As the demonstration battalion for the School of Brigade Drill at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, the Third Infantry set the standards for appearance and drill for the entire Army in the 1840s. Today, the reenactors of the Third U.S. Regular Infantry strive to maintain that standard, and to achieve this goal we are constantly conducting research and revising our authenticity standards.

The following guidelines are based on research by the Standards Committee, provided for new members acquiring their kits for the first time, as well as current members looking to replace items. For guidance on where to acquire items, see our list of recommended vendors.

Uniform Items

Uniform coat ("Frock coat") - Finely woven dark blue wool, trimmed with light blue piping on the collar and cuffs, with nine buttons in front, two small eagle buttons at each cuff, and two buttons at the back at waist height.

Fatigue blouse ("Sack coat") - Lightweight wool of a shade between a medium and dark blue color, with one pocket inside the left breast and four brass eagle buttons. While the Regulations specified that these would be unlined, lined fatigue blouses were quite common. Button holes should be hand-finished.

trousers - Lightweight, sky blue kersey wool, cut so that the top of the waist band reaches the wearer's navel, with a noticeable rise in the back. No pleats or creases. For early war, dark blue wool trousers.

Shirt - Acceptable: Civilian pattern Osnaburg shirt or Canton flannel undershirt. Better: Contract Pattern flannel issue shirt. Best: Domet flannel issue shirt. White cotton and muslin shirts as well as plaids, stripes or other pattern material are not acceptable.

Shoes (Jefferson pattern "brogans") - Black leather, sewn or pegged, roughout or smooth. No boots for enlisted men.

Waist belt - Black leather, with leather keeper or without keeper. The oval US plate is the standard for privates and corporals; first sergeants and musicians will wear the rectangular sword belt plate with silver wreath.

Forage cap - 1858 or "McDowell" pattern. Finely woven, lightweight dark blue wool with painted leather brim and leather chin strap fastened on the sides with miniature eagle buttons; liner of black or brown polished cotton. We currently wear the infantry bugle, '3' and 'K' on the crown of the forage cap.

Hat (Dress hat, "Hardee hat") - For enlisted men, black felt, with a double row of stitching around the brim and black leather sweat band. The brim to be turned up on the left side, with the loop held in place by a stamped brass eagle. The hat to be trimmed with a sky blue cord, a single black ostrich feather on the side opposite the eagle, and the bugle, 3, and D arranged on the front of the hat above the brim.

Individual Equipment

Weapons - 1855 or 1861 Springfield rifle musket with oiled leather sling. Members who own 1853 Enfield rifle muskets will not be required to immediately replace them, but new members are required to purchase one of the approved Springfield models.

Bayonet and Scabbard - The Springfield scabbard is the standard, regardless of which rifle musket is carried. Modern markings, i.e. "India" should be removed from bayonets. The scabbard will be of stiff black leather with a brass end piece securely fastened. The two-rivet pattern of 1859 is preferred, as it is correct for the entire period of 1860-1865.

Canteen - The 1858 pattern tin smoothside canteen with oiled leather strap and woolen cover of jean, dark blue or sky blue. Stainless steel is not acceptable.

Haversack - Painted black canvas, with leather closure and muslin liner.

Mess kit - Tin plate, tin cup, fork, spoon and knife. All-in-one knife-fork-spoon kits were common, but avoid the stainless steel sets.

Poncho or gum blanket - Look for correct, small brass grommets.

Blanket - Gray or brown wool with black end stripes and no edge binding.

Tent - For early war, Common tent ("wedge tent," "A tent"). The shelter tent ("dog tent") is preferred for post-1862 scenarios

Individual equipment items - belt, bayonet scabbard, cartridge box, cap box, haversack, canteen, and knapsack - are to be marked with the company letter and soldier's individual number, following this diagram. Thanks to our Western comrades in the 19th U.S. Infantry for sharing this information and helping us improve our portrayal of Regulars.

Optional equipment

Sky blue kersey greatcoat (overcoat)
Small skillet and/or coffee boiler
Knapsack
Candles
Ground cloth

Modern rifle cleaning equipment will not be used in camp. The Regulations specified "a wooden rod with a loop in one end," while the Ordnance Manual calls for using a wiper ("worm") attached to the threaded end of the Springfield rammer.

Modern brass cleaners such as Brasso, Never-Dull and Flitz will not be used in camp. Soldiers of the period used white vinegar, ash, charcoal and water, rottenstone, or even dirt to clean their brass. Besides the farby containers, these cleaners produce a far higher shine - which is also farby. Brass should only be yellow in color, not polished to a mirror finish.

Camp stools, chairs, hay or straw bales will be kept off the company street. Modern cigarettes will not be smoked on the company street.

The military discipline, proper uniform and deportment at reenactment events will begin at 6 AM on Saturday morning and end at 5 PM on Sunday afternoon unless altered by the military commander at the event.