as she can pass for a Hessian Male at 50 feet. She will be expected to follow all uniform standards that apply to all members.
1-2 MILITIA UNIFORM STANDARDS
- There are many events that we participate in that are Militia only. To this end we recognize that we must adapt.
- We will portray a Loyalist Militia.
- To this end we recognize that the clothing of Militia was wide and varied in its scope.
- Members may also outfit themselves in clothing that is period correct and that shows the wide variety of the Loyalist Movement.
- Members should also recognize the fact that some sights do not allow such things as Breach cloths even they are correct. In those case the membership will comply with the Sight regulations.
- Members may also simply portray Militia by not wearing their Regimental Coat.
- Members that attend Militia events only may use these standards only. All other Rules and Regulations apply.
1-3 TENTAGE
a. The Tentage of the Korps will be the responsibility of the individual members. (Modified 13 March 1999)
b. The Preferred tent of the Korps shall be the French 1750 pattern as sold by Panther Primitive as of 1996. The tents will be modified by painting Hunter green Stripes on all of the seams of the tent. A Green Scallop may also be added and painted green. (Modified 13 March 1999)
c. Distaff may acquire any appropriate 18th Century Military style tent and make the same color modifications as a regular Korps tent. (Modified 13 March 1999)
d. Any new member that has an appropriate 18th Century Military Style Tent may use such tent until it wears out. Then an approved Korps tent must be aquired. (Modified 13 March 1999)
e. Tents will be arranged largest to smallest with the Commanders tent at the head of the line. This will be superseded if site requirements or rules require.
f. Any nonstandard tent may no exceed 70 square feet not including a bell. The French 1750 is 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches long without the bell this equals 64 square feet. Each Non-Standard Tent will be voted on by a case by case basis for suitability (Modified 13 March 1999)
2-1 SAFETY
Safety is everyone's responsibility and must be taken seriously . Horseplay will not be tolerated.
a. Black Powder
2-1a.1- Black Powder will be the only powder the Korps will use.
2-1a.2- Any Substitute Powder type that may come as a result of future developments will have to be approved by the membership.
2-1a.3- Powder will be stored in a proper manner. This will be in a container that is non-sparking and closed on all sides. It will be stored inside of a tent at events at all times. This will be the tent that is the furthest from any open fire or flame.
2-1a.4- Keep open flames away from powder.
2-1a.5- Cartridges will be stored in sealing plastic bags.
2-1a.6- Powder will be issued from that tent prior to the Battle or Demonstration that the unit is going to be involved in.
2-1a.7- If it is a two or more day event all unused Cartridges will be returned to storage until the next day.
2-1a.8- At the end of the event members may keep no more then ten Cartridges that they may need to do demonstrations on a local level.
2-1a.9- Within one week of each event the keeper(s) of the powder supply will report to the President and Commander how many cartridges and loose powder is left on hand.
2-1a.10- When the Loose Powder supply goes below Ten Pounds on Hand or less then a two event supply the Treasurer will get prices from three sources for powder. He will report the prices to the other members of the Board and if the purchase has already been approved by the membership the Board will order the Treasurer to order the appropriate amount of powder. At that time the Treasurer will order and pay for with unit funds for the powder. The powder will be shipped to the keeper of the Powder or other appropriate location.
2-1a.11- The Keeper(s) of the powder will report the arrival of the powder and its condition to the President.
2-1a.12- The Keeper of the Powder will be the Quartermaster and anyone whom is designated by the Quartermaster. Powder and Cartridges will be stored in two or more places if at all possible. This will guarantee that powder will be accessible when needed.
b. Cartridges:
2-1b.1- The unit will use paper cartridges for all Battles or Demonstrations. Loading from Powder Horns or other direct means will not be allowed.
2-1b.2- Loading from Powder Horns or other containers will be allowed only at Live Fire Demonstrations. The powder will be poured into an appropriate Powder Measure and then poured into the Barrel of the weapon.
2-1b.3- Priming Horns carrying 4f powder will be allowed for priming only if the event or Demonstration allows there use.
2-1b.4- Cartridges will be made of Paper rolled as per period correct design. The bottom will be crimped and then sealed with wax. The top end will be rolled and then glued shut.
2-1b.5- Pre-rolled Cartridge Paper of proper quality are allowed , if they meet the above standard.
2-1b.6- Powder loads-
-Musket : .69 to .80 caliber =110 grains of Powder , 10 grains for priming the rest in the barrel of the weapon.
- Rifle : .60 to .70 Caliber =65 grains of powder , 5 grains for loading ,60 grains down the barrel of the weapon.
For other sizes of barrels not covered the owner of the weapon will work up a load that does not make a cracking sound when it goes off. They will then demonstrate this to a member of the Board and the Commander for approval. Once approved the load will be registered in this regulation and will be used in all other weapons of this size and type.
2-1b.7- If the unit uses Cartridges from a source other then the unit they must be inspected and approved by the Field Commander. They must meet unit standards.
2-1b.8- If a member drops Cartridges it is his/her responsibility to pick them up and secure them.
2-1b.9- Cartridges will be carried in a properly designed cartridge box within a wooded loading block.
They may be carried in a sealing plastic bag in a haversack as spare cartridges.
c. Misfires
2-1c.1- When a weapon misfires the owner will clear the touch hole with an appropriate toll. He will either reprime with a priming horn or a small amount of powder from a Cartridge. The unused powder from this Cartridge will be dumped on the ground in a safe manner.
2-1c.2- If after this procedure the weapon will still not fire then the owner will step away from the Battle to a safe location and clear his weapon. This will be done by dumping all the powder out of the barrel of the weapon Clearing and clean his priming pan , clear the touch hole and check his Flint. Once this is done then he may return to the line.
2-1c.3- If this situation occurs again or if the weapon cannot be returned to service safely then the owner will either drop out of the engagement or demonstration or will take casualty depending on the tactical situation. This will be decided by the Field Commander or the closest NCO. This may also be covered in the Pre-Battle (Demonstration Briefing).
d. Safety Inspection
2-1d.1- Prior to the Battle or Demonstration the Field Commander or the Senior NCO will inspect all weapons to be used. Unit standards will be used at all times , if the site has stricter standards then each weapon will meet unit and Site standards.
2-1d.2- The following things will be checked.
I. The Barrel will be checked for obstructions by taking a metal ramrod and dropping it gently down the barrel of the weapon. There should be a metal to metal sound. If this is does not happen the reason for this will be found and corrected. Weapons that have barrels with old powder residue will not be allowed on the field.
II. Lock , will be checked for function. The Lock must have all of it screws properly attached. The Flint will be secured and wrapped in either leather or lead around the rear section that is in the jaws of the Cock. The weapon must have a flint that is of proper size for the size of the lock. Any weapon where the lock does not fit properly or function properly will not be allowed on the field. Also all lock will have a Proper Flash Guard properly attached.
III. Trigger, the trigger will be checked by the weapon being set on half-cock and the weapon will be hung upside down by one finger to check that the half-cock is secure. If this does not work the weapon will not be allowed on the field.
IV. The weapon then will then be visually inspected for any problems. If the weapon has any unsafe situations then it will not be allowed on the field.
V. Any weapon that is unsafe may be carried on the field , but not fired. The owner will either take causality
VI. This procedure will be done at least once a day at all events.
VII. The inspectors weapon will be inspected by the next senior member.
e. Weapon Maintenance
2-1e.1- All weapons will be cleaned after Battle or Demonstration. If this is the Day before another use it will be cleaned before another use. If the use is the last before another event it may be cleaned at the owners discretion.
2-1e.2- All members will be encouraged to keep their weapons clean and functional at all times.
f. Weapons usage
2-1f.1- Weapons may only be discharged in Battle or at Demonstrations. They may be discharged in a safe location if the sight allows. This will be done only to test the weapon , and should be done only after the Field Commanders permission is obtained. The firing for testing will be announced by loudly yelling "Fire in the Hole," waiting 5 seconds and then firing.
2-1f.2- No one except unit members may fire weapons. Under no circumstances will Public be allowed to fire weapons. Staff of a sight may fire the weapons under the supervision of the owner with permission of the Field Commander.
2-1f.3- The public will never be allowed to hold a weapon. They may hold the weapon with the owner holding the sling to maintain control of the weapon. Under no circumstances will children under 18 years of age be allowed to handle weapon in any way.
2-1f.4- Children of at least age 16 may use a weapon in the line as long as their Parent or Guardian is present and supervises them. The Parent or Guardian will be the responsible party at all times. The Child under age 18 will not be allowed to handle a weapon except during Battles or Demonstrations or during the process of getting ready for Battles or Demonstrations.
2-1f.5- Members of other units of at least 18 years of age may handle weapons with owners permission and with the owner present. The owner is responsible for their actions.
g. Battle & Demonstration Procedures
2-1g.1- The unit will always follow Sight Rules and Regulations pertaining to Battles and Demonstrations. If Korps Rules are stricter we will follow Korps rules.
2-1g.2- Weapons will always be handled in a safe manner.
2-1g.3- Weapons inspection will be done before all Battles and Demonstrations.
2-1g.4- All other Policies and Procedures will be followed.
2-1g.5- When discharging weapons at an opposing force the weapon will never be aimed at opposing individuals or groups. A good rule of thump is that when you are ready to fire you should see no part of the opposing force over your sights.
2-1g.6- Weapons Misfires should be handled per policy.
2-1g.7- Water must be carried by each Jäger into a Battle. This will be checked by the Field Commander or any NCO he designates. Canteen that will be carried by each member during a tactical demonstration. If a member does not have a canteen they will be paired with a member that those.
2-1g.8- Each Jäger should carry a spare Flint , brush and pick, and proper screwdriver to change out flint.
2-2 Edged Weapon Safety
This regulation will cover Swords ,Sabers, Bayonets ,Tomahawks, and anything else edged that can be considered and 18th Century edged weapons. This section is for the purpose of the safe use of edged weapons and the safety of the Korps.
2-2.1-Members may carry any edged weapon that is correct for our portrayal, they must be used in a safe manner . The Korps will also follow all local and sight regulations. One must remember that certain States and localities have laws pertaining to edged weapon.
2-2.2- A Bayonet will only be fitted on a weapon when the calls for it. scenario calls for and is approved by the Site Coordinator and the Field Commander. Bayonets will never be used in opposing force demonstrations.
2-2.3- Bayonets may also be fixed during a demonstration for the public. In which case it will be pointed in safe direction. The members Scabbard must have a scabbard that fits said Bayonet in order to carry it on the field.
2-2.4- No Knife or other edged weapon will be drawn during a Battle . Except for the Commander as part of his portrayal of a Hessian Officer.
2-2.5- No Knife or other edged weapon can be handled by the public. They may be shown to the public as long as they are in the control of the member.
2-2.6- Members of other units may handle a members edged weapon but the member is responsible for its control.
2-2.7- Any Ax used for cutting wood must be used away from the public and the camp and pointed in a direction so that if the head of the comes off it will fly in a safe direction. Make sure that you have enough room so as not to hit an object or person while swinging the ax.
2-2.8- Throwing Tomahawks , knives or other edged weapons will not be thrown in camp. This may only be done in an area designated by the sight, that is safe and designed for that purpose.
2-2.9- All knives & Swords must be carried in a proper and secure sheath.
2-3 CAMP SAFETY
This section is a basic outline of what we should do to keep a safe and pleasant camp.
2-3.1- Behavior that may be dangerous to persons or property will not be allowed. Anyone engaged in this may be disciplined .
2-3.2- Sexual Harassment is a serious problem that can open all of us to legal Problems. The Policy of the Korps will allow no unwanted sexual advances. No means no.
2-3.3- Bawdy Language, we realize that this part of our portrayal. But remember that there are people whom do not approve of this. When such people are around please be considerate.
2-3.4- Children are the responsibility of their parents. Parents should know where there Children are and what they are doing . It is not the responsibility of other members to keep up with Children.
2-3.5- The fire must be watched by a member. The last member to retire should bank the fire before he or she goes to bed. In high wind the fire should be dosed.
2-3.6-A Bucket of Water will be kept by the fire at all times. This will be the emergency fire bucket and should be used only for that.
2-3.7- No open flames may be taken into a tent that uses hay or straw for a floor. This presents to high of a fire hazard.
Only fully enclosed lanterns will be allowed inside of tents.
2-3.8- Make sure that you secure your weapons and edged weapons we do not want them to fall in to the wrong hands.
2-3.9-Any member with a Medical Condition that could be a problem should inform the Commander as soon as that member arrives at an event or meeting.
2-3.10- Sponsoring adults are responsible for any minors (below 18 years of age.) And guests brought to any Korps function. This responsibility includes but is not limited to the minor's/guest safety and proper conduct. Their correct 18th Century Dress and comportment.
3-1 Application
3-1.1- All prospective members once they have asked to be considered for membership into the Korps will be given an application. The Application will be kept on file by the Secretary of the Korps.
3-1.2-The Application and its content will be approved by the Board. And will be reviewed periodically.
3-1.3- The Application will include basic personal information and health information needed in case of emergency .
3-1.4- All applications will be only available for Official Korps use. They may not be seen by anyone without permission of the person involved or the Boards of Directors.
3-1.5- The Board of Directors have the duty to review all applications.
3-1.6- Lying on an application will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the Korps. Any time that a lie is found on an application the Board will review the situation and report to the membership. The offense will be handled as Article I ,Section 9 of the Korps Bylaws require.
4-1 Camp Appearance
The unit will do everything that it can reasonably do to make the camp appear as it would during the period that we portray. The following rules are guidelines that we should try to follow, we should remember that good sense and safety should always be used in applying these rules.
4-1.1-We should make sure that non period items are out of sight when the public is around. We should try to keep modern items hidden at all times.
4-1.2- Members should keep their tent doors tied shut if there are modern items visible in the tent.
4-1.3-All Guests are the responsibility of their sponsoring member. All Guests will be expected to conform to all Korps rules and regulations and be in period clothing .
4-1-4- Members and their guests will stay in costume until after the public leaves at the end of the day. They will also refrain from attending after hours activities in non period clothing.
5-1 Other
5-1.1-It should be remembered that these rules should be used and applied using common sense . We should also remember safety that is everyone's responsibility. And also we should remember the reason why we exist to teach.