MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

AGE - All applicants must be 18 years old or older to join on their own.  However, young applicants 15 years to 17 years old may join in conjunction with their own parent's or legal guardian's membership.  The parent or legal guardian will be responsible for the applicant's behavior, safety, and welfare.

GENDER, RACE, & FAITH - It is well documented that all races and religions of Southerners joined up to fight for their homeland.  There is also proof in several instances where women disguised themselves as men and fought in the Confederate forces.  Aside from simply being historically accurate to be all inclusive, the Gist Guard embraces the desire of all who wish to honor and present the history of the Gist Guard and the Confederacy.

RESIDENCE - It would be most convenient for applicants to live in the greater Charleston area.  This is where the Gist Guard will be active.  However, living near Charleston isn't necessary if the applicant doesn't mind driving longer distances.

UNIFORM & GEAR - Applicants must have, or are willing to get, period correct and authentic Confederate Artillery clothing and accessories.  No unique or exotic designs - just the basic Confederate grey or butternut common shell jacket, trousers, and kepi - all with or without red trim - along with standard brogans or artillery boots.  Specialized uniforms and/or equipment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

CHARACTER - Applicants must be people of good morals and good temperament.  Embarrassing and uncalled for behavior will not be tolerated in the ranks of the Gist Guard.

ATTENDANCE - There is no strict attendance policy to be a member of the Gist Guard.  We don't want our families to be "reenactor widows and orphans."  However, if you make the effort to join up, please make the effort to participate in unit activities as often as possible.  We have to have people to man the guns and the displays.

MEMBERSHIP DUES - There are no membership dues at this time, and there are no plans to impose any.

ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP NOTES - Do not apply for membership if you simply plan to try and recruit members of the Gist Guard into political or otherwise unrelated groups.  Members of any group that tarnishes and misrepresents the Confederate soldier and his history, or politicizes Confederate symbols to further their own agendas will not be considered for membership (KKK, NAACP, etc).  Such conflicts of interest will not be suffered.  Continued service is at the sole discretion of the president of the Gist Guard.
INTERESTED IN JOINING UP?

The Gist Guard will primarily be presenters of living history.  Our focus will be the history and service of the historical Gist Guard in the defense of Charleston during the War Between the States, as well as to present the historically-correct history of the Confederate States.  Some venues being considered are Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter (in cooperation with the National Park Service).  We are currently hammering out a proposed memorial service to be held every year at Morris Island to commemorate the Confederate forces that withstood assault and a very long siege there to keep the gates of Charleston safe from invasion until the very end.  This memorial is being planned in conjunction with the Pvt. John S. Bird- Palmetto Guard Camp #38, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
The Gist Guard is also planning to participate in "honor guard" activities of the local Sons of Confederate Veteran camps.  However, the unit does remain strictly independent from the SCV, yet cooperative with their activities when we can.
Reenactments are a strong possibility in the future, particularly the battles of Secessionville and Charleston.  This may have to coincide with unit membership in the Palmetto Battalion.  In this regard, we will just have to see how things progress.
The guns of the Gist Guard are also offered to serve at other functions such as funeral services and weddings ... any events in the local area that would like to have a little artillery in exchange for a donation to the unit.