Membership is open to all interested adult males. The original Texas Army was made up of male volunteers. Although women and children played a vital role in the settlement of Texas and the winning of Texas independence, they were not members of the Army and Ranging Companies. Women and children are welcome in camp and in their appropriate support role, they provide a wider educatonal opportunity to the public. Both Hispanic Americans (Tejano) and Afro-Americans (freemen and slaves) did participate in the army. Unlike the army of early Texas, all members of the Texas Army are commissioned "Colonel" upon completion of their membership requirements. Thus, the Texas Army is composed of one General and the rest are Colonels so that, with the exception of the General, no one can tell another what to do. Besides being volunteers, we are also all equal. As a State of Texas sanctioned ceremonial group, each Colonel's commission is signed by the Governor of the State of Texas.

Requirements:

1. Fill out the application below and either mail or e-mail Col. John Baker (see addresses below). After the applicaiton is received, you will receive call-outs (notice of Texas Army events), newsletters and other important Texas Army information.

2. Applicant must become knowledgeable in the clothing, weapons, and life skills of the period (1824-1845). Applicant must wear appropriate clothing and his weapons must be appropriate for the period and in good working order (safety is an important issue).

3. Applicant must attend five events before becoming qualified for acceptance into the Army.

4. Applicant must be proficient with his black powder rifle, musket and or pistol. Beside safety awareness and practice, Applicant must show his ability to use his weapon by shooting a plate at 50 yards with five balls in succession. Members of the Texas Army must witness the shooting.

5. Upon successful completion of the above requirements, Applicant will present a petition (in essay form) giving reasons why the Applicant desires to join the Texas Army and their previous knowledge and experience of Texas History. Also included with the essay should be a $100.00 contribution to the Texas Army "war chest" for Texas Army events.

Application:

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________ State: ____________ ZIP Code: __________

Telephone: Home _____________________ Work ___________________

E-mail: ______________________________________________________

Driver's License No. (which State): ______________________ Date of Birth____________

Wife's name: (optional) __________________________________________

Desired mentor, if any: __________________________________________

What Black Powder Experience do you have? __________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Can you demonstrate a skill or craft from the period? _____________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Any other Living History or Historical affilications? _______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Process:

Complete the above form and send (or e-mail) to Colonel John Martin, Registrar at 683 Overbluff, Channelview, TX 77530 (JMartin@suz.com). A member of the Texas Army will be appointed as your advisor to assist you in your endeavor to become a valuable member of our group. If you would like to get started on learning about what gear, weapons, skills and crafts you can use, check out our Living History Pages.

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5.19.07