Q: How is the Potomac Legion governed?
A: The Legion is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, including a President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and two at-large Board members. The Board is elected by a committee of "unit representatives", which acts in an advisory capacity to the Board. The number of unit representatives is proportional to the membership of each unit, and complete information on how the number of unit representatives is determined is provided in the bylaws. The Board oversees all aspects of the Potomac Legion's operations--corporate affairs, authenticity standards, event schedule, and appointment of battalion officers and non-commissioned staff.
Q: What is the Potomac Legion's field command structure?
A: Field command of the battalion rotates among the members of a Command Pool appointed by the Board of Directors. The number of field and staff positions may change from event to event, and may include field officers (colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, or "senior captain"), adjutant, quartermaster, and sergeant major. Other, specialty staff impressions, such as medical staff, chaplain, &c. may be appointed by the Board on an event-by-event basis as appropriate.
Q: How does someone get added to the Command Pool?
A: The principal qualifications for being appointed to the Command Pool are possession of a thorough knowledge of the duties and drill associated with each position, and the ability to "manage" people effectively in the field. The Command Pool typically numbers five to six members and, at its discretion, the Board may invite "guests" to serve in command roles on an event-by-event basis. If a member wishes to serve in the Command Pool or simply try out a particular position, they should contact the Board.
Q: Does the Potomac Legion have dues?
A: At the present time, no. However, it is anticipated that the Legion will eventually have operating expenses of some sort, which may require institution of dues. If instituted, dues are expected to be minimal. At present, operating expenses such as meeting room rental, etc. are paid by the members on an ad-hoc basis.
Q: What kind of events does the Potomac Legion attend?
A: The Legion's annual schedule is determined by the Board and the unit representatives. The Legion typically attends higher-quality events,including battalion-scale living histories (often held at a battlefield sites), preservation marches, and high-quality reenactments. On occasion, the Legion may elect to attend a "mega-event".
Q: What are the benefits of membership in a the Potomac Legion? What sets the Legion apart?
A: The Potomac Legion's main differentiators are:
Helping to provide for our members a better idea of what the common soldier of 1861-1865 experienced is our primary mission, and it is the position of the Legion that this mission can be achieved only through improved authenticity.
Q: Does the Potomac Legion include impressions other than infantry?
A: The Legion welcomes artillery and cavalry organizations as members. Units who's primary impressions are other than infantry, artillery, and cavalry (i.e., medical, engineers, signal corps, etc.) are considered "specialty impressions" and must be considered and approved by the Board prior to applying for membership.
Q: Does the Potomac Legion include civilian impressions?
A: At a battalion level, no. However, various member units include civilian contingents.
Q: Does the Potomac Legion "galvanize" as Confederates?
A: While we are not opposed to the idea, at present the Legion does not galvanize. The reason for this is because at present not all member units have appropriate Confederate impressions which, of necessity, must be "done right", which takes significant time, research effort, and funds.
Q: Who can join the Potomac Legion?
A: Membership in the Potomac Legion is open to any company or mess of six or more members with a willingness to campaign, improve, and learn more about Federal soldiers of the Civil War. Applicant units are expected to have a "good" Federal impression and, while we are not necessarily opposed to units having dual memberships in other battalions, we prefer that the Legion be your primary battalion affiliation. If a unit holds membership in two or more battalions, we require that, when attending a Potomac Legion event, your group remain with the Legion throughout the event.
Q: How does my unit join the Potomac Legion?
A: Contact the Board! We're eager to hear from applicant units. Procedures for reviewing membership applications and information on probationary periods are included in the bylaws.
Q: Can a unit fall in as a guest for one event?
A: Yes. Just contact the Board. Individuals who wish to fall in with the Legion may contact the Board or one of the member units. Individuals who fall in with a member unit are the responsibility of that member unit for the event. If the Legion has significant numbers of individuals and small messes who wish to fall in with us for an event, we will provide the structure necessary for an ad-hoc "Incubator Company" or "Company I" for such individuals.
Q: Can an individual join the Potomac Legion?
A: No. Individuals wishing a permanent affiliation with the Legion are urged to contact one of the member units. As stated above, membership is open to any company or mess of six or more members.