Versatility In Your Impression:
What Is It, Why You Need It, And Implications For Our Immediate Future.
By John Difatta.
At an event this past summer, twice I found myself involved in conversations that dealt with several issues that have importance, not only for our company, but for our battalion (Medich’s Battalion) as well. The first conversation I had revolved around our unit’s impression and the need for that impression to change and reflect an early war, Western Confederate look for a future event we were attending. Immediately following this discussion I found myself in a second conversation with a new unit member who questioned me on the need to change our Fourth Texas impression for this event. He asked me why we had to do this as well as questioning me on what was involved in accomplishing this transition. Since these conversations have occurred, my thoughts have turned to the importance of addressing these issues. Although it may not seem to be so, the versatility of our impression(s) is indeed an issue of extreme delicacy; and one that currently confronts us as a unit. Therefore, it is this authors intention to define the difference between a "unit" impression and a "generic" impression. Furthermore, it is the intention of this article to stress the need for versatility in our impression(s), as well as discuss and clarify the current clothing requirements that confront us as members of the Medich Battalion. In the end, it is important for all of our unit members to understand these issues and to agree on our unit’s course of action as these decisions not only affect each member, but also addresses the authenticity of our unit and our individual impression(s).
The answer to the first query in this article is simple enough. A "unit’ impression is when the members of an organization assume the name and impression of a specific unit; such as our organization has done by taking the names of the Fourth Texas, Company E and the Sixteenth Michigan, Company B. A "generic" unit impression is when the members of an organization do not assume the name of a specific unit. Instead, through the use of garments and equipment that were widely available to troops in a specific theater at any one time, they portray a unit of average soldiers. Many times this is done so that they may take on the mantle of several different units when they take the field, or to simply portray a group of nondescript, common soldiers. It is this idea of being able to portray a generic unit(impression that is) in essence, now one of the goals of the Medich Battalion. The key to successfully make this transition from specific to generic will be the versatility of our impression(s).
According to Webster’s dictionary, the term versatile means to "embrace a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also: turning with ease from one thing to another." [1] To connect this word with reenacting, for many, can be a delicate matter. The reason why this is so, is because it means that for us to be versatile as reenactors, we have to be willing and able to change. The unfortunate, simple fact is that many reenactors do not like and or want to change. They are happy with the status quo and feel that their impression(s) are adequate. Without debating the quality of the their impression(s), it is probable that for a certain theater and time period, yes, their impression(s) may be correct. The problem arises because as reenactors, we do not always portray the same unit, time period, or theater of war. Therefore, as responsible historians and enactors of history, this author believes that it is our duty to be versatile and be able to portray these different units, time periods, and theaters of war to the best of our ability. Many eschew these changes and argue against them because of the monetary cost to acquire versatile impression(s), or the fear of losing their distinctive unit integrity. These objections to change are natural, for as human beings we naturally cling to, and find comfort in those things that we know. Outside of monetary issues ,which can be dealt with, arguments such as these are in fact untenable. This is so because organizations like ours who portray specific units must be versatile to do justice to their unit impression(s). In short, they must be prepared to portray that unit’s early, mid, and late war impression(s), and accurately reflect the changes that occurred in uniforms and equipment during those time periods. For this simple fact, the argument for versatility in your impression(s) is upheld whether you do a specific unit impression or not. As previously stated, we do not always portray the Fourth Texas/Sixteenth Michigan when we attend events. Neither do we always portray troops in the eastern theater of the war. Simply put, the need for versatility in our impression(s) is obvious. Now that the argument for versatility has been made, the question remains, how do we achieve it? One element of clothing that will help add versatility to your Confederate impression is a frock coat. Currently, the Medich Battalion leadership is encouraging every member of its affiliated companies to obtain one. This is the dilemma that faces us as a unit and individual members.
Tempered by our own ideological input, selection of facts, and misinterpretations, we as reenactors attempt to preserve and interpret the Civil War. The Medich Battalion, although made up of several "unit" specific organizations, is attempting to obtain greater versatility amongst it affiliated organizations by asking their members to purchase a frock coat. The idea being that frock coats will add greater authenticity and versatility to the battalion because frock coats were worn in both theaters of conflict throughout the war. The effect of purchasing a frock coat will be double. First, when the battalion attends an event that some of its affiliated companies do not have the correct impression to do (i.e. an eastern theater impression when a western theater impression is needed) they may put on their frock coats which will help give them a proper and plausible, generic look. The second advantage offered the battalion is when the turnout of the affiliated member companies is small, battalion members may then don their frock coats and the battalion may function as a generic battalion or company. It is the battalion leadership’s position that frock coats will give us greater flexibility while maintaining our authenticity. This author concurs with the battalion leadership. It is hoped that with the success of battalion members obtaining frock coats, thereafter, arrangements may be made to obtain a grant which would allow battalion members to purchase Columbus Depot jackets as well (Columbus Depot jackets are a Western Confederate garment.) This would do much to advance and enhance the battalion and its membership’s versatility even further.
The basic issue here is that the battalion is trying to get better by asking the membership of its affiliated companies to get better. This push for versatility falls into place with the Fourth Texas/Sixteenth Michigan’s own commitment to authenticity, progression, and growth. As of our last membership meeting, the members of this organization have committed themselves to support the battalion. Unit members are still required to obtain a Richmond Depot II shell jacket, but members are also highly encouraged to obtain a frock coat as well. The unit’s commitment to this movement is already visible, as a score of our members have already voluntarily obtained frock coats. Several more members are in the process of obtaining frock’s at the time this article is being written.
In conclusion, it is important for all of our unit members to understand these issues. Although we do a unit specific impression, this organization is also committed to authenticity and growth. Honoring these commitments also charges us, whether we like it or not, to be as versatile as possible. Furthermore, all military members reading this should know that the Medich Battalion is a reflection of its affiliated companies. As the battalion struggles to be more versatile and authentic, so do we. In the end, the addition of a frock coat will help make the Medich Battalion more versatile, the Fourth Texas more versatile, and your own individual impression(s) more versatile. It is this authors hope that you will support your battalion, support your company, and support your own commitment to greater versatility and authenticity.
* Reminder.* Before making or purchasing a frock coat, there are unit requirements regarding said coat. Please consult your unit standards and vendor list or contact the Captain or 1st. Sgt to find out what those requirements are, as well as where to obtain your frock coat.
Note:
[1]. Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (Springfield, Merriam-Webster, 1983), 1310.
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