Name of the organization
1. The unit is officially called 8. Kompagnie/ Infanterieregiment Nr.459 (8. /IR459)
Purpose
1. 8. /IR459 is a chartered unit within the Great War Association (GWA) and is primarily a means for individuals to explore the life and times of the common infantryman in the Imperial German Army.
Political Statement
1. The membership of 8. Kompagnie / Infanterie regiment Nr.459 are not affiliated with any racist, radical or right wing political organization, especially and including the Neo-Nazi movement. IR459 are Students of Military Science. Not Political Science.
Membership
1. There are three distinct types of membership in the 8. /IR459. These are Recruit, Voting Member and Associate Member. Each member must portray a documented impression in 8. /IR459.
2. A Recruit is a male at least 18 years of age. He has filled out a unit application and is current with his unit and GWA dues. He has been assigned a sponsor, and is developing his kit. A Recruit can voice his opinions but cannot vote in unit business. He can participate in all unit activities but cannot hold rank.
3. A Voting Member is a male at least 18 years of age. He has completed three GWA - National combat events. He owns his essential kit. He has been accepted by vote of the membership. He can voice his opinions, vote on unit business and can participate in all unit activities.
4. Any Voting Member may sponsor a Recruit Member into the unit. He is responsible for ensuring the Recruit purchases appropriate uniform and equipment and to ensure is safe in combat scenarios. It is the Recruit's responsibility to stay with his sponsor as much as possible during combat.
5. An Associate member may already belong to another unit. He will receive the 8. /IR459 newsletter. He can voice his opinions but cannot vote in unit business. He can participate in living history programs. He cannot participate in GWA - National combat events and cannot hold rank.
6. Any member may lose his membership for serious violations of safety unit policy, failure to pay unit dues, or engaging in some activity that threatens the safety of other individuals or the future of WW1 living history, such as using illegal drugs at an event, going into combat inebriated or stealing.
Officers and Responsibilities
1. All positions in 8. /IR459 are nominated and elected by the membership. There is no limit on the number of terms an officer may hold office. The terms will run April to April with the elections in February.
2. The President of the organization will be the Kompagnieführer on the field. His rank will be dictated by the unit membership and organization.
3. The President's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the organization of the unit. He will lead the unit on and off the field. He will be the spokesman and representative of the unit, in any outside function or meetings.
4. The Vice President of the organization will be the senior NCO on the field. In the event the President is not present, the Vice President will assume command. The primary job of the senior NCO is the unit's safety officer.
5. If there is a member of 8. /IR459 with a higher rank of the Kompagnieführer serving on the GWA staff, he may act as the "ceremonial" head of the unit on occasions such as parades, living history demonstrations, and remembrance ceremonies.
6. Additional leadership positions will be dictated by the unit membership and organization. If required, leaders may be appointed on an acting basis.
7. The Treasurer responsibilities will be to keep the unit funds and disburse monies against valid receipts to pay expenses approved by the unit membership and directed by the President. The Treasurer must provide a written financial report of the unit finances at the fall meeting.
Changes to the Bylaws
1. These Bylaws may be amended by a specific proposal given in writing by any Voting Member. The proposal will then discussed in an open forum and voted upon. For a proposed amendment to the Bylaws to be approved, 75 % of the Voting membership must agree.
