OK-- Just do it.

[Tom Arliskas]

Alright, no posts for 30 days on uniforms. A very sticky subject with a lot of N-SSA members. That the N-SSA is a Shooting Organization and not Re-enactment. I get it. But-- from a Historical perspective it is a FACT that Military Uniforms were worn by both sides during the WAR. When they did not have them they wore shoulder devices or wrapped pieces of cloth around their hats or sleeves. TRUE! I have that research. The identification and dedication of an N-SSA team to a particular Northern or Southern Regiment or Company I remember was done with a lot of pride and many had ancestors who fought in these Regiments-- FACT. I agree totally to preserving those Uniforms and Regulations first printed out from the 60's, 70's and 80's that were reviewed and accepted as the Uniform to be worn in National and Local Competitions. I was on the Uniform Committee-- I read them and made comments-- that was my job. Now as we grow older a lot of us cannot take the heavy wool or jeans cloth in hot weather. We have substituted a Straw Hat for our Hardee's hats or caps. We have gotten rid of the Brogans of CW fame and wear our most comfortable shoes-- some even went barefoot. We wear light weight pants and have gotten rid of our kersey wool trousers or gray wool or jeans cloth trousers. I know it and support it for our health and well being. No one wants to see a fellow skirmisher get sick with the heat or sun... or just stop shooting all together for that reason. The Skirmish Director can call out in hot weather to dispense with wool and go with shorts, light weight trousers, light weight shirts and straw hats!! We have done it.
What I am proposing here--- we all have our Official Uniform Regulations or Descriptions in our By-Laws that are kept by the N-SSA as part of your application for membership. I propose that a second new set of Regulations are submitted for our members with health and age issues. That a new summer weight uniform be submitted or that in inclement weather your team or team member can shoot in clothing that is comfortable and necessary for the individuals safety. I am NOT saying we do away with uniforms-- NEVER!-- I am saying that a team can get into trouble-- if they show up on the line wearing a uniform totally different from what the stood inspection in in the past. That has not happened yet!!! But it can!! and would be totally sanctioned under our By-Laws. What say you?

[RaiderANV]

We already have ?exceptions? for inclement weather and the skirmish director at any skirmish has the authority to declare it in effect usually for a lot of rain or really cold weather. I was at one skirmish where it was declared for the extreme heat and some folks shot in shorts and t-shirts. This was many many moons ago. Confederate units have way more play then Union units when it comes to uniform pieces.

[Muley Gil]

Considering that we can all shoot in shirt sleeves and so many "Texaco Rangers" are already wearing Dickie trousers with a sown-on stripe, I see no need to change the rules.

[Ron The Old Reb]

​I remember one team shooting in togas. You can't get more original than that.

[Tom Arliskas]

We already have ?exceptions? for inclement weather and the skirmish director at any skirmish has the authority to declare it in effect usually for a lot of rain or really cold weather. I was at one skirmish where it was declared for the extreme heat and some folks shot in shorts and t-shirts. This was many many moons ago. Confederate units have way more play then Union units when it comes to uniform pieces.

We do have exceptions-- For inclement weather or ground conditions--water and mud--- I know-- but to have it in writing?

[Tom Arliskas]

Considering that we can all shoot in shirt sleeves and so many "Texaco Rangers" are already wearing Dickie trousers with a sown-on stripe, I see no need to change the rules.

Not changing the Rules-- Adding to the Rules-- we had a skirmisher who did not want to wear shoes at all-- maybe some day someone will not want to wear a hat... slim but maybe-- wear a hankee or ball cap instead. If we have it in the Rules what and what not one cap wear than you will be blind sided by someone showing up in TOGAS! as below. Yes some Northern units wear frocks and kersey wool pants--- when you get in your 70's that is a hot uniform and technically, by the Rules, they are out of uniform. If we continue to ignore our Official Uniform Rules, not being enforced at all--- We can see a reduction of uniforms being worn-- blue jeans and gym shoes substituted.

[CAGerringer]

We do have exceptions-- For inclement weather or ground conditions--water and mud--- I know-- but to have it in writing?

You know Tom, sometimes its better not to have things in writing. In my experience, it tends to remove any leeway that was built into the rules. There's no one that's going to "write up" an aging Yankee Skirmisher from wearing Sky Blue cotton trousers instead of wool because he/she can't handle the heat.
Unless, of course, something changes and someone starts 'tweeking' the rules. Just something to consider.
Respectfully,
Charlie Gerringer
Old Dominion Dragoons

[Tom Arliskas]

You know Tom, sometimes its better not to have things in writing. In my experience, it tends to remove any leeway that was built into the rules. There's no one that's going to "write up" an aging Yankee Skirmisher from wearing Sky Blue cotton trousers instead of wool because he/she can't handle the heat.
Unless, of course, something changes and someone starts 'tweeking' the rules. Just something to consider.
Respectfully,
Charlie Gerringer
Old Dominion Dragoons

Tweeking the Rules-- Now that happens all the time-- for a number of reasons-- some forgot their kit-- some did not know-- some just said the Hell with it-- and some do not care. That is human nature. The whole matter is simple in terms of writing new Regulations due to heat or inclement weather... Just give the names of team members who require special needs-- They can have a new card or something to show that they have some kind of condition or health issue. Yes, of course a Skirmish Director does have the authority to call on weather conditions and uniforms... but what to wear and when... It is not rocket science-- but it is necessary today.

[Will Ganz]

Just joined in August. Heck, didn't know that the N-SSA existed until I went by Back Creek to pick up some powder on my post retirement 'walk about' in the first part of August. Now a blue card member of the 14th Mississippi:cool:.

From past experiences in life, having to have a multiplicity of rules shows that the problem isn't with the rules but the way applied to the ruled. Given that I've participated at Nationals and one other match, here is what I got. Got the 2 blue checked shirts, wool pants, suspenders, sack coat, kepi(got the slouch hat with the '14' numbers in the proverbial mail), and Zouave + PH musketoon + 1858 revolver. Point being is that a decent uniform isn't an insurmountable obstacle.

The issue is with the Skirmishers. Am an RN and have worked Baylor ER among other places. Can tell you that heat is a nasty thing to deal with for such a susceptible population as the typical N-SSA skirmisher. It is my opinion that the current flexibility built into the rules and concern from comradery among us is a 'good thing'; and no one is going to tolerate such strict rules that put fellow skirmishers at risk. I've hung up my stethoscope and have zero desire to run yet another code to keep someone alive. But we're a fairly conservative group and won't allow florescent Hawaiian print shirts on the line unless someone shows up with documentation that such was period correct. We're grown adults and know the difference between right and wrong. All want the N-SSA to grow and stay true to its roots.

My conclusion is to leave the rules alone and let leadership at matches make the on-the-spot call to keep skirmishers safe plus coloring inside the lines on proper attire.

[K. Herrick]

A game without rules, is not a game, it is a "free for all".

My thoughts,

Kevin

[CAGerringer]

Tweeking the Rules-- Now that happens all the time-- for a number of reasons-- some forgot their kit-- some did not know-- some just said the Hell with it-- and some do not care. That is human nature. The whole matter is simple in terms of writing new Regulations due to heat or inclement weather... Just give the names of team members who require special needs-- They can have a new card or something to show that they have some kind of condition or health issue. Yes, of course a Skirmish Director does have the authority to call on weather conditions and uniforms... but what to wear and when... It is not rocket science-- but it is necessary today.


Do you know what this reminds me of? When I was a Junior Officer Naval Aviator, an Air force Officer explained to me the difference between the Air Force rules and Navy rules. He said that anything that is not approved for the Air Force, is prohibited. Where as anything that is not prohibited for the Navy, is approved. That difference is what gives the Navy the permission to perform a multitude of missions that the Air Force was not able to do.
The same concept applies to the N-SSA. Why do we need rules to explain what we can do, when the rules that we have already allow us the leeway to deal with individuals who need special consideration? Why insist that we collect names of people that find out short notice that they can't deal with heat/cold/wet/dry/whatever. Why cant we depend on our elected leaders to deal with these individual problems with the ability to know the problems personably and individually. Is this not a better way to deal with our members as individuals, with their individual problems?
Respectfully,
Charlie Gerringer
Old Dominion Dragoons

[Tom Arliskas]

Just joined in August. Heck, didn't know that the N-SSA existed until I went by Back Creek to pick up some powder on my post retirement 'walk about' in the first part of August. Now a blue card member of the 14th Mississippi:cool:.

From past experiences in life, having to have a multiplicity of rules shows that the problem isn't with the rules but the way applied to the ruled. Given that I've participated at Nationals and one other match, here is what I got. Got the 2 blue checked shirts, wool pants, suspenders, sack coat, kepi(got the slouch hat with the '14' numbers in the proverbial mail), and Zouave + PH musketoon + 1858 revolver. Point being is that a decent uniform isn't an insurmountable obstacle.

The issue is with the Skirmishers. Am an RN and have worked Baylor ER among other places. Can tell you that heat is a nasty thing to deal with for such a susceptible population as the typical N-SSA skirmisher. It is my opinion that the current flexibility built into the rules and concern from comradery among us is a 'good thing'; and no one is going to tolerate such strict rules that put fellow skirmishers at risk. I've hung up my stethoscope and have zero desire to run yet another code to keep someone alive. But we're a fairly conservative group and won't allow florescent Hawaiian print shirts on the line unless someone shows up with documentation that such was period correct. We're grown adults and know the difference between right and wrong. All want the N-SSA to grow and stay true to its roots.

My conclusion is to leave the rules alone and let leadership at matches make the on-the-spot call to keep skirmishers safe plus coloring inside the lines on proper attire.

I agree with your conclusions about a GOOD THING-- That is the concern-- but to make up Rules on the spot is fine if you have a good Skirmish Director and someone with the ability to come to some conclusion that is acceptable to the Organization and the Skirmishers... You might have someone who says "Fine you do not have to wear any CW stuff at all because its hot or raining or whatever"? That has happened... We can do both-- Have some good guidelines-- and good Rules also...

[Tom Arliskas]

Do you know what this reminds me of? When I was a Junior Officer Naval Aviator, an Air force Officer explained to me the difference between the Air Force rules and Navy rules. He said that anything that is not approved for the Air Force, is prohibited. Where as anything that is not prohibited for the Navy, is approved. That difference is what gives the Navy the permission to perform a multitude of missions that the Air Force was not able to do.
The same concept applies to the N-SSA. Why do we need rules to explain what we can do, when the rules that we have already allow us the leeway to deal with individuals who need special consideration? Why insist that we collect names of people that find out short notice that they can't deal with heat/cold/wet/dry/whatever. Why cant we depend on our elected leaders to deal with these individual problems with the ability to know the problems personably and individually. Is this not a better way to deal with our members as individuals, with their individual problems?
Respectfully,
Charlie Gerringer
Old Dominion Dragoons

Hey-- You are correct--- I am not being obtuse here--- yes, you are correct--- BUT! We have had a number of older members drop out because they cannot take the heat or the 100 yard walk to the frames--- TRUTH-- and no one knows what happened to so-and-so until one day they show up and they tell us-- "Boys, cannot take the Heat anymore period or wear those heavy wool uniforms so I quit-" Or "My feet, cannot walk far"-- I am also smart enough to see that some just cannot skirmish anymore and that is a crying shame and really sad-- But-- we must come up with solutions to enable those who still can with a little help continue to shoot.-- It is not Rocket science to talk to someone and tell them if you cannot take any heat-- "What do you need from us?"

[Harry Gaul]

I switched teams from a Union Infantry unit to a Union Marine unit. I just dropped $205 dollars on a new frock coat with a new Kepi to be ordered and paid for later. I have been a member in the NSSA for 43 continuous years. My issue is the shoes, and the range at 100 yards. For me brogans are too slippery and the "swamp" at 100 yards at Fort Shenandoah are difficult most times of the year. I just wear brown rubber boots rain or shine when skirmishing at the Fort in Winchester. After one or two skirmishes, the new team gives it members a choice to either time and safety or hang targets. I am more than happy to time and safety and let the younger members walk and deal with the swamp at 100 yards. That is where I am at in my journey in the NSSA.

Harry in Pa.
Forney's
03626v

[Mike McDaniel]

Watertight boots are a must. I would never even consider bashing a fellow Skirmisher for wearing them. There were times I wore sandals. Not for the heat, for the drainage.

[Tom Arliskas]

[QUOTE=Harry Gaul;94177]I switched teams from a Union Infantry unit to a Union Marine unit. I just dropped $205 dollars on a new frock coat with a new Kepi to be ordered and paid for later. I have been a member in the NSSA for 43 continuous years. My issue is the shoes, and the range at 100 yards. For me brogans are too slippery and the "swamp" at 100 yards at Fort Shenandoah are difficult most times of the year. I just wear brown rubber boots rain or shine when skirmishing at the Fort in Winchester. After one or two skirmishes, the new team gives it members a choice to either time and safety or hang targets. I am more than happy to time and safety and let the younger members walk and deal with the swamp at 100 yards. That is where I am at in my journey in the NSSA.

Harry in Pa.
Forney's
03626v[/QUOTE

Good Story here-- You support my findings--- Yes, Brogans can be slippery! At my age to fall down really hurts. I have done it!!!!!!! Safety first!!! What I see with you and others is not so much a concern, I see people who know they are supposed to wear a certain kind of uniform or clothing and do not for a good reason in their mind. I would never scold or bring your issue with boots to a Skirmish Director as "out of uniform!" I have heard that said-- FOR REAL-- at some Skirmishes. That the non-wearing of heavy uniforms vs a team with light clothing has an advantage. Maybe??? Maybe not??? But, in some folks minds that thought could pop up-- Not saying here we need a whole new set of Uniform Rules-- just that after 75 years of Skirmishing a Review, A Review, might be a good idea considering the age of the average member...

[Tom Arliskas]

Just joined in August. Heck, didn't know that the N-SSA existed until I went by Back Creek to pick up some powder on my post retirement 'walk about' in the first part of August. Now a blue card member of the 14th Mississippi:cool:.

From past experiences in life, having to have a multiplicity of rules shows that the problem isn't with the rules but the way applied to the ruled. Given that I've participated at Nationals and one other match, here is what I got. Got the 2 blue checked shirts, wool pants, suspenders, sack coat, kepi(got the slouch hat with the '14' numbers in the proverbial mail), and Zouave + PH musketoon + 1858 revolver. Point being is that a decent uniform isn't an insurmountable obstacle.

The issue is with the Skirmishers. Am an RN and have worked Baylor ER among other places. Can tell you that heat is a nasty thing to deal with for such a susceptible population as the typical N-SSA skirmisher. It is my opinion that the current flexibility built into the rules and concern from comradery among us is a 'good thing'; and no one is going to tolerate such strict rules that put fellow skirmishers at risk. I've hung up my stethoscope and have zero desire to run yet another code to keep someone alive. But we're a fairly conservative group and won't allow florescent Hawaiian print shirts on the line unless someone shows up with documentation that such was period correct. We're grown adults and know the difference between right and wrong. All want the N-SSA to grow and stay true to its roots.

My conclusion is to leave the rules alone and let leadership at matches make the on-the-spot call to keep skirmishers safe plus coloring inside the lines on proper attire.

Thank You-- Read this at least 4 times! Everything you state I agree with and can see you understand the issue. Yes, today we see at Skirmishes in the heat uniforms are gone-- or something else substituted and for good reason, our health and safety. We know that but does the general public? They come to see us do CW shooting and then we show up in straw hats and jeans and T-shirts. We know why we do, but do they? I am not arguing for change-- just clarification. What is and what is not your teams official uniform. We knew in the Uniform Committee we have the original membership sheets. Something should be done or we will end up in TOGAS and swim suits on the line...

[Muley Gil]

Tom, I think we have enough rules and enough latitude to handle the weather. Here's where I think you have gotten to...

[Rob FreemanWBR]

Gil,

Browsing the BB with my morning coffee, I almost choked on it. Not because my blushing bride brewed it, but due to the hilarious cartoon caption you shared to this thread!

Laughed so hard my eyes watered. THANK YOU brother, I needed that.

Gil?s comment is the equivalent of dropping the mic and walking off stage...

[Hal]

I must admit, I do not like wearing uniforms. I do it because I have to, certainly not because I enjoy playing dress up. I am in the N-SSA for the guns. That is where my interest lies. I enjoy collecting and shooting Civil War era firearms, primarily the carbines. To me, the uniform is a necessary evil, and I must admit, I look forward to shooting in the hotter months where the uniform gets waived due to the temperature. It's not the wool that I dislike. It's just that the style of clothes is uncomfortable to me. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. Anything else is uncomfortable to me.

Now, I'm sure that has probably offended some. That was not my intention. It is just that everyone is different, and have different interests. I have no beef with those who like to wear their uniforms. we have several who wear them anyway, even when waived due to temperature. I don't think less of them. They are enjoying what they enjoy about the N-SSA. Nothing wrong with that.

[RangerFrog]

Having participated in several and various sports, my general observation is that the more rules are implemented, the more effort some folks will exert to find ways to beat them.

Witness the ?race guns? of the various so-called ?practical? pistol events. We won?t even get into NASCAR?s ?stock cars? or other types of racing.

If we can?t agree on a basic simple set of sensible rules and agree like ladies and gentlemen to abide by them (with sensible exceptions granted as needed) we?ll join these other ?sports? and turn into an ?arms race? to see who can beat the rules best.

JMHO, but don?t we have enough problems getting and keeping new members without getting into another squabble?

Ranger Frog

[Tom Arliskas]

Having participated in several and various sports, my general observation is that the more rules are implemented, the more effort some folks will exert to find ways to beat them.

Witness the ?race guns? of the various so-called ?practical? pistol events. We won?t even get into NASCAR?s ?stock cars? or other types of racing.

If we can?t agree on a basic simple set of sensible rules and agree like ladies and gentlemen to abide by them (with sensible exceptions granted as needed) we?ll join these other ?sports? and turn into an ?arms race? to see who can beat the rules best.

JMHO, but don?t we have enough problems getting and keeping new members without getting into another squabble?

Ranger Frog

You and I do not want a squabble on anything. Squabbles just makes folks mad. Opinions fly like grape shot all over the place with no one gaining an inch of ground. That has happened in the past. Even when our Board, who are elected with running the organization makes a claim or new rule-- you have people just throwing up their hands and stating they know better on what the Board should have done. All I see needed is a clarification-- not a Rules Change. Something we can all agree on and not disregard our Team Uniforms. I want a clarification on hot weather, rain or mud and what we need to wear on those days-- NOT ALL THE TIME Just because. Some are already cringing at the word UNIFORM in the N-SSA and that is OK. We have already has those conversations and done. What might happen is a draw down on uniforms worn during team competition. A whatever I feel like wearing moment. The Board will state-- "You all have your Official Uniform to be worn while skirmishing in your By-Laws passed by Committee and Inspection upon joining" I say, if you want to change something-- under the Rules you have a right to submit a change-- that is how it is done -- Our older members need something besides light weight uniforms when shooting. They also need water, shade, a ride, and a slap on the back and a hand shake. We must take into consideration the age and health of our members. Just an Official clarification-- If the Rules state the Skirmish Director can call a Rules change on uniforms for weather-- fine-- Been there and done that-- but for age and health-- clarify that too! We are all adults and understand I HOPE!

[Tom Arliskas]

Watertight boots are a must. I would never even consider bashing a fellow Skirmisher for wearing them. There were times I wore sandals. Not for the heat, for the drainage.

SANDALS! Were they Civil War authentic? You make my point. You needed sandals for drainage in water. GREAT! But you were out of uniform! Someone could say that to you and you would get mad. To quell that response a clarification is needed for inclement weather and stated as such-- whatever the language-- that if needed do it!

[Will Ganz]

You and I do not want a squabble on anything. Squabbles just makes folks mad. Opinions fly like grape shot all over the place ... . <<--== Now, that is funny!! :D


What might happen is a draw down on uniforms worn during team competition. SNIP/ The Board will state-- "You all have your Official Uniform to be worn while skirmishing in your By-Laws passed by Committee and Inspection upon joining" I say, if you want to change something-- under the Rules you have a right to submit a change-- that is how it is done -- Our older members need something besides light weight uniforms when shooting.

I'm confident that there can be a reasonable lightweight summer uniform that can be agreed upon that does preserve the historical part of the N-SSA; otherwise, just change the organization name to Musket Shooting Group. As hokey as it may seem, having uniforms does provide for unit cohesion which in turn leads to higher morale thus participation. Just my 2?.

I'll go out on a limb here (visions of a racoon balancing 20' up with a pack of hounds baying below comes to mind.) My recommendation is as follows:


Hat or kepi
Cotton print long sleeve shirt. Sleeves rolled up as needed for heat reduction or down for sunburn protection.
wetted bandana on the neck for cooling
Blue or gray cotton pants.
Suspenders
Black or brown shoes.
Optional: canteen with water or hydration drink.


Each team will submit to national organization a list of their uniform specifications with a pix emailed to them and national gives thumbs up/down on this uniform. Since done on the team level, there is going to be ample opportunity for individuals to get their desires voiced. And with everyone now having a smartphone, then everyone can get sent a pix of their unit's required uniform. Then, in lieu of multiple rules, it could be simplified to "The Match leaders and/or senior N-SSA officer can call for teams to wear previously approved lightweight summer uniforms during deemed periods of heat stress." Simple, quick, responsive, and we hold to having a uniform.

Additionally, there can be 'command drink' where every shooter has to hydrate x oz/ml prior to going on the firing line as a safety measure. If the match leaders deem it sufficiently heat stressful for light weight gear, then we need to address dehydration on the firing line. Seen a lot of men come through ER that were 'doing fine' up to the point that they drop like a rock.

[Tom Arliskas]

I'm confident that there can be a reasonable lightweight summer uniform that can be agreed upon that does preserve the historical part of the N-SSA; otherwise, just change the organization name to Musket Shooting Group. As hokey as it may seem, having uniforms does provide for unit cohesion which in turn leads to higher morale thus participation. Just my 2?.

I'll go out on a limb here (visions of a racoon balancing 20' up with a pack of hounds baying below comes to mind.) My recommendation is as follows:


Hat or kepi
Cotton print long sleeve shirt. Sleeves rolled up as needed for heat reduction or down for sunburn protection.
wetted bandana on the neck for cooling
Blue or gray cotton pants.
Suspenders
Black or brown shoes.
Optional: canteen with water or hydration drink.


Each team will submit to national organization a list of their uniform specifications with a pix emailed to them and national gives thumbs up/down on this uniform. Since done on the team level, there is going to be ample opportunity for individuals to get their desires voiced. And with everyone now having a smartphone, then everyone can get sent a pix of their unit's required uniform. Then, in lieu of multiple rules, it could be simplified to "The Match leaders and/or senior N-SSA officer can call for teams to wear previously approved lightweight summer uniforms during deemed periods of heat stress." Simple, quick, responsive, and we hold to having a uniform.

Additionally, there can be 'command drink' where every shooter has to hydrate x oz/ml prior to going on the firing line as a safety measure. If the match leaders deem it sufficiently heat stressful for light weight gear, then we need to address dehydration on the firing line. Seen a lot of men come through ER that were 'doing fine' up to the point that they drop like a rock.

Awesome-- they are talking about it at the Board Meeting. A suggestion to disregard the uniform when the temperature reaches a certain temperature. I say no and let the Skirmish Director decide not a thermometer. Thank you for your suggestion. Tom

[John Westenberger]

Awesome-- they are talking about it at the Board Meeting. A suggestion to disregard the uniform when the temperature reaches a certain temperature. I say no and let the Skirmish Director decide not a thermometer. Thank you for your suggestion. Tom

This is similar to the way we've done it in the mid-atlantic. Regional Commander makes the call for relaxed uniforms. Shirts and hats, pants are optional. I won't get into shoes, it's up to the national board to clarify that. I bring boots to shoot in regardless of weather. So as a cavalry unit, when region commander sends word out that we're doing altered uniforms, I wear the cavalry stetson style hat (Several of our guys wear straw, especially in the heat!), white uniform shirt, shorts, and boots. For regular uniforms, I just add pants. The uniform shirts are really quite light, we don't wear jackets unless it gets cold, which is only really the fall national, or mornings for our September shoot. I'm fairly comfortable up to the low-mid 80's in full uniform (Mind you I'm only 23!), anything past that is pushing it, especially when you factor in the humidity. This is just what we have done in the mid-atlantic, and it's made everyone fairly comfortable, and we haven't had anyone go down to heat in the few short years I've been a member (knocking on wood, furiously!).

[Muley Gil]

A little birdie told me this tidbit from the Board:

No summer uniform. Official uniform and relaxed uniform if weather requires it. Same as it?s always been.

[Tom Arliskas]

I switched teams from a Union Infantry unit to a Union Marine unit. I just dropped $205 dollars on a new frock coat with a new Kepi to be ordered and paid for later. I have been a member in the NSSA for 43 continuous years. My issue is the shoes, and the range at 100 yards. For me brogans are too slippery and the "swamp" at 100 yards at Fort Shenandoah are difficult most times of the year. I just wear brown rubber boots rain or shine when skirmishing at the Fort in Winchester. After one or two skirmishes, the new team gives it members a choice to either time and safety or hang targets. I am more than happy to time and safety and let the younger members walk and deal with the swamp at 100 yards. That is where I am at in my journey in the NSSA.

Harry in Pa.
Forney's
03626v

Exactly-- and I know if you could you would wear those Brogans on the Range. Time and the fear of falling is real. I too today will hold on to the hand rail when walking up and down stairs anywhere I go. I also look down when I walk. Never used to when I was a kid. I still go out to 100 because I can and I will wear my Brogans still. But if it gets muddy I will put on my Wellingtons. I have been a CW uniform researcher and enthusiast all my life. Wrote a Book on CS Uniforms and it is still selling. I love authenticity. I do understand age and health comes first. When I can I will get all dolled up with my finest expensive CW uniforms. I look awesome! Not when it is 98 degrees outside, in the sun, and 87% humidity, raining, or just uncomfortable that day. NOPE! That said--- our N-SSA is special and we need to foster and protect our Heritage. The wearing of CW uniforms was and is a big part of that History and always has. Prove me wrong-- You cannot. Tom

[Tom Arliskas]

Tom, I think we have enough rules and enough latitude to handle the weather. Here's where I think you have gotten to...

Now hold on there partner-- No one is beating a dead horse here. The question of weather and uniforms worn or not worn is in front of the Board or was this last weekend. The proposal was based on a certain temperature reached that uniforms for that day or weekend could be considered. Right now we have the Skirmish Director and Team input to decide at local skirmishes. I do not believe a temp or heat index or humidity index is the way to go. If you say 90 degrees has to be reached, it can be just as hot at 87 or 89 degrees or humid. We must also consider, to evaluate the health of certain individual members. Some cannot take the heat at all-- or cannot walk far-- but can still compete. What can we do for them to make them comfortable when shooting. Every team has a CLASS A Uniform designated in their Team By-Laws, the uniform you stood inspection with. That uniform should be worn as often as it can. FACT! But, when people get old or develop issues we can with empathy allow them to still wear a uniform, but one they can compete in and not fall over. If you want some more "DEAD HORSES"-- or "SICK PEOPLE" on the Range it might happen and has in the past. I am just saying think about it-- We are all handsome and very smart men and women who can come up with a solution that is acceptable to all, and not forsake authenticity and our CW Heritage and History going back to 1949. Tom

[Tom Arliskas]

I must admit, I do not like wearing uniforms. I do it because I have to, certainly not because I enjoy playing dress up. I am in the N-SSA for the guns. That is where my interest lies. I enjoy collecting and shooting Civil War era firearms, primarily the carbines. To me, the uniform is a necessary evil, and I must admit, I look forward to shooting in the hotter months where the uniform gets waived due to the temperature. It's not the wool that I dislike. It's just that the style of clothes is uncomfortable to me. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy. Anything else is uncomfortable to me.&lt;br&gt;<br>
&lt;br&gt;<br>
Now, I'm sure that has probably offended some. That was not my intention. It is just that everyone is different, and have different interests. I have no beef with those who like to wear their uniforms. we have several who wear them anyway, even when waived due to temperature. I don't think less of them. They are enjoying what they enjoy about the N-SSA. Nothing wrong with that.&lt;br&gt;<br>
&lt;br&gt;<br>
Exactly! I can remember going back 50 some years and my first N-SSA Team how we had people want to join but did not like wearing a uniform or could not afford the one we chose for the team. We would help those youngsters, me too, get a uniform or lend them pieces of ours to shoot. Same with our Boy Scout Unit, Softball team, our Gym Class, Bowling and other activities, My Catholic School, they all wanted me to buy and wear a uniform or a certain color clothing. FACT. I am in the N-SSA too for the Guns! I am writing a book about it right now. Your honesty is right on. Yes some on my team hate the uniform to be worn. At local events they come out in what looks CW, but is not even close accept for the hat or kepi. The N-SSA in their By-Laws and Rules says you have to wear a uniform when competing. That is the Rule! And you know that! We have folks who love CW History and Uniforms and others not so much, But we all have to follow the Rules. My whole point in this is the consideration of those who because of health issues or age need some TLC when shooting. That is all I am asking for. Myself when I go practice, the only CW thing I wear is an old authentic straw hat or black Hardee Hat. I never minded wearing my finest wool uniform at events when I could. If it was to hot or &lt;br&gt;<br>
raining, off it went. When I was young I could take the heat and the cold and not care. Today, I cannot and get very uncomfortable and when back at the Camp strip down to shorts and a T shirt. FACT. Just think about it- That is me with Audie Murphy-- Tom

[Tom Arliskas]

A little birdie told me this tidbit from the Board:

No summer uniform. Official uniform and relaxed uniform if weather requires it. Same as it?s always been.

OK- Does that mean a Team cannot ever re-submit a "fatigue uniform" or something different? What does "relaxed" mean, shorts and Hawaiian shirts and sandals? or strip your coats and jackets and CW style cotton shirts and light weight trousers dyed blue or gray? Weather requires? That is OK and leaves it up to the Skirmish Director and Board. Nothing mentioned for old farts though? It does get really hot or really cold in Virginia in May or October. been there. You can give people things, but for some reason you can never get them back. Just think about it-- That is all I am asking-- and if you do not want to-- that is fine too-- AMEN.

[Muley Gil]

OK- Does that mean a Team cannot ever re-submit a "fatigue uniform" or something different? What does "relaxed" mean, shorts and Hawaiian shirts and sandals? or strip your coats and jackets and CW style cotton shirts and light weight trousers dyed blue or gray? Weather requires? That is OK and leaves it up to the Skirmish Director and Board. Nothing mentioned for old farts though? It does get really hot or really cold in Virginia in May or October. been there. You can give people things, but for some reason you can never get them back. Just think about it-- That is all I am asking-- and if you do not want to-- that is fine too-- AMEN.

Contact your regional commander.

[Tom Arliskas]

Contact your regional commander.

OK-- Will see what he has to say.