"National Roman Legion"

[arklore70]

Byran,
I really do not believe Matt meant any offense. I've met and corresponded with Matt and he is just a flat out good person to know and work with at events. As a vet deployed 6 times to include 4 trips across the big pond, I did not take offense to what he was saying.

I agree with Yuri and Matt in that those of us that have served and are still serving from modern armies tend to perhaps put too much of common military thought into Roman drill. I know I am quite guilty of it.

There is no set of common commands AFAIK, and as far as we know, there may not have been one for the Roman Army at any point. Similiar formations-sure, but how a command was issued for a column right, or column left, let alone the testudo or wedge, who really knows?

Would a set of common commands make things simpler, sure, but who is to say that the commands were any more uniform than the equipment and clothing, that I suspect was similar, but different looking at it from a modern eye.

For public events, the best bet is to practice and rehearse the day before, or in the morning before hand, to ensure that everyone is playing to the same tune/song.

Personally when using latin commands, of any of the above listed, it certainly IMHO adds a sense of real feel to the observing public; that said, I have on occasion also whispered to those marching around in English what the next Latin comand will be, to help ensure we don't look like a bunch of clowns to the public.

On the formation of a national legion, I have stated a lot on my thoughts already, and I would only add that in the United States and Canada at least, the hobby needs to grow a bit more along with having an event or two like Lafe every year or every couple of years where everyone can merge and join in on the fun.

Bryan, I applaud what you are doing overseas. Take 5 yards, continue to keep your head down and your thumb on the safety/selector switch. I look forward to meeting at an event.

Mike