Explanation of the Application process (Included in the Rules)

Select "file" and then "print" to print the page(s)


Submit An Application

Overview: Becoming a Member of COUG is 4 step process:

I. Completing and filing an Application for membership. ( The Applicant Phase )

II. A Candidate Phase that includes:

a.) Becoming a "Candidate for Membership".
b.) Acquiring the necessary uniform and accouterments.
c.) Demonstrating knowledge of the historical figure or "generic" role.
lll. A Probationary Period wherein the candidates commitment to the COUG mission, and his adherence to its rules, are observed.
IV. Approval -- an evaluation of the candidate and decision to accept or not to accept his application.

These 4 steps are expanded as follows:

1.) Application

 A.)The person seeking to join COUG shall fill out an Application Form and return it to the Chairman of the COUG Membership Committee. This form, and the rules of COUG, can be obtained in one of two ways. By contacting an existing COUG member --- who will have physical copies of the form & COUG rules -- - or by sending an email request to the Chairman of the Membership Committee at tjrosati@verizon.net requesting electronic versions of both documents be sent to them. ( these will be in MS Word format ) After completing the Application Form and reading the COUG Rules, the form should be dated, signed and returned, with a photo of the applicant in uniform, if available, either to the member from whom the applicant obtained it or by mailing it to:

TONY ROSATI, 4 ALEXANDER DRIVE, MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ 08831

B.) The Membership Committee will review the application and either accept or not accept the APPLICANT for advancement to step 2 (Candidate Phase). This will be done within 2 weeks of receipt of the application. If the Committee accepts the APPLICANT for membership, that person will advance to the Vetting phase of the membership process, and will become a CANDIDATE for membership.

2. ) Candidate (Vetting) Phase

A.) The CANDIDATE will acquire, if he does not already possess, the necessary uniform and accouterments of the historical figure or generic role he is adopting. Officers, Non-Comms, and privates will be guided by US. Army Uniform Regulations existing in 1862 for uniform appearance & accouterment. However, deviation from standard for those officers of Brigadier Generals' rank and higher who, by photograph, diary, museum piece, or primary/secondary documentation can be seen to effect a particular hat, or uniquely decorated or altered frock, or other uniform accouterment. Within reason, all efforts shall be made to present a close facsimile to the field presentation of the Officer portrayed. This also includes facial hair. Note: the more famous and noteworthy the officer, the more important this effort must be. ( for example, a clean shaven General Meade would be an unacceptable portrayal )

B.) The candidate, as observed by other members, demonstrates knowledge of his adapted historical figure or, in the case of a "generic" role, shows a knowledge and familiarity of the duties and responsibilities of that position. This demonstration can be presented in an interaction with members of the public; with other members; or in "in character" presentations made at COUG events.

3. ) Probation Period

 A.) The candidate will be on probation for a period of twelve (12) months.

B) During that period, the CANDIDATE is required to attend a minimum of two ( 2 ) Primary COUG events, and as many other events as possible. ( in fact, it behooves the CANDIDATE to attend as many events and interact with as many fellow COUGers as possible during his probation period.)

C.) Over the course of the Probationary Period, any flagrant conduct violation report received regarding the Candidate may result in the Membership Committee taking immediate action to terminate the Candidate from the Vetting Phase and thus abort the entire process. If so, the candidate will be notified immediately.

D.) Each candidate will be appointed a mentor who will accumulate observations, comments, etc. from other members, after each event attended by the candidate. This information will be reviewed and summarized by the mentor and communicated back to the Candidate.

E.) At the mid-point of the Probationary Period, the candidate’s mentor will send him an appraisal of his historical impression, using the feedback reports of members, and will include suggestions for improvement, if any. This report must be based on the candidates’ attendance of at least two (2) events.

F.) At the conclusion of the Probation Period, the Membership Committee will survey the membership for their comments on the Candidates' performance as his Historical figure or in his generic role. The report and recommendation of the candidate’s mentor will also be obtained.

G.) If a candidate does not meet the Minimum Participation rule during the Probation Period, then he will not pass probation and will not become a member of COUG. It is during this time that he needs to be observed by other members ; hence, participation by the candidate is very important.

4.) Acceptance ( or non acceptance)

 A.) At the conclusion of the Candidates' Probationary Period, if it has not been prematurely aborted for cause, the Membership Committee will evaluate all information and recommendations received about the CANDIDATE.

B.) From that data, the Membership Committee will vote to either accept or not to accept the CANDIDATE.

C.) The Membership Committee will advise the CANDIDATE, and all COUG members, of the decision reached.

D.) At the discretion of the Membership Committee, they may terminate the Candidates' Probationary Period and elect to hasten the Candidates admission into COUG or his rejection from any further membership consideration. (hence, acceptance or non acceptance may occur before the end of the 12 month probationary period.)

E.) If the candidate is accepted, the Annual Dues is payable upon that acceptance. Should Acceptance occur in the 4th Quarter of the calendar year, the Annual Dues will be credited toward the following years dues.