GAF Rank & Rate

[Mulee Pete]

Howdy all,
Just enlisted, but as an "Old Salt"  I was wondering how a rank is picked.  I mean, as a retired AMS1(AW) would I be correct in wearing 1st Sargent stripes? 
And if I am reading the guidlines correctly, Confederate Uniforms are allowed because they fall in the Victoran Era time frame.
Glad to be aboard, and looking forward to learning more of the military history of the Victorian Era.

Mulee Pete,phd

[Dusty Tagalon]

Welcome Pete;

Wear the rank you want to. I have uniforms for enlisted & officer. From the Civil War, to Indian Wars. I also have a reb uniform.

Dusty

[Trailrider]

Howdy, Pard,
I'm not familiar with how modern Navy and Army rank is equivalent.  There is no real requirement, so far as I know regarding your "pay grade" in the GAF.  Since we are a fairly informal organization, I believe it is pretty much up to the individual as to rank/grade.  For example, forty years ago I was promoted to CPT, USAF.  When I started Cowboy Action Shooting, about 20 years ago, I took on the personna of a cavalry officer, c. 1874-1880.  I did not personally feel justified in assuming a higher rank, as some did, so assumed the rank of captain.  I remained so until about two years ago, when, due to advancing age (actually, I would have been "retired" at age 62, the year before), and due to my business of making holster and belt rigs, as well as my experiments with small arms ballistics, I felt a "promotion" was due, along with a transfer to the "Ordnance Dept."  While I didn't have to do so, I requested permission to become "Bvt. Chief of Ordnance, Dept. of the Platte, GAF" from the Dept. commander.  He expressed no objection, so I now, although my "field" uniform is a mix of clothing (common in the 19th Century), and wear the "undress" uniform of Bvt Major Ordnance, for social functions.

Welcome to the campfire, First Sgt.!

[Mulee Pete]

Thanks Dusty & Trailrider.  Wanted to observe the  proprieties of the camp.  Thanks for getting me started right.

[US Scout]

Mulee Pete,

I'm in the process of trying to formalize our GAF policies and have them posted on the GAF Website.  One of these will deal with "rank."  But in the meantime:

First, we have our own internal GAF rank structure.  These are honorary brevet or acting ranks granted to those who put forth their time and energy in organizing and running the GAF.  So whenever you see someone addressed as Brevet Colonel or Acting Sergeant Major, that means they are filling a GAF billet and as a matter of courtesy they should be addressed by their GAF ranks.

Second, we have a number of people who have a rank as part of their CAS alias - Sergeant Drydock, Captain Barrett, etc.   GAF policy is that they are to be addressed by their alias since the absence of a "brevet" or "acting" indicates these are not GAF ranks. 

Third, no one is restricted to what service, rank, or even nationality they may wish to represent.  You can wear a uniform of any military or para-military organization (such as the "Mounties") of the 19th century you may wish and with whatever rank you wish.  If you want to be a Confederate general or a cavalry sergeant major have at it.   We have a number of members who wish to wear a uniform with a rank roughly equivilent to what they may have earned on active duty.  This is entirely permissible and even encouraged, but not required.   

As for your specific question, 1st Sergeant would be roughly equivilent to an AMS1.  Perhaps Sergeant Drydock might have some guidance since he has already done pretty much what you are wanting to do.

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Guns Garrett]

That's what's cool about the GAF, and what it has over the US Army.  Instead of being "all you can be" you can be "anything(one) you wanna be."  My "official" personna (purely fictional) is that of First Sergeant Gunnar Garrettje, USMC, who enlisted not long after the Civil War, saw action in Korea, the Philippines, China and Cuba, provided security for the railroads, and survived Samar.  He was medically retired just after the turn of the 20th Century.

I have also been observed as a U.S Army Light Artillery Captain, serving in the Civil War a a member of Colonel Ellet's Ram Fleet on the Mississippi, also known as the Mississippi Marine Brigade.  Another I am considering is that of a Boer from Transvaal in South Africa (1st Anglo-Boer War, 1880-1881).  Arming would be with civilian (most likely, but not necessarily, European) weapons or "captured" British equipment, and just farmer's clothes, as the Boers had no uniforms.

I retired (for real) from the USMC in '96 after 21 years, as a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7).  My last posting was that of "Senior Marine" of the Marine contingent of a joint Navy-Marine RAG Squadron at Whidbey Island, WA.  It was a billet for, and I performed the duties of a First Sergeant, which is more or less why I chose that as my personna.  Not much call for an Aviation Metalsmith in the 1800's, but then again, none of us work "in rate" as it is.

[Drydock]

Yes indeedy!  I'm a recently retired MA1.  My 1870s uniforms carry the equivilant rank of 1st Sgt.  My M1884 uniform carries a promotion to Sgt Major.  For the Spanish American/Phillipine campaigns, I am a Major of Volenteers.  What goes on the uniform is what YOU want.

My Brevet rank in the GAF is that of MAAGAF, command staff, both in recognition of my service, and in relation to the small arms research work I've done for the GAF rules structure.

what it all means, is simple fun.

[RattlesnakeJack]

....  Another I am considering is that of a Boer from Transvaal in South Africa (1st Anglo-Boer War, 1880-1881).  .......

Oh, Goody, Guns!  I sure hope you do iit .... I'm beginning to run out of targets ....   

[Dr. Bob]

Col. RJR,

Sir, I may be compelled to fashion a nice red uniform to join in the sport!   Talley Ho, A Boar Boer Hunt!

YMH&OS,

Dr. Bob
&c., &c., &c.

[Guns Garrett]

Don't forget the white (buff) crossbelts to form the nice "X" over the breast bone.  Shows up well (and at long range) against the red tunic. 

RSJ, I do believe the soldiers of Her Majesty Queen Victoria did not fare quite so well in the 1st Anglo-Boer War.  Although it barely lasted 4 months (Dec 1880-Mar1881), and had only three major battles, all descriptions of those battles describe the British forces as "torn apart" or "decimated". However, lessons were learned which were very useful in the next conflict.

[RattlesnakeJack]

Oh, sure!  Go ahead and spoil my fun by mentioning that .....        

[Bow View Haymaker]

I may be out of place hear. 
I am interested in this military hisitory but have none of my own.
I have nothing but the highest respect for those of you who have served our country or yours (if not usa). 
I would like to join and participate with the GAF but I don't have a military persona (and don't feel entitled to one). 
I am just a farm boy from northeast Nebraska and my CAS alias is the same.  I do however support the military and it's endevors.   


 

[Silver Creek Slim]

Bow View Haymaker,
I was not in the military either. But, my father, brother, and other relations were in the military. I usually dress as a civilian scout during the Indian wars. Eventually, if finances permit, I will get a US Civil War Union cavalry outfit together. Two of ancestors were in the 1st WI Vol. Cavalry.

Slim

[RattlesnakeJack]

BVH:

As far as I know, an interest in Victorian-era military history is all that is needed to join GAF ....

Personal military service is by no means a pre-requisite to adopting a military persona or belonging to GAF .... so I'm unclear why you feel that you're "not entitled" to develop such a persona.  If you feel that it would somehow be dishonorable to do so my view is that, on the contrary, one does honor to those who have served by taking the time and expending the effort and resources to re-enact military history.  I have never actually served in the military, but have long had a keen interest in military history and firearms, and have embraced GAF as an ideal vehicle for actively enjoying those interests.

If, on the other hand, you prefer not to have to acquire the additional guns, gear and clothing that a military persona might require, I can honestly say that, at the three GAF National Musters I have attended, the "non-military" shooters have outnumbered those shooting in the military categories.  At all of those events, shooters have been welcome to compete in the "Scout" category,  in regular CAS attire and with regular CAS guns and gear. (And, although that is what GAF has chosen to call its "civilian" shooting category, Scouts were by no means the only civilians who were historically involved with the military, of course - other highly approriate personas include stock drovers, teamsters, sutlers, and so on ....   
.... it's just that "Scout" has a more romantic sound than, say, "Civilian Contrator" ....    )

So, by all means, don't hesitate to "enlist"!   

[Bow View Haymaker]

Thanks you all,

I do plan on attending the Muster at Fort Hartstuff this year as a civilian.  I know I could addopt a militaary persona but I jsut don't hink I hae the knowledge to do it justice right now and of course finaces for a new outfit are always an issue. 
I believe I might go to the GAF website and signon right now.  I've put it off long enough. 
FWIW, If someone wants to help run a GAF type shoot in Northeast nebraska on the first weekend of August, let me know. 
And thanks agian for the encouragement. 

[Mustang Gregg]

BowView Haymaker: 

You'll do fine.  Do NOT fret over the whole uniform right off!!!  Back then, the uniforms were many times incomplete & self-made, I am told.
Heck, I am a newbie at the reenacting stuff meself. 
I do actually try to look like Ltc Rooseveltin 1898.  But I am really only a SFC in the Nebrasky Army National Guard.

Mustang Gregg

[Pitspitr]

Bow View Hyamaker, Mulee Pete, Et Al,

Like BVH I have never served and felt/feel somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of wearing an officer's uniform so I understand your feelings.

I've always been interested in history, especially American history of the victorian period. In the early 90's I began volunteering as a living historian at Ft. Hartsuff State Historic Park. At the time I first talked to the park superintendant I was interested in portraying a civilian scout for the army; however, I was asked to portray a soldier instead. I started as a private and over the years I was promoted first to lance corporal, then corporal and finally to Sergeant. When I was promoted to Sergeant I was initially unable to find IWP sgt. chevrons and since I was a little uncomfortable with my new "rank" anyway, I continiued wearing my previous cpl chevrons. One day my captain (the park superintendant who actually served as a captain in the US Army) called me in and reprimanded me for not wearing my rank. I made sure I got new chevrons on my uniform as quickly as I could. 


Then when I joined the National Indian Wars Association, something was mentioned about portraying a Sgt. as part of the living history program at Ft. Hartsuff and to my surprise when my membership papers came back I was registered as "Sergeant Jerry M. Davenport".
Shortly after I joined the GAF, I was asked by then (Bvt.) Colonel Cheyenne Logan to serve as his Lt. Colonel which I hesitantly accepted. When (Bvt.) Col Logun retired (Bvt.) General US Scout promoted me to fill the vacancy. During the time I served as the Lt. Col. of the Department I had the occasion to dine with then (Bvt.) General Missouri Scottsman (the GAF founder) at a historical banquet at Ft. Robinson.

During the course of the meal I encouraged the General to wear his rank as a way to promote the GAF. When I was assigned command of the Department of the Missouri I felt the time had come for me to put my money where my mouth was and I had a uniform made that I can wear when I represent the GAF. On it next to my GAF medals I also wear my SUVCW membership medal to honor my ancestors who served during the Civil War.

I also wear a CW private's uniform when I am participating in a multi period honor guard I belong to and an IWP private uniform when I am at GMMCS activities.
I can't tell you how many vetrans I've had tell me they like the way I choose to honor the men and women who've served our country.
Wear whatever uniform you're comfortable with.

[Mulee Pete]

I thank everyone for their input on the rank question.  I, and those who served will understand, worked hard to learn my trade in the Navy, and every paygrade was earned with blood, sweat and tears.  A lot of responsibility also went with my crow, from the pilots that flew the planes I maintained, to those senior to me to impliment and carry out their orders, and those junior to me to teach them what they needed to be succesfull in service.  Each stripe showed that I had become compantant to take on more responsibility.
I would not like to dishonor the memory of those who also worked to earn the right to wear their stripes, by arbitrarily sewing on the badge just for show.  Lets face it, service today is nothing like what soldiers and sailors had to deal with in the Victorian Era.  As a Viet Nam Vet, I only had to sit off shore on board Kitty Hawk and keep the b1rds loaded with 500 pounders going off the pointy end.  Not like the nitty gritty grind of the foot pounders.  But then again, there were situations....
So where do I go from here.  I think starting as a corporal would not be out of order, and work up from there.
See you on the trail,
Mulee Pete, phd

[SGT John Chapman]

http://webpages.charter.net/usaihp/armyhome.html

Mulee Pete,
Use the above link to cross refrence ranks through the years ,

Haymaker,
If it bothers you that much their's always the Scouts, a lot of them were civillians working for the Military,......

[Mulee Pete]

Thanks Sarg,
Great info site, as a matter of fact I got a good start on info about the "saddler sargent".  I have been trying to figure what field Mulee should get into, and I think the saddler matches up with my leather crafting.  And I still get to shoot.  So I guess I'll need to leave the CSA and outfit myself for the Spanish American era.

Mulee