Torc Dubh's Rank and Structure

an a outline of Advancement within the Ranks.

Many military re-enactment groups have designated individuals at different ranks. The problem with this is that these people are usually expected to hold that rank until they either die or leave the group making advancement for those below them impossable. We've decided against that method and instead, opted for a system which makes it possible for anyone that wishes to advance within the group to do so.

Below is the basic break down as was discussed at our first, (unofficial,) meeting on October 25, 2003.

*Conscript- Anyone entering the group for their first year would be considered a conscript. (As stated before though, everyone entering Torc Dubh from another group will automatically skip this step for the first year.) What is expected at this station is simply a basic "bog" or "heather" costume consisting of head covering, a shirt, belt, pouch and shoes for both men and women with the addition of bodice for women.

*Kern- For a Kern, it is expected that an individual would have completed one year within the re-enactment environment, giving them an idea of the basic flow of things not only at the long running events, but also the weekend events. In addition, a kern would have some knowledge of who we are as a re-enactment group as well as what we do.

*Veteran- At the status of veteran, the individual is expected to own a full "bog" or "heather" kit. For the men this means, trews, slops. or a kilt, shoes, stockings, belt, pouch, shirt, chest covering such as an ionar, doublet or cota, and a head covering of some sort. For the women this would consist of head covering, shirt(s), bodice, skirt, belt, pouch, shoes and stockings. In addition, a veteran would have a very basic persona consisting of at least a name and place of origin. Also, there would be a more developed knowledge of the group.

*Sargent- As a sargent, the individual is expected to have a more complete persona as well as more developed knowledge of the backstory. It is at this rank that the purchase of a personal polearm or sidearm are suggested, but not required.

*Officers- As an officer, an individual would have completed their persona as well as now complete knowledge of the group's backstory. In addition to this, the officer should know about the corporate side of Torc Dubh as well and, by this time, more than likely posess some loaner gear so as to enable assisting recruits in dressing out.