More than a century after its formation, the core aim of the Legion of Frontiersmen remains the same: to offer our services to the authorities in times of need and for fellowship.
To enable Frontiersmen to do so, and to ensure that we are not a financial burden on the government or the communities that we serve, we train and equip ourselves entirely at our own expense.
We learn essential skills that will be of value in times of crisis or emergency, and seek to gain qualifications and experience that will make us a useful asset to the authorities. In addition, we encourage Frontiersmen to assist other charities (especially those concerned with the Armed Forces and emergency services).
“Foot drill” is the means by which the Army has traditionally taught basic discipline, teamwork, alertness and obedience to orders; and it is the same in the Legion
of Frontiersmen, where instruction is given by qualified drill instructors (either currently-serving or ex-Army NCOs).
We parade in the traditional uniform of the Frontiersmen, with either the Stetson (a legacy of our founder’s time in Canada in the North West Mounted Police) and “blues” (No.1 dress uniform) or our equally distinctive “utility uniform” – tan shirts and trousers, black sweaters, and a russet-coloured beret. These very distinctive uniforms ensure that we are not confused with the regular Army or the TA.
We wear the pendant of the 3rd Belgian Lancers (with whom the Frontiersmen of H Troop served at the start of the First World War) and when appropriate we also wear only Crown issued or authorized medals that we may have received when serving our Country.
Members of the Legion of Frontiersmen are given the opportunity to train and gain experience in the following skills and activities:
- Care for Horses (British Horse Society)
- Foot dril
- Rifle and pistol shooting
- First Aid (First Aid at Work minimum)
- Security and marshaling
- Survival training
- Radio procedure (OFCOM Licence)
- Canoeing and sailing
We also have a Mounted Troop, whose members take part in many horse-riding shows and skill at arms competitions, each year competing against riding teams from the Police and Armed Forces, and taking part in competitive events all around the world. So, if you can ride a horse and are interested in joining our specialist Mounted Troop, please contact us and we will put you in touch with our riding master.
We try to provide a varied and interesting training programme throughout the year, with one or more Legion activities every month – ranging from survival courses and drill instruction to participation in parades and a variety of military and community events – but as the Legion is a volunteer organization there is no minimum commitment for our members (other than to keep Headquarters advised of your availability).