The fourth century author on military matters Vegetius tells us of
recruits that they "ought to have alert eyes, erect head, broad chest,
muscular shoulders, strong arms, long fingers, a small waist, slim
buttocks,and legs and feet that are not fleshy but sinewy and strong"
The Roman Military Research Society of the 21st
century sets no such conditions but asks only that members share an
enthusiasm for the Roman past and a commitment to authenticity, education
and enjoyment.
We are a welcoming and lively group with membership
from all over the country (and abroad) and from a wide range of backgrounds
and professions. A number of families with children regularly participate
whilst our legionary age range is from 16 to 'over 60'. Under 16 year
olds are welcome to join but they MUST be accompanied by an adult
and would not be able to participate in the drill display. We also
cater for very varied interests and members are encouraged to develop
their own areas of expertise. Although legionaries and auxiliaries
do have a military command structure whilst on parade, decisions affecting
the Society as a whole are made after open discussion and debate.
Full membership is £20 per annum for an individual
/ family.
Full members are covered by the Society's public liability insurance
when taking part in events on behalf of the Society. Drill squad recruits
receive a Drill Manual and all new members receive a members'
hand book and the current issues of Imperial Courier and Cornu.
Males may join either the drill squad, which performs
under the name of Vexillatio Legionis Geminae, or the civilian section.
Ladies join the civilian section - there were, unfortunately, no women
in the Roman army.
All members receive a bi-monthly news sheet, the
'Imperial Courier' and a an annual journal 'Cornu' and are invited
to participate in our varied programme of public events. In addition,
everyone in the Society is welcome to attend our annual Saturnalia
festival and other events of interest such as guided archaeological
tours, and lectures.
Those recruits who wish to join the legions
or the auxilia must be over 16 (or 14 with parental permission) .
They will acquire tiro status and be issued with a genuine
Roman name , some basic equipment and the patterns for a tunic and
focale (scarf). It is anticipated that soldiers will want to
buy their own equipment in due course, but the purchase of this
can be staged over a period of years to avoid excessive expense. Full
kit costs in the region of £550 and can be obtained by arrangement
with the Centurion.
If you wish to join up, then either fill out our
"full
colour" application form or opt for the "printer
friendly" version.
Please return your remittance to the recruiting officer at the given
address.
