5th Rangers "E" Company Living History Organization

 CONSTITUTION
January 2003
Amended June 2004
Amended November 2004
Governing Document for 5th Rangers Reenacted


Index:
Mission Statement

Standard Operating Procedures:
Committees
Grievances
Guests
Meetings
Membership
Age Requirements
Removal of Officers
Selling in Camp and Forum
Shares
Unit Property
Vacancy of Commander
Voting

POLITICAL-ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS OR COMMAND STAFF (Non Rank Related)
Commanding Officer (CO)
Provost
Executive Officer (XO)
Treasurer
Authenticity Chairs

MILITARY POSTIONS 
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergents and Corporals
Event  Section Leaders

AUTHENTICITY STANDARDS
INSPECTION
In Camp
Clothing
Inspection Problems 

CAMP SAFETY RULES


 MISSION STATEMENT
January 2003

The purpose of this group shall be to educate the public to a cultural, educational, and social outlook of that period in history known as World War II.(1940’s)

This group shall assist the public in developing an awareness of US Army Ranger history in the European Theatre of Operations, with Concentration in the period from 1943 to 1945. This shall cover cultural, educational, social, and military attitudes and lifestyles.

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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
S.O.P.

Committees
The unit will have the following Standing Committees: Authenticity, Coordinating, Finance and Promotional. Other Committees shall be formed as needed. 

Grievances
The commander has the right to remove any appointee from office. An appointee removed from office has the right to appeal the removal before the membership at the next meeting with an announcement, if possible, in the newsletter/forum.

A member has the right to redress of any grievance. The grievance should be brought to the appropriate committee first. If there is still no resolution, the grievance can be taken to the commander. If there is still no resolution, the grievance can be taken to the membership.

Guests
Guests may be brought to events. A member bringing a guest must provide food, proper clothing, equipment, and supervision. The Provost shall be informed of the guest's presence.

Meetings
General Membership meetings will be held at least twice a year with no less than two (2) weeks notice. Robert's Rule of Order will be followed at meetings.

The General Membership will elect a commander at the fall meeting every third year. (2007, 2010, etc.) The commander will present his appointees for confirmation by the General Membership no later then the next meeting.

Membership Qualifications
An individual interested in becoming a member of the unit will hold the status of “recruit” for the first year within the organization.

During the first year, the recruit will purchace the equipment required by the organization for a basic impression.  The recruit must attend four events within the year (1 public, 1 tatical, 2 at recruits choice), and meet all authenticity standards and safety rules. A simple majority vote at any meeting will be needed to approve a person for membership.  A three quarter’s majority vote will approve a new member prior to completion of a year, if all equipment, attendance, authenticity and safety standards are met.

Once the individual has completed the time as a recruit and becomes a member, they will receive the privileges of being a Ranger.  The Ranger will be permitted to wear the Scroll Patch and assume the rank of Private First Class.  The member will be permitted full voting status.

To remain a member a person must attend two events a year and pay dues.

Age Requirements
All members who are participating in tacticals or other events involving the use or demonstration of explosives or firearms must be over the age of eighteen.

Members between the ages of sixteen and seventeen are only permitted to participate in tacticals or other events involving the use or demonstration of explosives or firearms if their parent or legal guardian is in attendance.  While members between the ages of sixteen and seventeen are permitted to participate, they are not permitted to handle any explosives or firearms.

Members under the age of sixteen are not permitted to participate in tacticals or other events involving the use or demonstration of explosives or firearms.

Removal of Officers
A vote of fifty-one percent (51%) of the total membership is necessary for the removal of or the confirmation of a removal by the commander of a person from an elected or appointed office.This can only be done at a unit meeting.

Selling in Camp and Forum
Selling and/or display of items are permitted in camp if the items are authentic to the time period being re-enacted. Selling may be done if allowed by the event sponsor.

Shares
In the event it is necessary to distribute monies or to assess monies the following shall apply.  Monies may be disbursed or assessed based on the age of each listed participant in the group's activities:

Sixteen - seventeen years of age= 1/2 share

Eighteen years of age and older = full share

Unit Property
All unit property will be transferred to the new officers as soon as possible after the fall meeting. Unit property inventory will be maintained by unit XO.

Vacancy of Commander
If the office of commander should become vacant, the Provost will become Acting Commander.  Election of a new commander to complete the term of the previous commander will be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Voting
Any active member of the unit over eighteen years old may vote. Members casting absentee ballots for commander must mail or hand to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee their ballot in an envelope designated as an "Absentee Ballot". Any vote will be counted if all membership qualifications of the person turning it in have been met.

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POLITICAL-ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS OR COMMAND STAFF (Non Rank Related)

Commanding Officer (CO)

1. Elected by the General Membership during its fall meeting every third year.

2. Appoints all unit officers with the approval of the General Membership.

3. Addresses the public when necessary and explains the function of the unit.

4. Attends all commanders' calls and necessary meetings at events and quickly passes on information to the unit so they may make plans.

5. If unable to attend any meeting, send a representative from the unit.

6. Act as the official spokesperson for the unit and relay all correspondence to unit members.

7. The commander shall receive all complaints and/or concerns.

8. The term of office for the Commander shall be three (3) years.

Provost
1. See that there is:

-sufficient space provided for each member to set up a safe camp

-a rope line is established and maintained

-space for demonstration and displays is provided to unit

-tents, tables, benches and sunshades are arranged to provide clear walkways

-establish a traffic flow pattern for the public

2. Locate and inform the camp of sources of firewood, straw, and fresh water.

3. Set up work parties as necessary.

4. See that all safety rules are followed.

5. See that the authenticity of the objects and equipment used in camp is as accurate as possible.

6. See that there are no obvious intrusions of the 21st century into the camp during event hours.

7. By their presence provide an authority figure in the camp that will be able to deal with problems and questions that may arise among newer members or at a time when most people are out of camp.

8. Refer to the Commander all problems that require executive action

Executive Officer (XO)
1. Act as the historian for the unit and keep its official records, documents, correspondence, locate, subscribe to, and make available newsletters from other groups.

2. Serve as the contact person with the public and turn names of people interested in the unit to the proper committee for processing.

3. Keep minutes of General Membership meetings.

4. Serve as a member of the authenticity Committee.

5. Maintain files, books, and information that will help members make and maintain clothing and equipment and pass materials onto Web master.

6. Update and publish once a year a list of materials available in the unit files.

7. Obtain books and other materials necessary for the improvement of the unit library resources.

8. Maintain a record of the whereabouts of all unit owned items.

9. See to the care of all unit owned items.

Treasurer
1. Keep a good accounting of any and all monies related to the unit.

2. Collect and pay unit dues and other sundry bills

3. Maintain a list of current members and officers and make it available to all members.

4. Provide a financial statement showing balance and transactions at bi-yearly meetings

Authenticity Chairs (men-women)
1. To see that each member develops a character impression for an identity and dresses in a manner to match that character.

2. See that the type of clothing used matches the requirements set by the unit.

3. Serve as a resource person to give assistance to those developing a new character, joining as a new member, or seeking advice for new projects.

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MILITARY POSTIONS 
Military positions will be appointed by the will of the Command Staff.

Captain
1. To develop in the troops a military manner of carrying out their duties during battle re-enactments and/or tactical demonstrations.

2. To command the troops in a military manner and to be able to give commands.

3. To encourage an esprit de corps among the troops being commanded.

4. To see that the troops are called to formation in time to be at all necessary activities.

5. Attend commander's call meetings.

6. Appoint in conjuction with the Commander the military officers and noncommissioned officers for the unit.

7. Inspect the troop's equipment when in line.

8. Issue all orders necessary and proper to officers and non-commissioned officers.

Lieutenant

1. Carry out the duties of the Captain when he is not present.

2. Assist the Provost in enforcing all safety rules.

3. Instruct new members in military drills and battle behavior.

Sergeants and Corporals

1. Assist the officers in carrying out their duties.

2. Give direct commands and guidance to the men in battle.

3. Assist the Lieutenant in training new members.

Event  Section Leaders

1. Be in charge of the actions of the machine gun, mortar, medical or other special weapons, etc. during battles.

2. Take care to see that all safety rules are followed.

3. Train members in the proper procedures that must be carried out by the section or squad.

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AUTHENTICITY STANDARDS 

Members of the Fifth Ranger Battalion will maintain authenticity standards set forth in the Fifth Ranger Battalion General Impression Reference Form (GIR).  The GIR will be consistently updated by the Authenticity Committee as new documentation is discovered.  Any equipment, clothing, etc. that is not listed in the GIR may be used by members, only if it is approved by the Authenticity Committee. 

Interpretation:
1. All members will learn as much as possible about the life and times of the people of the 5th Rangers so they may answer the public's questions about their character.

2. Conversations and activities in the camp as well as clothing and equipment should reflect the World War II era.

3. Members should work toward developing a first person interpretation of their character.

4. Male and female members may portray any character (male or female) of the World War II era.

FOOD:  Food must be removed from campfires and/or stove prior to serving.

Minimum standards must be maintained in camp to ensure the cleanliness and wholesomeness of all food items.

STRAW:  Loose straw makes good bedding, but care must be taken to keep straw away from flames and open fires at all times. Straw must be picked up, bagged, and disposed of properly (not placed in a fire).

TENTS: Smoking or any exposed flames is prohibited in tents and shelters, especially those with straw.

Lamps, candles, lanterns and stoves if used in tents, must be lit outside the tent.

They must not be left unattended in any tent.

Lit lamps, candles, lanterns or stoves will not be attached in any manner to canvas tent materials.

TRASH: Trash and garbage is to be thrown in the proper receptacles, not in the fire.

WEAPONS: A designated area at each campsite, out of the traffic flow, is to be set aside for weapons, blades and other military equipment.  This area should be large enough so arms may be handled, cleaned and repaired without harm to participants or public.

Weapons will not be discharged in the camp unless it is part of some special planned program or demonstration and notice is given to the camp, by saying FIRE IN THE CAMP.

Weapons will have the prescribed safety devices installed on them.

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INSPECTION

In Camp
1. The Provost shall walk the camp prior to event hours each day checking for 21st century intrusions, which he will point out for correction.                       

2. The Provost will maintain an ongoing visual inspection of the camp during the event hours to see that the camp continues to meet the unit's camp Authenticity Standards.

3. Should any problems arise, the Provost shall attempt to solve the problem by dealing directly with the person's involved and suggesting corrective measures.

4. Any open tents shall display only World War II period items.

Clothing

1. All clothing will be inspected from a distance that the public normally views the object (2 to 4 feet).

2. Children shall be inspected with their parents present.

3. As practically as possible, clothing will be inspected while on the person or actually in use.

4. The Inspectors shall see that the clothing matches the character or impression that the member inspected is trying to portray.

5. Should a problem arise, the Inspectors shall attempt to work out reasonable solutions to the problem and arrange a timetable for corrective action to be taken, as soon as possible.

INSPECTION PROBLEMS           

1. Sources of documentation shall consist of any recognized published documents, period photographs, period films, military records, military manuals, veterans accounts or descriptions dealing with the World War II era. The Executive Officer shall publish a list of sources or specific items that have been found to be questionable and rejected by the unit for use.

2. If a source of documentation is to be questioned, the questioning must be based on careful study of the source involved and concerned members must consider the conflict from all points of view. The question will be presented from all points of view to the General Membership at the next meeting, where a group discussion of the merits of each point of view will take place and a decision made by a majority vote of the membership as to the acceptability of the documentation in question.

3. In the event an immediate decision is necessary to resolve the problem of equipment, clothing, or accouterments, the Commander will have the power to make an immediate decision which will be binding, until the matter is decided at the next General Membership meeting by the majority vote of the members.

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CAMP SAFETY RULES

1. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: There will be no drinking of alcoholic beverages during hours of scheduled public activity.

2. EXPLOSIVES: All explosives and blanks are to be used with extreme care and caution at all times. No explosives will be permitted near any fire or open flame.

3. CAMP:  Sufficient space must be provided so that individual units are able to set up a safe camp.  For safety and security, camp areas may be roped off from spectators.  Demonstrations and displays are generally set up along the perimeter of the camp.  An entrance to the camp should be provided so displays may be walked around, not over.  Some type of flow pattern must be established in camp.  Tents and camp equipment must be arranged so clear walkways can be maintained.  Benches, tables, and water buckets must not block walkways.

4. CLOTHING:  Utmost care must be used around fires at all times.  Cotton and linen fabric catch on fire with extreme ease.  These fibers ignite easily, just by being in close proximity to flame, burn quickly, continue to burn when removed from the flames and continue to smolder when the flames are out.  Wool fabrics ignite less easily, burn more slowly and are self-extinguishing when removed from the flames.  For temporary fire retardation, soak clothing in a solution of one-cup borax to ten quarts of water after each washing.

Accouterments shall not present any safety hazard.

More clothing, rather than a bigger fire, should be used for warmth.

5. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:  Extra-currucular Activities are to be performed in the safest manner possible.

6. EDGED WEAPONS: Sheaths or some protective covering must be used on all blades and other edged weapons.

7. FIRES:  Fires are to be at least ten feet away from both spectators and tents.  A fire pit will always be dug, ground conditions permitting, the grass removed, set aside in an undisturbed area, watered several times during an event and replaced at the end of the event.

Fires are to be controlled, attended, and built only as large as necessary. 

Unattended fires are to be extinguished.

Cooks are to have clear access to the fire.  The area around the fire is to be cleared at all times, except for one or more fire buckets.  Non-essential people and pots are to be removed from the fire area when not cooking.

Towels, socks, and sundries are to be dried on a line away from the fire.  In some cases exceptions might have to be made, but extreme caution must be used.  The woodpile is to be a safe distance from the fire.  Children are never allowed to play with or near any fire.

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