Bylaws

Organization

The Battalion is organized into military companies. Commissioned Officers are nominated by their companies and confirmed through battalion staff, and they in turn appoint their Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). The number of members in the battalion and the needs of the event dictate the number of companies.

Field Commanders and staff will be adapted as required by the event.

The CVG will have an annual meeting each year, where the schedule is finalized; by-laws are revised and amended if needed, and where officers and new members are confirmed. In November of each year a committee of one man from each company will audit the official records of the Chesapeake Volunteer Guard and report their findings at the next annual meeting. Each year at the annual meeting the membership will select the CVG schedule for the year; the events on this schedule will be considered the official battalion events.

Attainment of Membership
  • All new companies must apply to join through the Battalion Adjutant's Office, and must be approved by a vote of the CVG commissioned officers.
  • Membership in the CVG includes liability insurance for the protection of the organization as well as the individual.
  • New members will fill out the CVG application form, and send it to the Battalion Adjutant, through chain of command.

    Company Directives
  • For administration purposes, the Companies must maintain a roster of no less than 20 members.
  • Companies may attend events separate from the CVG, and are encouraged to do so.
  • Companies may elect to participate in events outside of the CVG's published event schedule. Such events will not be scheduled to be in conflict with the CVG's published schedule.
  • All Companies must field 20 men at events, or they will be combined with another company. The senior company officer will retain command (except for events where the documented company strengths were different).
  • All Companies are required to keep company paperwork, detailing their rolls and event attendance. This will be issued by the adjutant at the start of every event for each company, to be returned at the end of the event.
  • All Companies are expected to submit quarterly returns as directed by the adjutant's office.

    Member Directives
  • It is understood that each member of the CVG is willing to have both Federal and Confederate impressions. Any member that does not have both impressions is expected to make reasonable progress towards this goal. Until the time that they can purchase the necessary impressions it is the responsibility of their company to properly equip the recruit. Battalion equipment may be requested through the Quartermaster of the Battalion.
  • All members must represent military personnel in a historically correct manner.
  • All members are required to be practiced and proficient in the following drills: Gilham's, Casey's, Hardee's Revised 1862 version, Mahan's outpost and McClellan's Bayonet Drill.
  • All members are required to conduct themselves in a military manner. This includes, but is not restricted to, mounting proper pickets and guards, fatigue duty and required requisition of passes to exit camp if so ordered.
  • All members must execute appropriate military courtesy.
  • It remains paramount that each member police himself on authenticity issues, to enhance the experience of their comrades.
  • Any member of the CVG must be assigned to a Company or Staff.
  • No illegal drug use. No exceptions.
  • All Officers and NCOs are required to bring an alternate kit to each event in case of need to adapt their impression as to the numbers in attendance.
  • Each member is required to submit, through proper chain of command, $25 in annual dues, which is due February 1st of each year.
  • All members are required to attend 50% of battalion events in a given calendar year to maintain membership unless excused through the Chain of Command. The annual meeting is to be considered an event for this purpose.
  • All Officers and NCOs must attend all of the battalion events, including the annual meeting to maintain their rank, unless excused through Chain of Command.
  • All those not meeting these attendance requirements will be regarded as associate members, and have a voice but not a vote at the annual meeting.
  • Failure to comply with these directives may result in revocation of membership without refund.

    Command Staff
  • Battalion Staff is appointed by the Battalion Commander.
  • The Battalion Commander can be removed with a 66% "No Confidence" vote by the membership. Command would then go to the next most Senior Officer until the following annual meeting where a new Commander would be elected.
  • Military Command Staff is the final authority on all matters concerning the CVG between the annual meetings.
  • The Command Staff is charged with responsibility of command, and is accountable for all actions of the battalion on and off the field.
  • No command acceptance, or primary responsibility for any event is to be accepted by Battalion Staff or Members of the Battalion without consulting the Battalion.
  • The Battalion Staff is required to adapt its impression as appropriate.
  • All Officers of the battalion must attend one Training Weekend a year, and must complete at least two such courses as approved by Command prior to being ranked as an officer. Until such time as they have completed said training, they will carry the rank of cadets. All officers are highly encouraged to attend as many such sessions as possible, as the men's enjoyment is directly linked to the Officer's capabilities.
  • All NCOs must attend one training course prior to their assuming rank, and must attend one training course per year to maintain rank.
  • For events where the CVG assumes overall command, members will be appointed to Staff, as the Commander requires, with agreement of Company Commanders.
  • Officers are expected to understand and be proficient with the US and CS regulations.
  • Any battalion purchase above $100 must be agreed to by the company officers.

    You may download a copy of the bylaws HERE
    Questions? Email S. Chris Anders at ltcolcsa@hotmail.com