From now to April, 2015 this hobby will be focused mostly on the 150th Anniversary of the war. During this time, we will see many events produced, projects proposed and "pet projects' come to fruition. Some will be driven by a social need, a charismatic personality or the hyped up advertisements that drive "it's the one event you can't miss."

Now as Tramp Brigade OHI members I want you to step away from the mindset of the lemmings and what must be done.
Our events won't always be near the most memorable or famous battles, it's not what we are about. We are following the exploits of one unit for four years, so what is the main selling point?

The main selling point is really ourselves and the characters we will explore over the next four years. How many times have you worked up a great impression, kit, or situation; only to use in once or twice? Did you use it chronologically? Was your impression allowed to develop over four years with a real "background?" Or was it the same old "you" going to the same repetitive events year after year?

We offer a chance for anyone that joins our unit to muster in as their alter ego and to develop that alter-ego over the space of four years. Anyone can buy gear or "off the rack" authenticity, but when you buy that expensive kit, attend some event where most of the people don't know each other, talk about the hobby and that's it.

The gear isn't the answer, it's the man in the mirror and what "he/she" brings to the events. Every event should afford us the opportunity to evolve our personal backgrounds and to construct first person impressions that are believable in how we feel about, and how others view them. It's also a chance to let go of our modern selves and internet reputations.

Events should cultivate the impressions, they should not make them impossible to operate.

Start to discuss and build your civilian backgrounds. Family, trades, hometown, history, politics, religion etc. Study the men of the Tramp Brigade and try to put yourselves in their shoes and we will all learn a great deal. If we can take that to the field, then we really have understood a little of what they lived through.