Some questions re: reenacting

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I was at Gettysburg a few weeks ago and there were reenactors present. I'm just curious as to how one becomes a reenactor. Does one get to choose his "rank", or is it assigned? How "picky" do these things get with re: to details on uniforms, ect (i.e. "that isn't the correct shade of yellow on that kepi, son!" How much time must one invest in such an endevor (this is my greatest concern)
Since I am in a medical profession and have an interest in historical medicine, I thought it might be neat to set up a field hospital and display some of the instruments and explain techniques used at the time. Just a thought.......thanks in advance.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr.16 gauge,

You ask good questions and there are lots of answers. I have been a Bucktail for the last 8 years and am a corporal. I am in a local Company, "E", and we go to parades and re-enactments, including Gettysburg. It is not "picky" as interested folks are rewarded and you can pretty much name your rank. Now and then at a function, we do have a few upstart types and they get sorted out quick, fast and right away and then we have a pretty food function.

I admire your medical calling and I think you should be a Surgeon (Captain) with proper insignia of rank. Most re-enactors are fun-loving folks and will do you just fine. The rare "hump" is quickly sorted out as such and we go on with a good re-enactment anyway.

Adam