Membership is open to all interested adult males at least 16 years of age. The original Texas Army was made up of male volunteers. Although women and children played a vital role in the settlement of Texas and the winning of Texas independence, they were not members of the Army and Ranging Companies. Women and children are welcome in camp and in their appropriate support roll; they provide a wider educational opportunity to the public. Both Hispanic Americans (Tejano) and Afro-Americans (freemen and slaves) did participate in the Army. Unlike the Army of early Texas, all members of the Texas Army may obtain the rank of Colonel upon completion of certain requirements and demonstrate shooting skills. Thus, the Texas Army is composed of one General, Colonels, and Enlisted men. As a State of Texas sanctioned ceremonial group, each Colonel's commission is signed by the Governor of the State of Texas. A background check will be performed prior to becoming a Texas Army Member.
Requirements:
1. Applicant must become knowledgeable in the clothing, weapons, and life skills of the period (1824-1845). Applicant must wear appropriate clothing and his weapons must be appropriate for the period and in good working order (safety is an important issue).
2. Applicant must attend at least 3 events for evaluation, before progressing to a minimum of 5 events, which are necessary for advancement from Enlisted to Officer.
3. Marksmanship-Qualification. Applicant must be proficient with his black powder rifle or musket. Beside safety awareness and practice, an applicant must show his ability to use his muzzle loading weapon, as our forefathers did by shooting 5 balls, in succession, onto a paper plate target at 50 yards. At least two Colonels of the Texas Army must witness the shooting.
4. Upon successful completion of the above requirements, Applicant will present a petition (in essay form) giving reasons why he desires to join the Texas Army. Knowledge of Texas History is also a must. Also included with the essay should be a $100.00 contribution to the Texas Army "War Chest" for Texas Army events.
5. Fill out the application below and either mail or e-mail Col. John Martin (see address below). After the application is received and approved, you will receive call-outs (notice of Texas Army events), newsletters and other important Texas Army information.
Application:
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: ____________ ZIP Code: __________
Telephone: Home _____________________ Work ___________________
E-mail: ______________________________________________________
Driver's License No. (which State): ______________________ Date of Birth____________
Wife's name: (optional) __________________________________________
Desired sponsor _______________________________________
What Black Powder Experience, or craft do you have? __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Any other Living History or Historical affiliations? _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Process:
Complete the above form and send (or e-mail) to Colonel John Martin, Registrar at 683 Overbluff, Channelview, TX 77530 (coljwm@gmail.com. Applicants will need to be sponsored by a Texas Army Officer. If you would like to get started on learning about what gear, weapons, skills and crafts you can use, check out our Living History Pages at: www.earlytexashistory.com/TexasArmy.

09.07.10