Good evening everyone. As promised, here is the information of the 5th OVI, Birney's 2d Battalion Sprill Drill on Saturday, April 29th at Camp Workman. All of the details are attached and the registration sheet is interactive so all you have to do is fill it out. Save it as a different file, and then email to Ken Hillegass as indicated. Registrtaion can be sent via mail as well.
This will be a great weekend so please send this out to all in your unit. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Chris
2006DrillInfo.pdf
Monday, January 30, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Birney's Division 2nd Battalion
Just a bit of news to update you on. I received a call from Birney's Commanding Officer, General Kelley. He talked to me for some time about additional duty assignments. After some discussion, I said I would help out.
PLEASE be advised that I informed the General of my responsibilities to the 5th and that my job will be to command the company at our events. There are only a couple of the support events, and a few non-5th events, where I am being asked to perform other duties. Mostly, to continue the flow of information to the units here in the 2nd Battalion. I hope that not only myself, but the members of the 5th, will help take a leadership roll here in Ohio and Western PA on behalf of the Division.
Boys, Keep the Colors Up!
Captain Smith
To All Commanders,
Take notice that there has been a change in command of Birneys Division 2nd Battalion. Col. Benne has relinquished his command and taken a position on the Division Staff under my direct command. We would like to thank Ray for his dutiful service the past two years as the commander of 2nd Battalion and look forward to working with him in his new position on my staff. Job well done and much appreciated.
You will notice a change in the battalion structures in the Division in the next few days on the website. The Division is growing so rapidly that we need to align our units more geographically. 1st Battalion will consist of our Central Pennsylvania units and East the 2nd Battalion will cover Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio respectively in an effort to better serve you all better.
I am announcing that Chris Smith of the 5th OVI will succeed Col Benne as commander of the 2nd Battalion at the rank of Lt. Colonel, Colonel Smith is from the Akron area and a 10 year veteran of reenacting, is very amiable, easy to work with and knows his drill and is a strong leader. I would appreciate you total acceptance of Colonel Smith and co operate with him fully in building a strong 2nd Battalion and helping to make the hobby enjoyable for all in the coming years.
Your Servant,
Major General Ed Kelley
Birneys Division
Commanding
PLEASE be advised that I informed the General of my responsibilities to the 5th and that my job will be to command the company at our events. There are only a couple of the support events, and a few non-5th events, where I am being asked to perform other duties. Mostly, to continue the flow of information to the units here in the 2nd Battalion. I hope that not only myself, but the members of the 5th, will help take a leadership roll here in Ohio and Western PA on behalf of the Division.
Boys, Keep the Colors Up!
Captain Smith
To All Commanders,
Take notice that there has been a change in command of Birneys Division 2nd Battalion. Col. Benne has relinquished his command and taken a position on the Division Staff under my direct command. We would like to thank Ray for his dutiful service the past two years as the commander of 2nd Battalion and look forward to working with him in his new position on my staff. Job well done and much appreciated.
You will notice a change in the battalion structures in the Division in the next few days on the website. The Division is growing so rapidly that we need to align our units more geographically. 1st Battalion will consist of our Central Pennsylvania units and East the 2nd Battalion will cover Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio respectively in an effort to better serve you all better.
I am announcing that Chris Smith of the 5th OVI will succeed Col Benne as commander of the 2nd Battalion at the rank of Lt. Colonel, Colonel Smith is from the Akron area and a 10 year veteran of reenacting, is very amiable, easy to work with and knows his drill and is a strong leader. I would appreciate you total acceptance of Colonel Smith and co operate with him fully in building a strong 2nd Battalion and helping to make the hobby enjoyable for all in the coming years.
Your Servant,
Major General Ed Kelley
Birneys Division
Commanding
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Army of the Ohio Officer's School
I will be attending this course. If anyone else is interested, please let me know.
Captain Smith
clsmith@5thohio.com
Gentlemen,
This letter is to announce our third annual Officer's Training Program, to be help March 24-26, 2006 (March 31 - April 2 in case of a blizzard). This activity was inspired by a correspondence course program conducted by Tim O'Neill of the Civil War Living History Institute (CWLHI). Tim is a retired US Army Lt Col and taught psychology at the US Military Academy (West Point) for a number of years. Recognizing the need for increased professionalism and leadership among reenactor officers, he has developed the "Staff College" program. Students study textbook materials, submit "homework" assignments and attend resident weekends at Old Fort Washington, a historic site just east of the DC beltway. This program is highly rewarding and Tim is hoping to make arrangements for awarding actual college credit.
My weekend course borrows heavily from Tim's CWLHI program. The intention is to give the students a simplified look at the material, develop some briefing and writing skills, foster teamwork and leadership and of course have some fun. I hope the program will awaken interest in further study, and inspire many of the students to enroll with CWLHI. Students do not need to hold officer rank in a reenactment group to attend; only an interest in the subject matter is necessary.
The agenda is full, with essentially no "down time" other than sleep, breaks and meals; so the program is best held at a "retreat" site where the students will not be disturbed. For the same reason, family members cannot be accomodated on site. This year we will use Jim Workman's reconstruction of a period tavern near Campbellsport, OH (directions to be provided with registration materials). Certain meals are provided and I ask students to remain on site overnight if at all possible in order to foster teamwork and camaraderie.
Registration opens Friday afternoon, with students on their own for dinner. The first organized activity will be a leadership discussion in the early evening (time TBA). After this, we will retire promptly to bed as we have a very full schedule Saturday. Saturday activities begin with a sword exercise, followed by breakfast (provided on site). Classroom sessions will be held throughout the day, with the student presentations before and after lunch. We will have snacks available and will have a midday break for an hour or so to let students get lunch and run any necessary errands. Classes will continue until late afternoon.
Saturday night, we have the social and "fun" highlight of the event with a reception and formal dinner superintended by my wife Kay. This is not only intended to be enjoyable, but gives us a chance to practice the social skills gentlemen were expected to be familiar with in the 1860's. We will review the military mess custom of toasting.
Sunday morning begins with breakfast (provided), and any needed review or leftover material from Saturday. After this, students will apply what they have learned through a "map exercise", essentially a highly structured wargame. The emphasis is not so much on winning as on applying the analysis and problem solving techniques taught on Saturday, and working together effectively as a team.
Participants are requested to be in period dress from Saturday morning through Sunday dismissal. "Duty" uniform or corresponding civilian dress is appropriate during the day, and your finest "dress" uniform with white gloves is requested for the reception and dinner. However, no one is expected to buy clothing especially for the course. If you do not have period clothing, modern "business casual" is appropriate during the day, and a jacket and tie for dinner. Everyone is also requested to bring a sword if possible for the Saturday morning exercise; bring two if you have them to share with others who may not. Belts are desirable but not required, and will not be worn the rest of the day.
Pre-registration is required. A fee of $20 is used to defray the cost of meals and other expenses. Please make checks or money orders payable to "Kay Ruley". Registration will close March 1 and is limited to 15 students, so please submit your fees promptly. Our address is 4674 Old Springfield Rd, Springfield, OH 45502.
Each student is requested to prepare a five-minute presentation on a topic of military relevance to the mid-nineteenth century. The intention is to test your ability to make a point quickly and clearly rather than require great scholarship. Please submit your presentation topic along with your registration. If you have trouble choosing one, contact me and I will be glad to assist you.
If you would like more information, contact me at (937) 462-7332, or by e-mail at garlough@woh.rr.com
Cordially,
Jim Ruley
Commanding, Army of the Ohio
Captain Smith
clsmith@5thohio.com
Gentlemen,
This letter is to announce our third annual Officer's Training Program, to be help March 24-26, 2006 (March 31 - April 2 in case of a blizzard). This activity was inspired by a correspondence course program conducted by Tim O'Neill of the Civil War Living History Institute (CWLHI). Tim is a retired US Army Lt Col and taught psychology at the US Military Academy (West Point) for a number of years. Recognizing the need for increased professionalism and leadership among reenactor officers, he has developed the "Staff College" program. Students study textbook materials, submit "homework" assignments and attend resident weekends at Old Fort Washington, a historic site just east of the DC beltway. This program is highly rewarding and Tim is hoping to make arrangements for awarding actual college credit.
My weekend course borrows heavily from Tim's CWLHI program. The intention is to give the students a simplified look at the material, develop some briefing and writing skills, foster teamwork and leadership and of course have some fun. I hope the program will awaken interest in further study, and inspire many of the students to enroll with CWLHI. Students do not need to hold officer rank in a reenactment group to attend; only an interest in the subject matter is necessary.
The agenda is full, with essentially no "down time" other than sleep, breaks and meals; so the program is best held at a "retreat" site where the students will not be disturbed. For the same reason, family members cannot be accomodated on site. This year we will use Jim Workman's reconstruction of a period tavern near Campbellsport, OH (directions to be provided with registration materials). Certain meals are provided and I ask students to remain on site overnight if at all possible in order to foster teamwork and camaraderie.
Registration opens Friday afternoon, with students on their own for dinner. The first organized activity will be a leadership discussion in the early evening (time TBA). After this, we will retire promptly to bed as we have a very full schedule Saturday. Saturday activities begin with a sword exercise, followed by breakfast (provided on site). Classroom sessions will be held throughout the day, with the student presentations before and after lunch. We will have snacks available and will have a midday break for an hour or so to let students get lunch and run any necessary errands. Classes will continue until late afternoon.
Saturday night, we have the social and "fun" highlight of the event with a reception and formal dinner superintended by my wife Kay. This is not only intended to be enjoyable, but gives us a chance to practice the social skills gentlemen were expected to be familiar with in the 1860's. We will review the military mess custom of toasting.
Sunday morning begins with breakfast (provided), and any needed review or leftover material from Saturday. After this, students will apply what they have learned through a "map exercise", essentially a highly structured wargame. The emphasis is not so much on winning as on applying the analysis and problem solving techniques taught on Saturday, and working together effectively as a team.
Participants are requested to be in period dress from Saturday morning through Sunday dismissal. "Duty" uniform or corresponding civilian dress is appropriate during the day, and your finest "dress" uniform with white gloves is requested for the reception and dinner. However, no one is expected to buy clothing especially for the course. If you do not have period clothing, modern "business casual" is appropriate during the day, and a jacket and tie for dinner. Everyone is also requested to bring a sword if possible for the Saturday morning exercise; bring two if you have them to share with others who may not. Belts are desirable but not required, and will not be worn the rest of the day.
Pre-registration is required. A fee of $20 is used to defray the cost of meals and other expenses. Please make checks or money orders payable to "Kay Ruley". Registration will close March 1 and is limited to 15 students, so please submit your fees promptly. Our address is 4674 Old Springfield Rd, Springfield, OH 45502.
Each student is requested to prepare a five-minute presentation on a topic of military relevance to the mid-nineteenth century. The intention is to test your ability to make a point quickly and clearly rather than require great scholarship. Please submit your presentation topic along with your registration. If you have trouble choosing one, contact me and I will be glad to assist you.
If you would like more information, contact me at (937) 462-7332, or by e-mail at garlough@woh.rr.com
Cordially,
Jim Ruley
Commanding, Army of the Ohio