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
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