Top 10 Recruiting Strategies for Corporals

 1️⃣ Direct Personal Outreach (Most Effective)

🔹 Talk to reenactors you know and invite them personally.

  • Call, text, or message people individually rather than making a general post.
  • Reach out to past participants and former reenactors who may have drifted away.
  • Offer to help new recruits with uniforms, training, or transportation.

💡 Example:
"Hey John, we're putting together an authentic company for On Our Own Soil, and I’d love for you to be in my squad. This event is going to be next-level, and I want to make sure we have a solid group together. Are you interested?"

2️⃣ Leverage Social Media & Online Groups

🔹 Use Facebook, Instagram, and Discord to target interested reenactors.

  • Join and post in reenacting groups (Civil War Reenactors, Living History Enthusiasts, etc.).
  • Create engaging recruitment content (historical photos, videos, personal stories).
  • Tag potential recruits in posts about the event.

💡 Example Post:
"Looking for dedicated reenactors to fill out my squad for On Our Own Soil! If you're ready for a next-level immersive experience and want to be part of something special, message me or comment below! We need 5-7 more men to complete our ranks!"

3️⃣ Attend Other Reenactments & Talk to Participants

🔹 Recruit at local and national reenactments.

  • Approach soldiers who aren’t part of a structured unit and invite them.
  • Talk to reenactors from smaller units who may want to join a larger, well-organized event.

💡 Example:
"Hey, I noticed you have a solid drill technique. We're forming a strong, disciplined company for On Our Own Soil, and I think you'd be a great fit. Would you be interested in joining us?"

4️⃣ Utilize Existing Unit Networks

🔹 Work through current units to bring in whole squads or companies.

  • Approach unit commanders and see if they’ll commit a detachment to the event.
  • Coordinate with other corporals to fill entire companies from existing groups.

💡 Example:
"Captain, we're forming historically structured companies for On Our Own Soil. Your unit has great leadership, and we’d love for you to bring a detachment to fight alongside us."

5️⃣ Encourage “Buddy Recruiting”

🔹 Tell recruits to bring a friend to join their squad.

  • Offer incentives (e.g., “If you bring a friend, we’ll help get you outfitted!”).
  • New recruits are more likely to commit if they know someone else going.

💡 Example:
"Find a friend who wants to reenact, and we’ll get you both placed in the same squad. You’ll learn together and fight together at On Our Own Soil!"

6️⃣ Engage with Younger Recruits (Ages 16-25)

🔹 Reach out to JROTC, ROTC, Scouts, and college history groups.

  • Many younger reenactors are eager to learn but need guidance.
  • Offer to help them with uniforms or teach them basic drill before the event.

💡 Example:
"Ever wanted to experience history first-hand? Join my squad at On Our Own Soil! No experience necessary—just a willingness to learn and a passion for history."

7️⃣ Promote the Event’s Unique Selling Points

🔹 What makes On Our Own Soil different? Sell the experience.

  • More than just a battle – campaign immersion, authentic rations, and 4 days in the field
  • Historical realism – Complete immersion
  • Leadership development – An event where corporals actually train and lead squads.

💡 Example:
"This isn’t your standard reenactment. On Our Own Soil will push you to think, act, and fight like a real soldier of the 1860s. If you want something truly immersive, this is it!"

8️⃣ Offer Training & Prep Sessions

🔹 Many new recruits worry about not knowing enough history or drill.

  • Host virtual training on Zoom to teach the basics.
  • Offer in-person drill days for your recruits before the event.

💡 Example:
"No experience? No problem. We’ll be holding a pre-event drill session to teach you everything you need to know before On Our Own Soil. Join us and be ready to march with confidence!"

9️⃣ Use Reenacting Podcasts, YouTube, and Forums

🔹 Spread recruitment through podcasts, video channels, and reenactor forums.

  • Contact popular reenacting YouTube channels and ask them to promote the event.
  • Post in reenacting forums (Authentic Campaigner, Civil War Talk, etc.).
  • Appear as a guest on reenacting podcasts to discuss the event.

💡 Example:
"We’re looking for committed reenactors to join our structured companies at On Our Own Soil. If you want an authentic military experience, this is the event to be at!"

🔟 Follow Up & Keep Potential Recruits Engaged

🔹 Many people express interest but need follow-ups to stay committed.

  • Check in with potential recruits regularly via text, call, or social media.
  • Keep them excited by sharing training updates, event details, and squad camaraderie.

💡 Example:
"Hey, just checking in! We’re locking in our final numbers for On Our Own Soil, and I want to make sure you’re still in. Let me know if you have any questions!"

🔺 Corporal’s Recruiting Checklist

✅ Personally invite at least 10-12 people (aiming for 5-7 committed recruits).
✅ Use multiple outreach methods – social media, in-person events, calls.
✅ Follow up with interested recruits – keep them engaged.
✅ Encourage “buddy recruiting” – challenge recruits to bring a friend.
✅ Host a training session or drill day – help recruits feel prepared.

🔹 Bottom Line:
A successful corporal is not just a leader on the battlefield—they are a recruiter, trainer, and motivator. By actively engaging with potential recruits and making them feel part of something special, corporals can help ensure that On Our Own Soil reaches its 250-man per side goal and creates an authentic, well-led reenactment experience.