The Outposts
In the mid-1970s, at the suggestion of Lieutenant-Colonel J. Ross Oborne, the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment approved the formation of Outposts in other parts of North America (apart from Montreal).
Commissions for Sale
The Regiment followed the 18th Century practice of allowing Commissions to be purchased by suitable candidates. The first twelve officers were commissioned in 1976. By late 1977, all the Commissions available (equal to the officer establishment of the Regiment in 1758) had been purchased by gentlemen from all parts of America and Europe.
Volunteer-Sergeants, servants and horses
The tide of volunteers refused to be stemmed. The rank of Volunteer-Sergeant was reinstated. This was not an N.C.O. appointment, but a "holding rank" for potential officers awaiting a vacancy in the Commissioned Officers Cadre. These gentlemen were allowed to bring along servants and horses. This practice is kept alive in the 78th today, though there has been little press of servants or horses at Outpost gatherings.
What is the difference between a Garrison and an Outpost?
An Outpost has up to 15 officers and volunteer-sergeants, and is commanded by a Captain.
Once this number has been exceeded, the Outpost can become a Garrison. It requires the following:
- a Major as Officer Commanding
- a charitable tax or trust arranagment
- a youth-oriented project of some kind e.g. musket squad, pipe band, etc.
What do Outposts & Garrisons do?
All garrisons hold regular Mess Dinners, outdoor curling bonspiels, Ladies' Nights and participate in parades and Highland Games.
The officers of the outposts enjoy a strong sense of family and "esprit de corps."
Most Garrison Officers are also to be found attending various civic, military and social occasions anywhere in the country.
Regimental Ladies (Bean Uasal Na Reisimeid)
Ladies were often associated with Regimental activities.
The modern 78th Fraser Highlanders upholds this tradition by appointing wives or associates of its Officers and Volunteer-Sergeants as Regimental Ladies. They are then addressed as "Milady."
Ladies of the Regiment play an invaluable role in fundraising events and other social functions.
