Getting started in this hobby can be easy. Your first step is under way. The first step is deciding if you should pursue Infantry, Artillery, Dismounted Cavalry, or Mounted Cavalry... Federal or Confederate... and then decide on which Unit, within that branch, will best fit what you want to do and even how to dress.

    The 17th PA Dismounted Cavalry is a fairly laid back group of troopers. Yes, we do take the action seriously to get into the moment and maintain safety. But, we are not "stitch- counters". We do ask everyone to follow our rules and regulations. We help our people get good equipment for their money. Also, we understand a new person has to 'build' their collection of clothes and equipment. Until a reasonable time that you can supply yourself, a few of us can arrange to bring a few pieces of extra equipment until the new person has their own. Any lending within our group needs to be arranged well before the event.

    Below is a list of personal equipment that our troopers have. You will find that we have basically the same equipment within our group since we are Cavalry, but since "our story" is the we are a Remount Unit, ( a group of soldiers from other Units who are waiting for another horse ) some details of the uniform vary to the individual. We will give guidelines to stay within. For example, you will need to have 'Sky Blue' trousers, your choice of a shell jacket or sack coat, and your choice of brogans or boots. These are just a few choices. Other choices are what kind of gun, what kind of pistol ( if you are going to carry one ), kepi or forage hat, what color shirt, and what kind of tent?

    We allow Wedge Tents ( also called "A Framed Tents" ) and Shelter Halves ( also called "Dog Tents" ) in our camp. Our Unit does not allow wall tents. Consult with our Unit before investing into a tent so we can guild you to get the proper size tent for your needs and the best quality for the money. The larger tents shown above are the Wedge Tents and the smaller tents are the Shelter Halves. The Shelter Halves are two rectangles of canvas buttoned together along the ridge and staked to the ground on the other end. As you can see, there is a variety of styles among the large and small tents, but even with the variety, each tent should fall within the Federal Regulations of the period. Shown above are our white tents, with a reddish hue, just before a storm at Cedar Creek 2004.

    The camp fire is a very important part of any camp. Usually there is only one fire pit allowed in our Unit's camp. This helps reduce the scarring on the land of the park or private property we are on. We all take part in sharing space on the fire grate to ensure everyone gets a good turn to cook their food. The Unit usually has a fire grate and spit for the soldiers to use.

Some personal items you will need for your Mess Kit will be:

Plate - usually made of tin or stainless steel. The hand-crafted tin plates have a lot of character. Since a tin plate is easy to clean and dry, tin plates last a long time if properly stored. Some people still stick with the steel plates to rid chances of rust. A few people also use a "Canteen Half".

Cup - usually made of tin and stainless steel, but sometimes you will see a copper cup. The same is to be said for the cups as was for the plates.

Eating Utensils - come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Some people use the old looking utensils like would be found in a home and some people use an "issued" style utensil.

Skillet - usually made of steel or cast iron. The cast iron skillet is the most used. The most common sizes of skillets range anywhere to accommodate a large burger to a large helping of home fries. If you use too large of a skillet, then you will be taking up too much space on the fire grate.

Rag or Pad - used to grab hot items, such as skillets and kettles. Also a rag is nice for cleaning items.

Cooking Oil - coats your skillet to protect it and helps with the cooking.

Dish Soap - obviously to clean.

Kettle - usually made of tin or stainless steel. Stainless steel is usually preferred. The liquids and fire can make a tin kettle rust fast if the kettle is not well maintained. Sometimes kettles are shared, but if you use a lot of hot water for coffee and to clean your guns, then you might want your own kettle.

Matches - it is always good to have a spare set if needed.

A - Forage Hat

B - Shell Jacket

C - Saber

D - Saber Belt

E - Canteen

F - Trousers

G - Carbine Sling

H - Carbine / Rifle

I - Pistol Holster

J - Caps Pouch

K - Carbine / Rifle slung over the shoulder

L - Cartridge Box

M - Cavalry Boots

N - Pistol Box

O - Haversack

After a Trooper’s tent is setup in an approved fashion, the soldiers are allowed to either keep their tent setup looking simple or set things out for public display. Things set outside the tent should fall within the look of the Civil War era and will basically be functional items. Not a lot a reenactors, or soldiers of the day, would put things out just for decoration, because items needed in the camp are items packed. Since there is usually a bunch of needed items to get through an event, no one really wants to waste space and time with unnecessary items.