The constitution detailed below is the frame work which the Lazy Jacks Mess has been built around. The guidelines may appear strict but it is hoped that this will ensure that the very best in re-enactment may be achieved throughout the unit.

1. Authentic, High-Quality Dress without Exception. Members invest a great deal of time and money in researching and obtaining the very best kit. This unit was formed to escape mediocrity, therefore prospective members or guests will be veted before entry, and should at least possess one set of kit meeting the required standards before joining.
2. Event Specific Impressions. In as much as there is a scenario for an event, we will do our best to be dressed and accrouted in an authentic fashion for that period and theatre of war. All members will be capable and willing to do both Union and Confederate impressions, and will eventually be capable of doing Eastern and Western impressions. All impressions are to be generic portrayals of the common infantryman. Basic impression is mid-war (1863), however members may eventually wish to portray early and late war impressions. Having event specific impressions also applies to camp style. Members must be prepared for highly authentic, campaign style living in all weathers, which might mean in some cases, no tentage altogether.
3. Authentic Grooming. We do not wish the idiosyncrasies of the 21st century to intrude into our experience and representation of the 19th century. Therefore, hairstyles should be consistent with the period, meaning grade 1 or lower shaven heads and long hair are positively discouraged. The only jewellery permissible are wedding bands.
4. Fitness. All of our fighting soldiers must be capable of double-timing for extended periods and performing route marches in full pack. Overweight members should work to bring their weight down to an acceptable level for their height. This will not only be more authentic, it will improve the units overall health.

1. Authentic Rations. Soldiers within the company must be prepared to eat only army issue rations. Impression/scenario specific rations will be supplied and/or specified in advance for each event.
2. A Military Atmosphere in Proportion. Recognising that men of the Civil War were part of volunteer armies more informal than those before or since, we promote excellent drill each day, overnight picket duty, authentic camp life (including games, writing of correspondence, washing, etc ...) and healthy relatively un-hierarchical interchange between lower grade Officers, NCO's and men.
3. Sobriety in Good Measure. Whiskey, lager beer and other spirits were a rare treat for the Civil War soldier. However many re-enacting groups treat them as if they were permanently available on tap. There is nothing wrong with the occasional drink or two, but our aim of attending events should not be to get drunk. As a living history unit we believe that nightly heavy-drinking sessions detract from magic moments of a more sober and military camp life.
4. First Person. Members are expected to adopt a first person persona, with background details altering depending upon the impression and theatre which an event is based around. The use of modern language and profanity is strongly discouraged. Period slang, usage and indeed profanity are encouraged.

1. Playing by the Social Rules of the 19th Century. As living historians we welcome all participants providing that they portray a role within the group consistent with their age, gender and ethnicity during the period. Fighting men should be aged between 15 and 50 years old. Male Civilian living historians may be of any age. Women are not allowed in the ranks, but are welcome as civilian living historians.
2. The Events we Attend. We aim to do our own small, private scenario events (route marches, picket lines, rifle pits, etc ...) We will only do the best public living history events currently hosted by the larger American Civil War re-enactment societies.
3. Membership. Before participating in an event with the unit, any prospects will be vetted by the NCO's. If their impression and attitude is judged to be fine, then there will be a trial run to see if the prospect gets along with our unit and vice versa. All full members of our unit regardless of seniority or rank will have a voice in who is accepted into the unit as a full member. New full members will only be accepted via the universal consent of all existing fighting members.
4. Unit Structure. A Civil War Company at full strength would only have had 100 men. However the mid-war fighting strength of the average company rarely exceeded 50. Therefore we adopt the following rank structure. In the field our mess will be commanded by a 1st Sergeant (unless we reach 25 men, in which case we would need a Lieutenant/Captain). For every 8 fighting men there will be a corporal included amounst them. For every two corporals there will be an additional Sergeant. Officers and NCO's, will be are appointed on an event by event basis utilising their outstanding knowledge of drill and impressions. Future NCO's and decisions about promotions will be made by existing Officers/NCO's on the basis of the quality of the individuals in question.
5. Buying Equipment. Advice on where to buy the best particular items should be sought from the Officers/NCO's and other seasoned members of the mess. Inauthentic kit will not be allowed on the field - - so buyer beware. Its always best to consult with one of your pards before making a purchase. We will be running articles on not only what kit to buy, but also why we believe that such kit is best for a generic impression in the mess newsletter.
6. We Will Always Work to Improve. There is no such thing as the perfect living historian, or a perfect impression. Research is always evolving. We will strive to be at the forefront of our chosen pusuit in uniform, drill, and comportment.