The NWTA has a set of Bylaws and Safety regulations that must be abided by at NWTA events. These will be explained to you at your first event with the 55th, or you can find them here.

The 55th tries to be a rather loosley-structured organization and doesn't really have a set of hard and fast rules. We have, however, drafted these "Articles of Agreement" to help new recruits gain some of idea of the character of the unit and what our goals are for the impression. If you have any strong disagreements on any of the following, the 55th probably isn't the unit for you.

PREAMBLE
Our recreation of Capt. Trevor's Company of the 55th Foot Regiment was formed as a vehicle for the study and demonstration of a typical British regiment on service in America during the War for Independence. Although the 55th was not particularily distinguished in battle while on the American continent, it did have a reputation as a well-trained, well-disciplined regiment of truly professional soldiers. Our goal is to do honor to our predecessors by being the best drilled, most uniform, most authentic and most respected unit in the NWTA. To that end, these Articles of Agreement are written.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is by invitation only and no individual under the age of 18 will be considered for membership. Annual dues are $20 per person, $40 per family. Women are as welcome as men in the unit, but as we are aware of no documentation to support women under arms in the 55th, none shall appear uniformed as line troops. Any children in camp must be under the supervision of at least one parent at all times. New members will undergo a probationary period of one full reenactment season after joining. During this period they can participate in all appropriate activities as full members but without voting privileges. Permanent membership will be determined at the end of the probationary period by a majority of voting members (each adult member has one vote). Major changes in presentation of the unit involving extensive work or great expense to the individual members will be decided by a majority vote. Any changes to these articles of agreement will also be decided by by a majority vote.

LEADERSHIP
There is no direct link between Unit Commander and Field Commander and these roles are to be determined independently. The Unit Commander is responsible for administrative functions, represents the unit at NWTA board meetings, and acts as liaison to the various departments within the NWTA. Field Commander is the senior ranked person in the field and is responsible for the conduct of the unit at NWTA sponsored events, including drill, safety, field maneuvers, camp layout and unit compliance with the rules and regulations established by the NWTA board of directors. The Field Commander will not hold rank above Sergeant. Term of unit commander will be determined annually and decided by a 2/3 majority of all voting members. The term of Field Commander will be determined every three years and decided by a 2/3 majority of all voting members.

PRESENTATION
Consistent with our goal of uniformity, military personnel will not wear the regimental coat of the 55th until the entire uniform is complete to unit specifications, military skills--such as drill, marching, safety and field maneuvers -- are to the unit's standard, and basic knowledge of the 55th in America is demonstrated. This determination shall be made by the two unit commanders and the NWTA's inspector liaison. Until then, members who take the field with the 55th will wear a fatigue smock or appropriate 18th-century Provincial militia clothes. Except when the entire unit is assembled for a specific reason, such as drill, inspection, battle, meals, etc., during NWTA open hours there should always be at least one soldier uniformed and under arms. This person's first duty is to the public. We will at ALL times strive to keep a "clean" camp, that is, anything visible in camp is AT LEAST period correct. This extends to ALL hours and ALL camps where the 55th is represented.

CONCLUSION
It is our intention that the 55th be an active organization, not limited to NWTA activities. It exists to learn and to teach. Members are encouraged to take their 55th impressions outside of NWTA activities to teach and set an example of high standards in reenacting.