Tweet
Not sure where the AAR thread is for this and can't believe I am first - maybe over on Facebook. Anyway, my oldest comrades in the hobby and I decided to meet on the prairie for this event and our long journeys from Maryland, Idaho and Chicago were rewarded, in spades. To me the measure of an event is "did it seem real?" Standing on guard post #2 at 3:00 AM in 38 degrees and a strong wind below the starry skies of Kansas was real...nothing to do but try to stay on your feet awake and do your job...trying to determine if that is a Pawnee trying to run the guard or a deer in the fields (we had both)...and making sure the Captain or OOD doesn't sneak up on you. Ditto the next morning on wagon escort after the first mile of the march peering ahead at every tree line for potential trouble...which also happened.
You know its a good event when a real military schedule is maintained, you never know what is going to happen, the leadership is superb at all levels and all the little pieces (sutlers, wagons, cooks, collodian artist, NPS support) fit perfectly. Kudos to the organizers who over-delivered on an experience I will never forget in the midst of old and new comrades.
Lots of different vignettes, from guard scenarios, to bayonet drill, to inspections (many) to drill and dress parade...all made you feel like a lone company on the prairie in a frontier fort in 1863. The ultimate side show of the big show.
Ft Larned is amazing...ya gotta go. Just seeing the resources (accouterments, hats, uniforms and blankets, cookware, etc) inside was jaw dropping. In our barracks room of 68 racks there were 40 Child's US blankets and the rest from National Historical Society run from the 80's...a treasure trove. Several of us pledged to "save the blankets" if a fire started :)
Thanks to the Bully Boys, 24th MO and friends for delivering the real deal. Salute.
You know its a good event when a real military schedule is maintained, you never know what is going to happen, the leadership is superb at all levels and all the little pieces (sutlers, wagons, cooks, collodian artist, NPS support) fit perfectly. Kudos to the organizers who over-delivered on an experience I will never forget in the midst of old and new comrades.
Lots of different vignettes, from guard scenarios, to bayonet drill, to inspections (many) to drill and dress parade...all made you feel like a lone company on the prairie in a frontier fort in 1863. The ultimate side show of the big show.
Ft Larned is amazing...ya gotta go. Just seeing the resources (accouterments, hats, uniforms and blankets, cookware, etc) inside was jaw dropping. In our barracks room of 68 racks there were 40 Child's US blankets and the rest from National Historical Society run from the 80's...a treasure trove. Several of us pledged to "save the blankets" if a fire started :)
Thanks to the Bully Boys, 24th MO and friends for delivering the real deal. Salute.
Comment