Demi-Phyles, Phyles, Enomotia
When a Spartan reached an age of about 20 he went into the active army. He was assigned to a group of fighting companions. This group ranged in age from 20 to 65 years of age. The members were about 5 years apart in age and totaled about 15 warriors. The group was required to eat their evening meal together. British historians sometimes referred to these groups as a "mess", referring to the military eating halls or "mess" halls. When the army was called up to be sent on campaign the members of the "mess" would be called up by age, beginning with the youngest. The number called would vary in proportion to the size army that was needed. It was rare that more than 12 would be called. The remainder would be the protection for the city in the absence of the others. This was of particular importance since Sparta was the only city in Greece that had no walls. On campaign the fighting companions were called "Syskenoi" or Tent Companions because they camped together. When the army took the field, these companions fought as a unit called a Phyle. Fighting side by side with their friends made them stronger and braver. Fighting with those that the trained with made them better.
Three of these Phyles would be grouped together to form a Enomotia (company).
If you wish to form a unit (Demi-phyle, Phyle, Enomotia...), there are a couple of ways.
1. Some of you are members of existing medieval re-enactment groups (households, groups of friends, etc.) that are already a part of a larger unit. You probably already have someone that is the leader of the group. This is fine, your unit is already set. As it grows in size, you will need to set up sub units:
6 warriors to a Demi-phyle, 2 Demi-phyles to a Phyle, 3 Phyles to a Enomotia.
2. Forming a unit of people who wish to follow you: see the above, you are just starting from scratch.
3. Forming a unit of people from a geographic area, or from a group of friends and electing a leader. The leader must be elected at a war, to serve until the end of the next war - this give us a continuity. You must be careful to avoid political infighting. Be willing to follow orders of the leader cheerfully to the best of your ability, even if you did not vote for them! Remember that discipline is a great source of pride for a Spartan!
