Bylaws
Carlisle Light Infantry Company
Amended & Unanimously Approved 15 JAN 2022
ARTICLE I – ORGANIZATION
The name of the corporation, as defined in the original bylaws, is CARLISLE LIGHT INFANTRY (hereafter “CLI”). It’s business address is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It serves central, south eastern and south central PA, along with northern Maryland and Delaware.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
SECTION 1. Non-Profit Purpose
This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, by creating a reliable and trained operational network which seeks to serve our communities in times of need through communication, coordination, collaboration, cooperation, and outreach.
SECTION 1-1. Limitations on Activities
No activities of this corporation shall include the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code), and shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. See Article III for Rules/Conduct.
SECTION 2. Specific Purpose
The purpose of this corporation shall be to develop and foster a working relationship between veterans and civilians from all walks of life and to benefit and better our communities in times of need.
Our purpose is two-fold:
For veterans, it provides an opportunity for continued service to their communities and country which they swore on oath to serve and protect. It also allows them a chance to regain a sense of purpose by becoming part of a team, similar to that of what they would have been accustomed to in the service. This provides an avenue for those who need it, as a way to become acclimated back into civilian life.
For civilians, it provides a chance for them to serve their communities by providing them a way to become involved. Through leadership and teamwork, our goal is to provide adequate training and instruction that would turn every member of our organization, into a self-sufficient individual; a proven asset to the communities in which we live.
ARTICLE III – RULES/CONDUCT
SECTION 1. Prohibited Practices
No member of the CLI is permitted to practice or engage in any unlawful practices. Every measure is taken to ensure our membership-base operates within the constraints of the law. Any member(s) discovered to be conducting questionable activities, verbally or physically, they will immediately have their membership revoked permanently, their name
stricken from the rolls, and depending on the severity of the matter, reported to the proper authorities.
SECTION 2. Unauthorized Conduct
At no time during any unit function are members permitted to discuss or debate political issues. Members forbidden from displaying political memorabilia during any unit event. Political matters are for personal discussion outside of the company.
SECTION 3. Deployments
No member is to take up any security/armed duties without submitting copies of the valid insurance and Act 235 type F or Act 120 certification to the board of directors. When operating in Pennsylvania, PA Title 18 and aforementioned acts must be followed. Any requests for CLI security must be submitted with letter head, contact information, and address of the requesting agency to the Board of Directors for consideration and further action.
SECTION 4. Press Inquiries
All press inquiries can be directed to our website contact page. Any contact outside of our contact page, to any individual member, is not authorized by the CLI and is not representative of the CLI nor an official statement.
ARTICLE IV – MISSION
GENERAL
Our mission is to support our communities and country in times of need,i.e.,natural or man made disasters, civil unrest, etc. To be effective in our mission, we routinely train together in a professional, responsible and legal manner; governing ourselves based upon Principles of Reason, Duty and Honour.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Eligibility for Membership
Membership is open to the general public regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, veteran status or military obligations. All individuals must identify themselves as candidates through an e-form found on our website referred to as “Form 100 – Declaration of Interest Form” to begin the membership process.
A. Each interested party must be at least 18 years old
B. Each interested party must be in good physical condition and/or possess the
ability to keep up with our field exercises without risking injury to yourself.
C. Each interested party must have reliable transportation.
D. Each interested party must be legally permitted to own and operate firearms in
the State of Pennsylvania.
SECTION 2. Membership Dues
All members of this organization are required to pay annual dues. Cost of dues is decided at the first yearly meeting and can be changed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The current dues are $35 USD. Continued membership is contingent upon being up-to-date on membership dues. Dues are initially used to purchase a members unit patches, rank patches and name tapes. Subsequent dues go entirely into the treasury.
SECTION 3. Types of Membership
There are two types of membership within CLI, defined as follows:
A. ACTIVE COMPONENT MEMBERSHIP (ACM). Active Component Members are required to meet the standard set forth in ARTICLE XIII of these bylaws to stay in good standing. ACM are entitled to vote, hold rank and hold a seat on the Board of Directors.
B. RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERSHIP (RCM). Reserve Component Members are not voting members. They are not required to meet the standard set forth in ARTICLE XIII of these bylaws but they are encouraged to participate in first aid classes either through this organization or through a third party. RCM will be kept in the communication
loop for general information purposes, but will not be subject to ACM correspondence. RCM are also not permitted to hold any rank,nor are they able to hold a position on the board.
SECTION 4. Rights of Members
Each Active Component Member shall be eligible to cast a vote in elections, Bylaw changes, and any special votes.
SECTION 5. Resignation and Termination
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the clerk. Resignation shall
not relieve a member of unpaid dues, or other charges previously accrued. A member
can have their membership terminated by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. Non-voting Membership
The board shall have the authority to establish and define non-voting categories of
membership.
SECTION 7. Membership Attendance Requirements
In order for a member to stay in good standing as an ACM, they are expected to attend a minimum of hours per training calendar year, as outlined in Article XV of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
SECTION 1. Annual Meetings
An annual meeting of the members shall take place in the month of January. The specific date, time and location of which will be designated by the chair. At the annual meeting, the members shall elect directors and officers as well as receive reports on the activities of the organization, and determine the direction of the organization for the coming year.
SECTION 2. Mid-Year Meetings
Amid-year meeting of the members shall take place between the months of May and August. The specific date time and location will be designated by the Chair. Members shall review the years progress, receive reports on the activities of the organization and establish direction for the annual meeting of the following year.
SECTION 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Chair, the Executive Committee, or a simple majority of the Board of Directors. A petition signed by five percent (5%) of voting members may also call a special meeting.
SECTION 4. Notice of Meetings
Printed notice of each meeting shall be given to each voting member, by mail, not less than two weeks prior to the meeting.
SECTION 5. Quorum
A quorum for a meeting of the members shall consist of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Active Component Membership.
SECTION 6. Voting
All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting in which the vote takes place.
SECTION 7. Voting Rights
Only active component members with an annual attendance record of 50% or higher will be permitted to vote. No reserve component members or probationary members are eligible.
ARTICLE VII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL
The primary office of the organization shall be located in any municipality within the County of Cumberland, within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The organization may have secondary offices either within or without the previously mentioned county as designated and agreed upon by the Board of Directors (BoD).
SECTION 1. The Board
The Board of Directors consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Clerk. Eligibility for these posts will consist of members in good standing, and have an annual attendance rate of 70% or higher from the previous training calendar year.
It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to approve recommendations for appointments and promotions made within the body of militia as received from the Captain.
The Board of Directors must also deal with the outgoing staff (XO/1SG) from the Company Headquarters element and assign them a post in one of the three platoons. For example, if a new Captain is elected and he/she selects an entirely new XO/1SG, then the XO/1SG serving under the old Captain will be transferred back to platoon level at an appropriate post. No existing ranks can be altered for any reason other than disciplinary actions, so while the Board of Directors can change posts of members, they cannot demote them to fit the rank structure more appropriately.
SECTION 2. Committees
Committees may be formed as directed by the Board of Directors. Each committee should have a chair, co-chair and secretary. Their duties and operational details can be found in the unit SOP guide.
SECTION 3. Post Assignments and Recommendations
When a Captain is confirmed, it is his/her right to appoint his/her executive officer and first sergeant. His/Her recommendation for these posts must be submitted in writing no less than 30 days from the date of his/her election. Both candidates must have an annual attendance rating of 85% or higher from the previous training year, and must be
suited to fit the post. Exceptions must be approved by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Terms
The President, Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk and Company Commander will hold their positions for a two (2) year term. Consecutive terms must be unanimously voted on at the annual company meeting. The Board of Directors may shorten a term to one (1) year if requested by the current title holder or requested by three fourths (3/4) of the active membership.
ARTICLE VIII – OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
GENERAL
The primary officer of the CLI shall be the Captain, unless the seat is vacant. In which case, the most senior officer or NCO will fill the post as acting commander until an election can be held.
SECTION 1. Captain – Company Commander
The post of Captain is the most senior officer of within CLI. Eligibility for this post will consist of members in good standing, and have an annual attendance rate of 90% or higher from the previous training calendar year. The Captain, reserves the right to select a company executive officer, and company first sergeant. These recommendations must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors no later than 30 days after the annual meeting. These recommendations must be approved by three fourths (3/4) of the Board of Directors, before those individuals can be awarded their posts.
SECTION 2. Company Executive Officer – Second in Command
The post of Executive Officer (XO) will carry the rank of First Lieutenant and be the second senior officer in the company.
SECTION 3. Company First Sergeant – Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
The post of First Sergeant (1SG) will be appointed by the Captain and approved by the Board of Directors. The 1SG is the most senior NCO and assumes responsibility for the non-commissioned officers below him/her.
SECTION 4. Platoon Leader(s)
The Platoon Leader will carry the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and will be appointed on an as-needed basis. This may be done through recommendation of the company CO/XO. If approved by the Captain, a letter of appointment must be written and submit it to the Board of Directors for approval.
SECTION 5. Platoon Sergeant(s)
The Platoon Sergeant will rank between Staff Sergeant and Sergeant First Class, will be posted as needed or by recommendation of the company first sergeant. If sanctioned by both CO/XO, the CO will write a letter of appointment and submit it to the Board of Directors for approval.
SECTION 6. Squad Leaders(s)/Team Leader(s)
Squad Leaders will be assigned by the Platoon Sergeant, and will need no Board of Director approval. Team Leaders will also be assigned by the Squad Leader with no Board of Directors approval needed.
ARTICLE IX- YEARLY TRAINING CALENDAR
GENERAL
The CLI Training Calendar is a year round function. It is divided up into three training sessions:
1. First Training Session – January February and March with a FTX in April.
2. Second Training Session – May June and July with a FTX in August.
3. Third Training Session – September October and November with a FTX in December.
The first three months in each training session are instructional and educational training. They last one day, typically a Saturday, and last from 09:00 to 17:00 in the summer and 08:00 to 16:00 in the winter.
The fourth month in each training session are Field Training Exercises (FTX) in which our members apply the skills and knowledge they gained from the previous three months. The FTX functions are weekend functions, and run from 09:00 Saturday morning to about 13:00 Sunday afternoon. These times may change depending on the time of year.
All drill and FTX dates are chosen during the January Annual Meeting. Every effort is made by the scheduler to ensure the planned dates for drills and FTX meet the needs of our membership. Before any unit function dates are set, the scheduler contacts each member with a list of potential dates that the CLI intends to use for drill. Depending on the response from membership, the scheduler will select the dates that ensure the potential for maximum member turnout. It is the responsibility of each member to check the list of dates provided by the scheduler against their own personal schedule to best avoid conflict with other commitments.
Members who commit to a drill date, will be held to that commitment. We do understand and recognize that emergencies sometimes come up, and for reasons of that nature, no penalty will be implemented on that member. However, for members who are no-shows, or suddenly back out of a date they committed to because of other
commitments, penalties will be implemented. See Article XVI of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE X – DRILL ATTENDANCE
GENERAL
Each member of the CLI will turnout for morning and evening formation properly uniformed including proper headgear. Exceptions may be granted by the commander on site.
SECTION 1: Good Standing
In order for a member to keep his/her membership in good standing, he/she must attend a minimum of 72 hours of drills and/or FTX a year, as outlined below.
Throughout the calendar year there may be events added to our schedule which are not considered CLI Drills or FTX’s. Members will not be penalized for missing a non-Drill or FTX function, but may be awarded attendance credits in exchange for their commitment to the company by attending.
DRILL/FTX ATTENDANCE STANDARDS
FUNCTION TYPE TOTAL DAYS/HRS MIN ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
Drill 8 Days/yr (64 hrs) 6 Days/yr (48 hrs)
FTX 6 Days/yr (36 hrs) 4 Days/yr (24 hrs)
14 Days/yr (100 hrs) 10 Days/yr (72 hrs)
Table 1 – Drill/FTX Attendance Standards
ARTICLE XI – DRILL PENALTIES AND FINES
GENERAL
Members who have committed to a drill date, and are absent from that drill without proper notice to their chain of command, will be penalized. Penalty categories and fines are listed below in Table 2.
1840
(last known rate)
2017
(current rate)
Rank Type Fine
(Late)
Fine
(Absent)
Rank Type Fine
(Late)
Fine
(Absent)
General
Membership
(Privates)
1/8th
Dollar
(Roughly
$0.13)
$0.50 General
Membership
(Recruits, Privates)
$3.51 $13.48
Non-Commissioned
Officers
1/8th
Dollar
$0.75 Non-Commissioned
Officers
$3.51 $20.23
(Roughly
$0.13)
Commissioned
Officers
1/8th
Dollar
(Roughly
$0.13)
$1.50 Commissioned
Officers
$3.51 $40.45
Table 2 – Late/Absent Fine Conversion Table. The U.S. dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 1.88% per year between 1840 and 2017. $0.13 in the year
1840 is worth $3.51 in 2017. The current inflation rate in 2017 is 1.88%.
New members have a probationary period of four months prior to being subjected to fines for tardiness and/or no-shows. Probationary status expires after four (4) months of good standing.
All fines or penalties paid by cash, check or money order are collected by the company Treasurer. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Carlisle Light Infantry.” Any electronic payments can be made through Paypal. Fines and penalties are due immediately. You will receive an email notifying you with a description of the infraction, amount due and an invoice.
ARTICLE XII – RECOMMENDED LICENSES, PERMITS, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC
GENERAL
Each member of the CLI is strongly recommended, but not required, to obtain the following licenses:
● Conceal Carry Permit (Issued by your County)
● Ham Radio License (Technicians license is recommended.)
● FEMA ISC 100 Certification
● FEMA ISC 700 Certification
● Private Weapon or Firearm Insurance
● Act 235 Certification
● Act 120 Certification
Article XIII – AMENDMENTS
GENERAL
The Bylaws may be altered, amended, added to or repealed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and a three fourths (3/4) active membership approval at the annual meeting. Temporary Bylaw changes may occur at any special meeting with complete Board of Directors approval and must be brought up for vote at the next annual meeting to remain active. The Clerk is responsible for recording details of any changes. These Bylaws shall be reviewed and reconsidered at a minimum of every five (5) years.
