Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do you do it?

  A variety of reasons can be given, and include a fascination for history and especially this period, a desire for something totally different to everyday life, the comradeship of like minded people, and others largely personal to the individual concerned .

• How much does it cost?

  A very good question! The best advice we can give is to talk to one of the officers at an event. While we seek to maintain a "minimum impression standard", the cost can vary between units. In the first year it is sometimes possible to borrow some of the necessary kit, in order to ensure that this is really what you want to do.

• Is it dangerous?

  There is some risk, of course, but all members are fully trained for the tasks they may wish, or be called upon, to fulfil. We have a very good safety record, of which we are justly proud, and it is our intention to keep it that way. Qualified First Aiders are always present at each event, and only those trained in firearms who have been independently assessed by Soskan are allowed to fire their weapons. Only members who hold the relevant licences are permitted to handle or use black powder. We have third party liability insurance to a limit of £5m.

• Are you expected to camp?

  No, but it is encouraged. As with most other things, the more you put in, the more you get out. There are usually two camps at most events, namely the authentic camp where we use authentic military tentage, camp furniture and equipment etc and the family camp (often referred to as the “plastic” camp where cars, caravans’ et al. can be parked). 

• Are the two armies of roughly the same size?

  No.  At the moment the Union Army is larger than the Confederates.  Occasionally this  means that we need to ask some Northern  Units to "galvanize", which means joining the other side for the day!  Some members have a uniform for the "other side", usually there are spare  uniform items which are gladly loaned by the smaller army. The Confederate Army needs more volunteers !  Can you help ?

• Is it all just battles, or is there anything else?

  We are a "living history" society, so a great deal of our effort goes into "living the role", including camping, drill, research into family trees, and other activities. Cameo performances are sometimes included at our major events, and visitors are welcome to enter the camp sites to see them. Note that there is always a call for more civilian roles, for both men and women, to support the military. These may include doctors, nurses, clerics, musicians, wives of officers, camp followers (?!), domestic duties, local yokels and so on. As we are a family orientated society, children are most welcome too. We have musicians in the fife and drum corps who are vital to our portrayal of the period (they help to keep us in step, too!). So if you have a budding drummer who's driving you crazy in the house, we have the solution! We welcome people acting as guides around the camps and encouraging the public to enter our camp or display area for a close up view of our activities. We also have a Confederate Naval Unit, known as the Alabama Crew.

• Do I need to know anything about the Civil War before joining?

  Not really, although most people interested in joining have a basic knowledge of the Civil War from films, books or from history leaned at school. Please be aware that Southerners do not refer to a "Civil War", rather they refer to the "War Between the States" or even "the recent unpleasantness"!!

• How do I learn more about the war, its causes, and what happened afterwards?

  Please refer to the INFORMATION section where you will find a list of books and magazines that will help you (other publications are available !). Alternatively, come along to one of our events and talk to any of the re-enactors.

• How do I choose which Unit to join?

  Please refer to the resumes of the Units in the Regiments page. You can contact all of the regiments by e mail or, if you are at one of our events, most regiments have a recruiting board at their camp. Go to any and all of those you find to be of interest. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The re-enactors are always willing to help you. We find that many new members have already been in touch with a regiment that they wish to join and this works better than joining Soskan and being put in a regiment that you might have no Knowledge of.

• And then what happens?

  After you  make contact with a particular regiment,  the NCO for that Unit will contact to you to introduce himself/herself. Soskan regiments have their own methods for this and, if this happens during the active season,  you can attend an event as a guest of the regiment. You will  meet the other members and take part in the active Living History day and  the usual skirmish .. In this way you will see what it is like at first hand!

• Can you change unit after joining?

  Yes, with the approval of both commanding officers concerned.  We find that almost all new members make the right choice when joining and transfers rarely occur.  

• How do I join up & how much does it cost??

  Please go to to the Join Us Page. Current fees are detailed there.