About the Western Independent Grays
The Western Independent Grays (WIG) is an organization of individuals dedicated to accurately portraying, to the best of their ability, the soldiers who fought in the Western Theater during the American Civil War.
We strive to be a functioning military organization and we feel that every individual has something to contribute and help make the WIG the best unit on the field. To make this happen, everyone who wishes to participate with the WIG should be prepared to commit to do the best soldiering and living history that we can.
Research
The Western Independent Grays will strive to provide in-depth research, in a timely manner, detailing the campaign or living history we will be participating in as well as providing as much information that is available concerning the physical appearance, weapons, and equipment of the unit we will be portraying.
Managing Our Destiny
While serving with the Western Independent Grays everyone can expect to participate in company and battalion drill, fatigue duty, guard duty, roll calls, and ceremonies. Also, rations will be issued to every member of the battalion -- NO EXCEPTIONS! By "Managing Our Own Destiny" we can provide a better experience for ourselves. Some of the duties drill and battalion functions may not be easy, but they are all designed to heighten our experience -- and NO ONE will be left out or asked to do more that what every other member of the battalion is expected to do.
Attitude
The WIG feels that the most important piece of equipment that we can bring is a good attitude! A positive attitude insures everyone a good time and makes it easier for everyone to work together as we achieve our common goal of being the best unit on the field. Please respect the rules of the event, the man standing next to you and especially your company commanders and NCOs. We are all in this together!
The WIG is strictly a military organization. While civilians where found in military camps during the civil war, the WIG does not have any official civilian contingent. When in the field, we strive to maintain a military bearing as much as possible during events. This means men participating in the event can expect to stand certain duties including sentry, fatigue, drill, and parade as ordered by the Officers and NCOs of the WIG.
Command and Staff
The Western Independent Grays have only one elected position, Commander. The Commander is then allowed to appoint any staff he feels is necessary. Our current Commander is Brian Hicks. He has two standing field positions, Adjutant and Inspector General. Justin Runyon is our Adjutant. Pat Craddock is our Inspector General. Company Commanders are assigned on a per event basis at the discretion of the WIG Commander. In addition to field staff Brian has two administrative positions, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster. Tripp Corbin is the WIG Webmaster. The Newsletter Editor position is currently open. For more information about the WIG leadership click here.
Drill & Procedures
The safety of our members is of upmost importance to the WIG. The best way to ensure safety is to make sure everyone one follows the expected guidelines for each event and knows the proper military drill. The WIG expects every member to come to each event with a clean and functioning weapon. Each weapon will be inspected using the method procribed in our Regulations for Weapons and Inspections.
Hardee's Light Infantry Tactics revised in 1862 is our primary military drill manual. This manual is an updated verion of the 1855 manual which was designed for use with 2 band rifles. The revised 1862 version was updated for use with the three band musket. All WIG members should strive to be proficient with the manuevers described in this manual. Officers are also expected to know the sword and sabre drill.