Advancement for Active Members

Definitions

Primary Member: An individual with “Active Membership” portraying an impression that relates directly to the mission and purpose of the unit (i.e., Surveyor, Draughtsman, Chain-Bearer, Guard, or Waiter). In the Brigade of the American Revolution, the term is used to define the member who pays the bulk of the BAR dues for the household ($25.00 in 2010). If, for any reason, a Primary Member reverts from Active to Associate Status (see sections on Applicant and Probationary membership), Secondary Members in the household would also revert to Associate status, unless one of the Secondary Members is qualified to become a Primary Member (for example, a son may be able to become a Chain-Bearer, Guard, or Waiter when 16+ years of age, or a Surveyor or Draughstman when 18+ years of age).

Secondary Member: An individual portraying an impression that is not related to the core mission and purpose of the unit, including, but not limited to, distaff and children. Individuals whose impressions would be described under this classification may not join the unit as Primary Members (i.e., someone meeting the above definition of Primary Member must be in the household and must join the unit as such). While Secondary Members are not subject to the advancement (Applicant, Probationary, and Full) policies that pertain to the Primary Members, their clothing, accessories, and deportment must conform to the standards for distaff and male civilian clothing as described in this manual.

Applicant Membership

Becoming a member of the Department of the Geographer begins with either meeting or talking on the phone with one of the organization's officers. This is an opportunity for interested individuals and the unit to explain their expectations and answer any questions they may have.

Applicant membership begins once an individual decides they would like to join the Department of the Geographer and pays their dues for both the Department of the Geographer and the Brigade of the American Revolution. Applicant members are then assigned a sponsor from our membership to help arrange "loaner" equipment, assist you in acquiring your own, and provide guidance in general. At this stage, applicant members are welcome to attend events under the guidance of their sponsor.

Whether or not the Applicant Member is allowed to attend an event in period dress is dependent upon the recommendation of the applicant’s sponsor and the approval of the Survey Party Chief for that particular event.

Applicant Members must progress to Probationary Membership within 18 months of joining. If the Applicant Member fails to move up to Probationary Membership, he reverts to Associate Membership (if membership in the unit is still desired), and may re-apply for Probationary status at a later time.

Probationary Membership

Applicant members move to probationary membership when they have:

Received the recommendation of the applicant’s sponsor, and the approval of the applicant’s Survey Party Chief.
Obtained the minimum and most basic uniform and accoutrements as outlined in the Membership Manual.
Attended at least one official unit event in period dress
Demonstrated a strong knowledge of the history and purpose of the Department of the Geographer during its 1777-1783 existence.
Men-at-arms members (guards) must demonstrate safe handing of their firearm and proficiency in the manual of arms.

Probationary Members must progress to Full Membership within 24 months of becoming Probationary Members (not more than 42 months after joining the unit). If additional time is needed, the Probationary Member may request that his Survey Party Chief and Unit Commander grant one 12 month extension in order to perform the tasks necessary to progress to Full Membership. If the requirements for Full Membership have not been met by that time, the Probationary Member reverts to Associate Member status and may re-apply for Full Member status at a later time.

Full Membership

Full members have a vote in unit business and hold positions within the unit, etc. Full membership is bestowed by vote of the current members in good standing at the unit’s annual meeting (typically held in conjunction with the Unit’s School of Instruction in January or February). A probationary member is eligible for advancement to full membership once they:

Have received the recommendation of the Probationary member’s Survey Party Chief.
Personally own a complete uniform and accoutrements as outlined in the Manual.
Attend two events (dressed out) with the unit in a calendar year.
Have demonstrated at least intermediate proficiency in the core competencies of their chosen impression:

Surveyor (officer or civilian) (age 18+)

From a plat, accurately survey and mark a one square acre parcel on flat, clear ground
Using an accepted period technique, “cast up” the acreage of the bounds of the tract surveyed in #3 or #4. This must be done to an accuracy of ±5%.
Select a plot of ground (one to two acres) and take a survey of the tract based on existing features (tree lines, fences, streams). Record the traverse survey in a correct manner in a tally book. Plat said survey using period techniques on paper.
OR
Using a plane table and alidade, take a baseline survey of a open area (no smaller than two acres). Plat said survey using period techniques on paper.

Draughtsman (officer or civilian) (age 18+)

Develop a reasonable representation of 18th century handwriting as used on extant maps created by the Geographer’s Department
Show knowledge of symbols and colors used in maps of the period, and demonstrate technique of colouring maps.
Using data collected from #3 or #4 created by the surveyor, create a map of said area that is a different scale than that used by the surveyor using a scale or sector

Chain-Bearer (enlisted or civilian) (age 16+)

Demonstrate ability to clear a path through brush, correctly pull a chain, drop chaining pins, and plant flags under the direction of a surveyor.
Chain-bearers are encouraged to acquire an appropriate period or reproduction Gunter’s chain and a set of chaining pins so that they can be prepared to do their job at any event.

Guard (enlisted) (age 16+)

Fire musket with live ammunition at a designated "firelock match" or other “live fire” event
Display competence in the Von Steuben manual of arms
Guards are expected to own their own musket, or have ready, consistent, and dependable access to a loaned musket

Waiter or Servant (enlisted or civilian) (age 16+)

Demonstrate ability to prepare and serve period-correct meals to the officers’ mess
Verbally demonstrate knowledge of 18th century interaction between social classes, proper foodstuffs for campaign and town settings, etc.