South Carolina Confederate Volunteers

 South Carolina Confederate Volunteers Bylaws

Purpose:

To explain the mission, goals and organizational structure of the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers.

STATEMENT OF ETHICS:

Under no circumstances will the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers tolerate immoral behavior or racism.

GOALS:

TO PRESENT itself to the citizens of this region as a well regulated, well trained, well equipped, and well educated militia.

TO ASSIST citizens and civil authorities in the event of a national disaster, civil defense or in the defense of self and state.

TO ESTABLISH a cohesive command structure able to instruct and to delegate tasks as needs arise.

TO TRAIN members in many disciplines necessary to the function of the militia as a whole and as members individually.

TO EDUCATE members in areas of history, law, and principles from knowledge imparted by this country's historical foundations.

TO INFORM its members of local, national, and global events that would imperil the Constitution and impact the direction of the country.

TO ENCOURAGE members to stand against tyranny, and any person, entity, or force which threatens to undermine our republic.

TO SEEK the protection, wisdom, and leadership of Almighty God as we submit to Him to do His will in protecting the liberty and freedom He has given to all Americans.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

In order to achieve the goals listed, a militia Command Staff has been created. Subordinate to the Command Staff will be other support elements. Each element will be makeup of subordinate units necessary to perform the mission of the group as a whole. The Command Staff is made up of commissioned officers elected and appointed by the existing staff.

AUTHORITY:

Officers and Non-commissioned Officers elected and appointed to command, as well as support positions, are given their authority by you. As a member you are expected to support and follow the lawful orders and directives of the Chain of Command. Trust and teamwork are the cornerstones of our organization. If you feel compelled to disobey or openly reject the Chain of Command, you should immediately withdraw from the militia, without prejudice. Provision is made to remove members who discredit the militia through a hearing, (court martial) conducted by the Command. 

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT:

As a member of the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers, you are encouraged to procure and maintain items of uniform and equipment. When in uniform, you represent the S.C. Confederate Volunteers. Therefore your uniform will be clean, buttons buttoned, shirts tucked in, and patches worn properly. Proper impressions are very important to the public. The militia member's backpack shall consist of necessary items (to be determined), based on the member's assignment. The militia member will keep the backpack, thus outfitted, available at all times for rapid deployment. If you are restricted by funds, set your priority on proper uniforms and attire rather than exotic military hardware. A professional image is more creditable than a lot of neat toys. Militia members WILL be expected to obey All CONSTITUTIONAL state and local firearm laws.

WEAPONS:

The primary weapon of a member of the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers will be the semi-automatic rifle. It will be required of all Militia members not otherwise opposed for conscience sake, to have his own rifle, ammunition, and backpack. Militia members are required to remain proficient in the maintenance and safe operation of the rifle and to have a minimum of 200 rounds of ammunition and 75 rounds per side arm available at all times. Militia members are normally expected to carry military style firearms. Only in self-defense will a militia member discharge his weapon in any area not specifically designated as a practice site or firing range.

ASSEMBLY MEETINGS:

Periodic meetings and assemblies are necessary and shall be called to achieve the overall goals of the unit. Members must discipline themselves to set aside time each month for assembly.Members will be notified of actual assembly times and places.

All members will be required to provide information about themselves in order to best utilize their experience and backgrounds. Information provided will be kept confidential and will be used only for the functioning of the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers.

Under no circumstances are militia members to discredit the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers by pressuring citizens to join or to contribute material or financial support. All material and financial contributions will be accepted with the clear understanding that theinalienable rights of all will be protected without qualification. All material and financial contributions will consider property of the S.C. Confederate Volunteers.

MEMBERSHIP:

Membership in the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers shall be open to any citizen over the age of 18 regardless of sex, race, religion, physical characteristics or national origin. Membership is voluntary and will last until the member withdraws or is dismissed by proper authority.

Types of membership:

Member- An active participant in the South Carolina Confederate Volunteers activities while abiding by the rules and regulations of the S.C. Confederate Volunteers will undergo a 90 day probationary period, providing information required by the Command Staff and take an oath.

Supporter- An active supporter, who due to his or her profession, temperament, or employment must remain anonymous. A supporter does not take the oath, has no voting rights, or input in the operation of the S.C. Confederate Volunteers.

Withdrawal or Dismissal:

A member, (including officers), may voluntarily withdraw his or her membership in the militia by notifying the Commanding Officer, in writing, of his/her decision to withdraw. Following the 90 day probationary period, a member (including officers, but excluding the Commanding Officer)may be removed from membership only after a formal hearing by the Chain of Command, conducted by the Chief of Staff. A two-thirds vote from the Command Staff will be required to remove any member.

GUIDELINES:

All militia members will be required to take and sign the Oath to uphold the Constitution of the Confederate States of America and to protect it from all enemies.

While it is intended that the militia intrudes as little as possible in the private lives of its members, it is also clear that individual members are volunteers and must be ready to meet periodically and deploy as the need arises. It will be the objective of the Staff to infringe as little as possible on the time of militia members recognizing their responsibilities to their families and their jobs.

Militia members are highly encouraged to live exemplary lives. Blatant violations of the law place the legitimacy of the S.C. Confederate Volunteers at risk. Therefore, in order to protect the militia as a whole, members in violation will be subject to a court martial, comprised of the Command Staff, convened to hear the facts of the case. Members may stand trial for such acts that would discredit the S.C. Confederate Volunteers or place it at risk. The member will stand accused at his or her own defense. No charge will be brought to court martial unless supported by at least two witnesses. The maximum penalty for any offense will be permanent dismissal from the militia. After counsel, the convened Command Staff will vote on action. Any militia member may voluntarily withdraw from the militia without prejudice at any time for conscience sake, when not under fire. In such cases any issued equipment must be returned.