Purpose: The Richmond Fayette Artillery ( RFA ) was an authentic Confederate (CSA) artillery unit during the American Civil War. The members of the RFA will follow uniform regulations that are governed by the 38th Battalion’s uniform SOP. We portray this unit and its soldiers through “living history”. We also hope to help educate others as to the times and trials of the years between 1863- 1865, when our nation was at war. Hopefully, we will all gain some insight into the factors that helped create our country’s history. We also hope to encourage others to become involved in the portrayal of “living history” so as to further an interest in our club and develop an understanding of our Nation’s history.
1. General 1. The Rules and Regulations of the RFA will be subservient to the current bylaws of the CSA Brigade and the ACWA.
2. The RFA, on the field and in camp, will act in accordance with military protocol, i.e. the chain of command begins with the Battery Commander and proceeds on down to cannoneers.
2. Membership 1. The RFA does not discriminate because of race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.
2. All prospective new members will be reviewed and voted on by the Executive Committee of the Fayette ( ECF), where a simple majority will be required. If requested, there is the right of appeal to the Battery. The ECF has the authority to allow or disallow new members in to the unit. If there is a safety issue or disservice of a member in the unit, then the ECF needs to be involved to remove such person from the unit by a simple majority vote.
3. The RFA will collect dues from its members once a year, and issue membership cards. Anyone re-enlisting in the battery that has not paid unit dues prior to March 1st of each year, will be dropped from the unit roster. A letter will be sent to the ACWA and the Brigade indicating that person is no longer a member of the RFA.
4. The Ladies Relief Society is a civilian arm of the RFA (non-combatants), whose responsibility is to portray support to soldiers in the field, and to help maintain public security lines during battle. They will also be responsible for the RFA’s commissary.
3. Executive Committee of the Fayette
1. The Executive Committee of the RFA is made up of the following personnel: Battery Commander; 1st Sgt.; Sr. Gun Sgt.; and Ladies Relief Society Coordinator. The battery commander will sit as president of the ECF. A tie will be broken by a battery vote.
2. The buying and purchasing for the battery (except for powder and office supplies ) will be voted on by the ECF at an event by a show of hands, where a simple majority will rule. The battery may then agree, by simple majority ( a show of hands ), to purchase the item. Any item outside this regulation shall be deemed as a “gift” and the battery will not be responsible for paying for it.
3. The ECF will be responsible for appointing positions in the battery. This will be done by a simple majority vote ( show of hands ). The battery has the right to appeal the ECF’s decision and take the matter to majority vote. The positions to be appointed are: Ordnance Sgt., Quartermaster Sgt. (if applicable), and Clerk/Treasurer.
IV. Revisions
A. The passing of new laws and regulations for the battery will be handled in the following manner:
1. Any changes occurring to either the ACWA or the Confederate bylaws that conflict with RFA bylaws will result in an automatic change to the RFA bylaws.
2. Any member of the RFA may offer in writing, to the ECF, suggestions for changes in the bylaws. The changes will be reviewed and must be passed by the board by a simple majority, and then taken to the battery for a simple majority in order to pass. This is done by a show of hands at the next event.
V. Rank, Requirements, & Responsibilities
A. All positions must prove knowledge in artillery SOP and safety by passing the artillery safety test. Safety tests will be taken each year.
All officers and NCO’s must be at least 21 years old and have attended at least 6 events during the previous year.
B. Gun owners will be responsible for their guns on the line, but will not necessarily hold any rank, except when elected or appointed.
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