Skills in the field

[ncfarmboy]

Has anyone ever been to or hosted an event where veteran campaigners teach new commers essential field skills? It has come to my attention that a lot of guys aren't that smart when it comes to certain skills or even fixing problems with period solutions. I have observed many give up on something as simple as starting a fire because they have not been taught the skill correctly. Skills I am mainly talking about are fire building (as well as foraging for wood), tips to stay dry, packing your knapsack or blanket roll, carrying your gear, cooking is a main one, cleaning and maintaining your weapon in the field, setting up shelters, tips for cold nights and the list goes on. I am interested in hosting such an event in order to help guys in my area with these necessary skills. Any tips on putting on such an event?

[cairnsy44]

Re: Skills in the field

I would love that. Great idea!

[Michael Comer]

Re: Skills in the field

It's been done but is something that should be repeated on a regular basis in my opinion.

[ncfarmboy]

Re: Skills in the field

Ok so what type of skills were covered in other events such as this? I'm looking for anything I have not thought of yet.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Skills in the field

Ideas for skills to cover:

1. Basic knots and pitching tents and shebangs in the field.
2. Bedding down - how to minimize discomfort and stay (relatively) warm and dry
3. Cooking in the field (by mess and by company)
4. Livestock 1: Not doing stupid things around big animals that can really hurt you.
5. Livestock 2: Basic animal care.
6. Livestock 3: Hitching a team to a wagon.
7. Livestock 4: Learning how to drive a wagon
8. How to clean a musket in the field so you could pass a real inspection.
9. How to stay healthy in the field (eating, hydration, foot care, and not doing stupid things that can hurt you).
10. How to be an effective orderly sergeant (including modern items you should carry because one man with a blister or a bug bite can cause 5 guys to walk off of your event).
11. How to be an effective adjutant.

[ncfarmboy]

Re: Skills in the field

Great suggestions, thanks! I am still open to other ideas so keep them coming. Also, what are your thoughts on how to organize it? Such as say 6 rotating stations with 3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon?

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Skills in the field

I hate to sound like the grumpy old man here but why does an event need to be created to have someone teach these skills?
Pay attention at the other events you go to, ask questions while in the field.
One thing to remember is that not every soldier north or south knew these skills upon entering into the service. So it would be 100% authentic for you Coty, and anyone else just starting out to be watching, learning and asking those questions.
There are multiple resources available to via manuals, YouTube (CW Digital Digest) and the thousands of articles posted right here on this wonderful archive of knowledge, the Authentic Campaigner.
A wise old fellow once told me when I was about 18, "You have two ears and one mouth. That means you are supposed to do twice as much listening as you are talking."

[ncfarmboy]

Re: Skills in the field

I %100 agree, that is the way I learned most of my skills. I have just observed others who are lacking in these things. Sometimes events aren't the best to learn at such as the other guys getting mad when you are taking too long to get the fire started when it's cold. I also agree that most guys might not have known said skills when they entered the army, however, we often portray veteran soldiers. Not as many guys grew up in boy scouts now a days like a lot of us did. In my opinion, most of these skill should at least be learned at the basic level before going to the field so the individual does not suffer due to lack of knowledge. Very good point.

[robwall1861]

Re: Skills in the field

I learned both by observing in the field when I first joined and then for our spring drill one year we had a,school of the soldier (how to wear your gear, skirmish drill, cartridge rolling and making, etc).

Just my .02 that one can be as helpful as the other if the Vets of the unit are patient enough with the Fresh Fish.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Skills in the field

While you are about creating a fieldcraft event for the soldierly menfolk, don't forget that women and civilian men need these skills too.
If you feel the need, it can be a "separate but equal"... but they need to know about more than how to dress well and look pretty.

Most of these are suggested above... but some will need tweaked for the womenfolk.
1.) How to build a fire without setting yourself on fire.
2.) How to layer clothing and bedding to sleep without freezing...or setting your shoes on fire.
3.) How to pee in the woods without giving a "show"
4.) Animals and how to be around them.
5.) How to set up various forms of tentage and how to deal when you don't have tentage.