All,
Here is a detailed outline of the schedule for the school. The command staff has put a lot of thought and work into getting this offering ready for our member units. Please forward this to your NCOs / Sgts and Corporals and of course company commanders are invited. Please poll them as to who will be attending. We need your list of participants by Jan 27th that is one week from today. This school looks like it will be very interesting and informative. We look forward to seeing you there.
Birney's Division Officer / NCO School
Perryopolis, PA
March 31 April 1, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
9:00-9:15 Welcome, Overview of School, Intro. of Instructors (General Kelley)
9:15-9:45 Leadership (Col Baltzer)
9:45-10:15 Grand Tactics and the Principles of War ( Lt Col Smith)
10:15-10:45 Bugle Calls (Lt Col Rorbaugh)
10: 45-11:05 Break
11:05-11:35 Duties of NCOs (Col Baltzer)
11:35-12:05 Duties of the Company Officer (Lt Mike Murphy)
12:05-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:15 Small Group Training
Station 1 Infantry Camp Layout (Lt Col Smith)
Station 2 Manual of the Sword (Lt Col Rorbaugh)
Station 3 Use of Front /Rear guards and flankers on the march (Col Baltzer)
Station 4 Small Arms Safety on the Field (Maj Jon Sever)
Station 5 Color Guard / Color Company (Lt Mike Murphy)
2:15-2:45 Duties of the Battalion Sergeant Major (Col Maefi, Sgt Maj Donahue)
2:45-3:05 Break
3:05-3:35 Duties of the Battalion Adjutant (Lt Mike Murphy)
3:35-4:05 Military Planning and Orders (Lt Col Smith)
4:05-4:35 Artillery Safety for the infantry commander (Artillery Officer)
4:35-5:05 Formation of the Battalion / Dress Parade (Col Baltzer)
3:50-4:20 Civil War Reconnaissance (Lt Col Smith)
4:20-4:50 Field Music- "Straw blowers and Sheepskin Fiddlers" (Lt Col Rorbaugh)
Sunday, April 1, 2007
9:00-9:30 Medical emergencies, burns and accidental discharges (Col Maefi)
9:30-10:00 Field Engineering (Col Baltzer)
10:00-10:20 Break
10:20-10:50 Police Guard/ Grand Guard (Lt Col Rorbaugh)
10:50-11:20 *****Topic to be determined ***** (Lt Mike Murphy)
11:20-11:50 Closing thoughts / Survey of Officer / NCO School (General Kelley)
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr. Major General
Birney's Division
Commanding
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
2nd Battalion Drill Info
The annual School of the Company and Battalion for the 2d Battalion of Birney's Division will be held on March 17-18, 2007, at Camp Workman.
Please CLICK HERE to download the information and registration form.
Feel free to forward this message and/or form to members in your unit, as well as other interested parties.
Please CLICK HERE to download the information and registration form.
Feel free to forward this message and/or form to members in your unit, as well as other interested parties.
Beaver Creek info and photos
We very excited about the opportunity for Birney's and PACS to work on developing a new reenactment here in Ohio. The Beaver Creek Civil War event will be held May 4-6, 2007. Click here to get the latest info, download the registration form, and view photos of the event site.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Romney Update
In our ongoing effort to provide our members with high quality regional mid level events, be reminded that the Romney event is to be held this coming weekend. The weather forecast is very favorable and the event people are well prepared for our arrival. The camps are located near the South Fork of the Potomac River and situated on real ground of an early war battle that took place there. There will be shuttle buses provided all weekend so our members can attend the Hampshire Heritege Days in the town of Romney which is a clean attractive town with various historic buildings. You will be provided a free breakfast by the event the day and time TBA at the event. I am told there are over 400 registered for this first time event for our organization and looks to be right in line with our tradition of great events. The event will accept walkons at $1 each since this is sort of central to both our Western and Eastern regions we welcome you to attend if you haven't registered yet it will be another great event.
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr., Major General
Federal First Division, 2nd Brigade
Birney's Division
Commanding
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr., Major General
Federal First Division, 2nd Brigade
Birney's Division
Commanding
AFTER ACTION REPORT: Lisbon
Take notice; the Lisbon Ohio event remains one of the best on our schedule. This event is held on plenty of acreage with just the right varying terrain to produce some very interesting scenarios. There is a period style log house in a picturesque orchard not far from a period style covered bridge of which we used in our scenarios. Let me say this the camping there is supreme and the event organizers could not have been more accommodating. My hat is off to Mary Spooner for putting off one of the best organized events we attend. We wanted for nothing and many perks were provided, the concessions were first rate and reasonably priced. Please consider this event for your 2007 schedule it is a high quality event.
Our thanks to the 66th OVI for putting on what we were told was a first rate judged tactical and to Captain Rob Shick their commander for leading the 1st battalion. Birneys Division 2nd Battalion was skillfully led by our very capable 2nd battalion commander Lt Col Chris Smith and the entire Brigade was led by Col Paul Baltzer of Birney's Division, a job well done. I wish also to thank Capt Doug Taylor and his gun crew for an amazing job on the gun line which saved our bacon more than once that weekend. Our counterpart Capt Jim Powell of 2nd Regiment PACS was a joy to work with and did a great job on the field and in the scenario planning. It is always a pleasure to work with PACS commanders and it goes to show that the Shenandoah Valley Alliance is working well.
We look forward to this event on the coming season and look to see many more of you there to enjoy this great event.
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr., Major General
Federal First Division, 2nd Brigade
Birney's Division
Commanding
Our thanks to the 66th OVI for putting on what we were told was a first rate judged tactical and to Captain Rob Shick their commander for leading the 1st battalion. Birneys Division 2nd Battalion was skillfully led by our very capable 2nd battalion commander Lt Col Chris Smith and the entire Brigade was led by Col Paul Baltzer of Birney's Division, a job well done. I wish also to thank Capt Doug Taylor and his gun crew for an amazing job on the gun line which saved our bacon more than once that weekend. Our counterpart Capt Jim Powell of 2nd Regiment PACS was a joy to work with and did a great job on the field and in the scenario planning. It is always a pleasure to work with PACS commanders and it goes to show that the Shenandoah Valley Alliance is working well.
We look forward to this event on the coming season and look to see many more of you there to enjoy this great event.
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr., Major General
Federal First Division, 2nd Brigade
Birney's Division
Commanding
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
UPDATE: 145th Antietam 2007 event
In an effort to keep you all abreast of the big event for 2007 we post the following report. Please pass this on to your troops.
Planning for the event is well under way and preparations have begun. This will be a three day event on a pristine 300 acre site on the rear of Louden Heights. It is REAL ground located within a couple of miles of the Harpers Ferry National Park. Construction is planned for a realistic sunken road with a stone wall above and timbers to cap that structure. This battle is one of the highlights of several battles planned including Thoroughfare Gap featuring Mounted and dismounted Cavalry and Infantry and Artillery support, The West Woods, with a heavy Artillery emphasis and massive Infantry actions, and a grand Sunken Road scenario. Special set ups for sutlers row that will add to the period effect of the experience. There will be many family activities throughout the weekend and ample time will be allotted to participants to tour nearby battlefields including Harpers Ferry and/or Antietam. A real plus since this event is on the anniversary of that event. A tour of the actual site is an added bonus.
Be reminded that this is a new and refreshing format being a non-spectator event that provides a more laid back experience with a more friendly and non hostile event staf. A no pressure schedule that is reenactor/family friendly. We are not pushed to hold our battles and activities or have our amenities burdened by sharing them with the public. This event is for the reenactors by other reenactors. A non-profit event venture, the full proceeds will be donated to the site for further improvements. This site has been developed over the past several years for use by reenactors for events and training camps, and is set up perfectly with all necessaries in convenient locations unlike other sites that are just plugged in on a farm somewhere. There are period style buildings on site that only enhance the experience. There is wooded and open field camping that will be utilized. This is a beautiful site that has a varied terrain that is perfect for this type of event.
Notice: Keep in mind that there is a 2000 reenactor limit once reached all registrations will be returned. At this early date the registrations have started to roll in so be advised to reserve your spot to avoid being left out of this grand event. All updated information including the registration form can be found on the official website please bookmark this address to keep abreast of updates as the develop.
http://emmitsburg.net/antietam_2007
Edward L. Kelley Sr. , Major General
Federal First Division,2nd Brigade
Birney's Division
Planning for the event is well under way and preparations have begun. This will be a three day event on a pristine 300 acre site on the rear of Louden Heights. It is REAL ground located within a couple of miles of the Harpers Ferry National Park. Construction is planned for a realistic sunken road with a stone wall above and timbers to cap that structure. This battle is one of the highlights of several battles planned including Thoroughfare Gap featuring Mounted and dismounted Cavalry and Infantry and Artillery support, The West Woods, with a heavy Artillery emphasis and massive Infantry actions, and a grand Sunken Road scenario. Special set ups for sutlers row that will add to the period effect of the experience. There will be many family activities throughout the weekend and ample time will be allotted to participants to tour nearby battlefields including Harpers Ferry and/or Antietam. A real plus since this event is on the anniversary of that event. A tour of the actual site is an added bonus.
Be reminded that this is a new and refreshing format being a non-spectator event that provides a more laid back experience with a more friendly and non hostile event staf. A no pressure schedule that is reenactor/family friendly. We are not pushed to hold our battles and activities or have our amenities burdened by sharing them with the public. This event is for the reenactors by other reenactors. A non-profit event venture, the full proceeds will be donated to the site for further improvements. This site has been developed over the past several years for use by reenactors for events and training camps, and is set up perfectly with all necessaries in convenient locations unlike other sites that are just plugged in on a farm somewhere. There are period style buildings on site that only enhance the experience. There is wooded and open field camping that will be utilized. This is a beautiful site that has a varied terrain that is perfect for this type of event.
Notice: Keep in mind that there is a 2000 reenactor limit once reached all registrations will be returned. At this early date the registrations have started to roll in so be advised to reserve your spot to avoid being left out of this grand event. All updated information including the registration form can be found on the official website please bookmark this address to keep abreast of updates as the develop.
http://emmitsburg.net/antietam_2007
Edward L. Kelley Sr. , Major General
Federal First Division,2nd Brigade
Birney's Division
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
After Action Report: Shippensburg, PA
Another year has passed and the March to Destiny slides into the past. However, It will be a weekend remembered by both participants and spectators as a "must attend event" for next year.
Although there were a few minor glitches on Friday, these were very minor relative to all the things that went right. There was clearly evidence of a lot of hard work by the March to Destiny Committee in preparation for the event. Registrations went smoothly and re-enactors commented on the efficiency and friendliness of the people assisting in the registration process. The new camps were a welcome change from years past and many participants commented that the sites were some of the best they ever camped on. Most liked the fact that the town was the center of activities versus being camped in some field miles away from town. It was also evident to the re-enactors that the Shippensburg community welcomed the visitors and treated them with utmost kindness throughout the weekend.
There were approximately 325 re-enactors registered for the event plus there were at least 75 walk-ons. Unfortunately, threats of severe weather undoubtedly kept many of those who pre-registered home for the weekend. Actually we had about 160 re-enactors who failed to show, mostly because of the weather but ended up with more than 325 participants. PACS, DNV, Longstreet's Corps, Mifflin Guard, Birney's Division, and Vincents Brigade all provided participants both military and civilian.
It rained a little very early Saturday morning and then again very late Saturday night but the rest of the day was dry, permitting all activities to proceed as scheduled. Saturday morning, the residents of Shippensburg witnessed the Confederate troops foraging (a "military" term for begging) for food and other necessaries. The businesses and residents responded with amazing generosity and the Rebs ate and drank well all weekend.
Speaking of food, all participants enjoyed a fabulous breakfast (free) on Saturday morning and a wonderful chicken dinner for lunch or dinner. Re-enactor feedback noted the extent and quality of the breakfast and the chicken dinner as outstanding.
Shortly after the public was given an explanation of Shippensburg's involvement in the Civil War, the street skirmish began and graphically echoed the words of Wayne Wachtsmith. The streets of Shippensburg came alive with the rattle of musketry and the boom of cannon as the Confederate forces pushed the defending Federals out of town. The skirmish was well attended by residents and other spectators who traveled some distances to witness this historical event. The fire was hot and heavy lasting about 40 minutes. Both sides displayed a good representation of "street fighting", a part of Civil War re-enacting seldom seen.
A short parade followed the skirmish and then the Union troops were inspected by President Lincoln, who also addressed the men explaining how important their service was to ending hostilities and the restoration of peace throughout the country. Re-enactors and spectators alike enjoyed period ice cream at the end of the skirmish. The cooperation between opposing forces resulted in the "best King Street skirmish ever."
The renewal of wedding vows presented the public with a good idea how weddings were conducted during the Victorian era. Reverend Wayne Baker presided. The wedding was followed by the cake cutting and a period ball. The ball was a huge success. Many re-enactors commented on the efficiency of Tammy as the dance-mistress as well as the actual location of the dance. The refreshments were welcomed and helped keep everyone hydrated during the dance. It was quite a hike, especially for the Confederate re-enactors so it was suggested that next year maybe we could provide some type of shuttle service to and from the dance... i.e. hay wagons, etc.
Sunday dawned with a bit of rain and the weather got steadily worse as the day went on. Despite the rain, people braved the Church services conducted by Reverand Baker, as well as the battle scheduled for 1:00 P.M. About noon the rain was coming down steadily and the decision whether to proceed with or cancel the Sunday skirmish was left entirely in the hands of the brave soldiers who had remained on site. Not surprising, they chose to stay and fight. The spectator turnout was quite unbelievable despite the weather and we were all very grateful to the men and ladies who stayed and provided a shortened (due to thunder and lightning) but lively display for the crowd.
In my humble opinion, this was the best Shippensburg event ever, despite the weather and the resulting loss in attendance. Everyone on the planning committee needs to feel very very proud of themselves for all the hard work and dedication they provided. It is seldom evident to the general public and even participants all the work that needs to be done to make an event a success. This event will be judged on many factors, mostly which are due to the results of a lot of hard work. Based on my discussions with spectators and participants alike, this was a "class act" from beginning to end.
My special thanks to Mike Mitchell, Confederate Commander, and his staff and Colonel Mark Essig and his staff whose efforts are truly reflected in the quality of the actual skirmishes. Without extreme cooperation between opposing forces, through their commanders, any kind of scripted battle would fall short of expected results. There is no doubt that both battles this past weekend exceeded our expected results.
In addition to individuals already mentioned, I would specifically note the extreme efforts port forth by Bill Chain and Kevin Bender whose presence was found wherever and whenever difficult work was required. Without their diligence to duty, this event would have had an entirely different end result. My personal thanks to my staff who performed magnificently during the entire event particularly Bill Magargle who was my second in command, Denny Rohrbaugh my Adjutant and bugler, John Price and Don Swope unit commanders, and Pete Peterson Sergeant Major.
Respectfully submitted
Richard G. Adams, Col.
Commanding Federal Forces
Although there were a few minor glitches on Friday, these were very minor relative to all the things that went right. There was clearly evidence of a lot of hard work by the March to Destiny Committee in preparation for the event. Registrations went smoothly and re-enactors commented on the efficiency and friendliness of the people assisting in the registration process. The new camps were a welcome change from years past and many participants commented that the sites were some of the best they ever camped on. Most liked the fact that the town was the center of activities versus being camped in some field miles away from town. It was also evident to the re-enactors that the Shippensburg community welcomed the visitors and treated them with utmost kindness throughout the weekend.
There were approximately 325 re-enactors registered for the event plus there were at least 75 walk-ons. Unfortunately, threats of severe weather undoubtedly kept many of those who pre-registered home for the weekend. Actually we had about 160 re-enactors who failed to show, mostly because of the weather but ended up with more than 325 participants. PACS, DNV, Longstreet's Corps, Mifflin Guard, Birney's Division, and Vincents Brigade all provided participants both military and civilian.
It rained a little very early Saturday morning and then again very late Saturday night but the rest of the day was dry, permitting all activities to proceed as scheduled. Saturday morning, the residents of Shippensburg witnessed the Confederate troops foraging (a "military" term for begging) for food and other necessaries. The businesses and residents responded with amazing generosity and the Rebs ate and drank well all weekend.
Speaking of food, all participants enjoyed a fabulous breakfast (free) on Saturday morning and a wonderful chicken dinner for lunch or dinner. Re-enactor feedback noted the extent and quality of the breakfast and the chicken dinner as outstanding.
Shortly after the public was given an explanation of Shippensburg's involvement in the Civil War, the street skirmish began and graphically echoed the words of Wayne Wachtsmith. The streets of Shippensburg came alive with the rattle of musketry and the boom of cannon as the Confederate forces pushed the defending Federals out of town. The skirmish was well attended by residents and other spectators who traveled some distances to witness this historical event. The fire was hot and heavy lasting about 40 minutes. Both sides displayed a good representation of "street fighting", a part of Civil War re-enacting seldom seen.
A short parade followed the skirmish and then the Union troops were inspected by President Lincoln, who also addressed the men explaining how important their service was to ending hostilities and the restoration of peace throughout the country. Re-enactors and spectators alike enjoyed period ice cream at the end of the skirmish. The cooperation between opposing forces resulted in the "best King Street skirmish ever."
The renewal of wedding vows presented the public with a good idea how weddings were conducted during the Victorian era. Reverend Wayne Baker presided. The wedding was followed by the cake cutting and a period ball. The ball was a huge success. Many re-enactors commented on the efficiency of Tammy as the dance-mistress as well as the actual location of the dance. The refreshments were welcomed and helped keep everyone hydrated during the dance. It was quite a hike, especially for the Confederate re-enactors so it was suggested that next year maybe we could provide some type of shuttle service to and from the dance... i.e. hay wagons, etc.
Sunday dawned with a bit of rain and the weather got steadily worse as the day went on. Despite the rain, people braved the Church services conducted by Reverand Baker, as well as the battle scheduled for 1:00 P.M. About noon the rain was coming down steadily and the decision whether to proceed with or cancel the Sunday skirmish was left entirely in the hands of the brave soldiers who had remained on site. Not surprising, they chose to stay and fight. The spectator turnout was quite unbelievable despite the weather and we were all very grateful to the men and ladies who stayed and provided a shortened (due to thunder and lightning) but lively display for the crowd.
In my humble opinion, this was the best Shippensburg event ever, despite the weather and the resulting loss in attendance. Everyone on the planning committee needs to feel very very proud of themselves for all the hard work and dedication they provided. It is seldom evident to the general public and even participants all the work that needs to be done to make an event a success. This event will be judged on many factors, mostly which are due to the results of a lot of hard work. Based on my discussions with spectators and participants alike, this was a "class act" from beginning to end.
My special thanks to Mike Mitchell, Confederate Commander, and his staff and Colonel Mark Essig and his staff whose efforts are truly reflected in the quality of the actual skirmishes. Without extreme cooperation between opposing forces, through their commanders, any kind of scripted battle would fall short of expected results. There is no doubt that both battles this past weekend exceeded our expected results.
In addition to individuals already mentioned, I would specifically note the extreme efforts port forth by Bill Chain and Kevin Bender whose presence was found wherever and whenever difficult work was required. Without their diligence to duty, this event would have had an entirely different end result. My personal thanks to my staff who performed magnificently during the entire event particularly Bill Magargle who was my second in command, Denny Rohrbaugh my Adjutant and bugler, John Price and Don Swope unit commanders, and Pete Peterson Sergeant Major.
Respectfully submitted
Richard G. Adams, Col.
Commanding Federal Forces
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)