Introduction
The first step of your task to build a kit is not to go to vendor but to a bookshelf. It is imperative to the quality of your kit to read and research the lives of the men you have vowed to portray. Primary sources include diaries, letters, memoirs and period newspaper articles, which are perhaps the most frequently encountered primary sources, as well as photographs. Thanks to online databases and various books there are thousands of photos from the war depicting various units, readily available on the web (See links below for good sites.) Photographs contain an amazing range of detail and are the best illustrations of what a soldier in WWII looked like. From this source pay particular attention to:
-Dates
-What uniforms were worn when
-How those uniforms were worn
-What equipment is visible and how was it worn
-Clothing particulars and distinguishing characteristics associated with them.
The key objective of such an exercise is to look for consistencies. Of course you may find one picture out of one hundred illustrating a soldier with some outlandish uniform, but that is one out of a hundred; it certainly does not typify or represent the average soldier, and the average soldier is what you want to portray. Aside from accuracy and authenticity the single largest guiding principle to building your impression is what the hobby refers to as Plain, Everyday, and Common (PEC). In following this approach you will not only make your impression more accurate but you will also make it much more versatile.
Once you have completed your required reading and conducted enough research to gain a basic understanding of how a soldier looked and lived in the field, your next step is to acquire the items needed to build your impression. The acquisition of your uniforms and equipment can lead to sticker shock and thus lead to the purchase of lower quality, lower priced, less accurate items in order to save a buck. In this hobby, you get what you pay for. Buy once, buy right. Buying weird chinese made web gear on ebay never ends well. Buying economy items from big vendors like At the Front will end bad. Stick to high quality or original items only, it will save you hardship and cash later down the road. When in doubt, consult with your unit commander if you are unsure about an item you are purchasing. (See links for authorized vendors as well.)
-Dates
-What uniforms were worn when
-How those uniforms were worn
-What equipment is visible and how was it worn
-Clothing particulars and distinguishing characteristics associated with them.
The key objective of such an exercise is to look for consistencies. Of course you may find one picture out of one hundred illustrating a soldier with some outlandish uniform, but that is one out of a hundred; it certainly does not typify or represent the average soldier, and the average soldier is what you want to portray. Aside from accuracy and authenticity the single largest guiding principle to building your impression is what the hobby refers to as Plain, Everyday, and Common (PEC). In following this approach you will not only make your impression more accurate but you will also make it much more versatile.
Once you have completed your required reading and conducted enough research to gain a basic understanding of how a soldier looked and lived in the field, your next step is to acquire the items needed to build your impression. The acquisition of your uniforms and equipment can lead to sticker shock and thus lead to the purchase of lower quality, lower priced, less accurate items in order to save a buck. In this hobby, you get what you pay for. Buy once, buy right. Buying weird chinese made web gear on ebay never ends well. Buying economy items from big vendors like At the Front will end bad. Stick to high quality or original items only, it will save you hardship and cash later down the road. When in doubt, consult with your unit commander if you are unsure about an item you are purchasing. (See links for authorized vendors as well.)
Level I: Basic Equipment
This is basic equipment needed for participation at events. Some loaner gear is available for those at their first event, consult unit CO.
1 Trousers, Wool OD 1 Cartridge Belt, Dismounted, M1923 1 Service Shirt, Wool OD 1 Canteen, M1910 w/ Cover and Cup 1 Shoe, Service (Roughout or Smooth Cap-Toe) 1 Pouch, M1924 or M1942, First Aid 1 Waist Belt, Web 1 Entrenching tool, M1943 or M1910 2 Pair Socks, Light 1 Entrenching tool cover 1 Undershirt, Cotton (OD Tank Top-See Approved Vendors) 1 Carrier, M6 (Gas Mask Bag) 1 Pair Leggings, M1938 1 Helmet, M1 w/ Liner 1 Cap, Garrison Wool OD |
Level II: Advanced Kit
Most members are expected to have this within one year of joining. It is a complete infantry rifleman's kit, including items for a "late war" impression.
1 Jacket, Field, M1941 1 Jacket, Field, M1943 1 Cap, Knit ("Jeep Cap" 2 Tags, Identification 1 Mess Kit (Complete with fork, knife, and spoon) 1 Raincoat, Dismounted 1 Boots, Combat ("Double Buckles") 1 Rifle, M1 1 Sling, Rifle 1 Cleaning kit, Rifle 1 Bayonet, 10" w/ scabbard 1 Bandoleer 1 Pair, Gloves, Wool 2 Shelter halves, w/ ropes and 10 wood stakes, 6 poles (complete pup tent) 1 Pack, M1928 2 Drawers, OD cotton 1 Shaving kit/toiletry roll 1 Blanket, Wool OD 1 Sweater, Knit OD |
Level III: Dress Uniform
Items for a complete dress uniform, highly recommended if one wants to participate in "dressier" events. See beginners guide for regulations and insignia placement.
1 Coat, Service, M1939 w/ Insignia 1 Coat, M1944 ("Ike Jacket") w/ insignia 1 Trousers, Wool OD (for dress use only) 1 Shirt, Wool OD (for dress use only) 1 Necktie, Khaki Optional: 1 Cap, Service, Wool EM 1 Shirt, Cotton, Khaki 1 Trouers, Cotton, Khaki 1 Cap, Garrison Khaki 1 Pair socks, Khaki 1 Pair, dress shoes, leather, brown (Must be approved by CO before purchase) |