Basic Authenticity Guidelines: German

People have been asking for years, "When are we going to put down on paper the authenticity regulations for the Germans?" What follows is our version of authenticity guidelines for ALL German troops. These guidelines are very basic, and easy to accommodate. We could go on for page after page of details, but this list was set to create a Basic Standard Kit for the Axis forces.

I have to say that authenticity and cooperation are key to the success of the German forces. We believe that these two words are interchangeable. Therefore, we need ALL German troops to be not only authentically dressed and equipped, but also to cooperate fully with the squad, platoon, company, and overall commanders. This will assure everyone a rewarding experience.

Uniform and Equipment Guidelines

1. Uniforms: All uniforms must represent that of each branch of service as of 1941-1945. They must be either be original or acceptable reproductions. Properly converted Swedish tunics, which are re-dyed and having the upper and lower pockets redone, are fine, but one should consider replacement for a new manufactured one that is available on today's market..

Unaltered Swedish tunics, blue/green Swiss Tunics, and East German tunics are not allowed.

2. Camouflage: Splinter or water patterns, for the Heer, and proper dot/plain-tree, etc. patterns for the SS.

Absolutely, NO Modern Italian, Austrian, or Modern German Camouflage will be permitted.

3. Field Gear: All field gear must be worn, this includes entrenching tools, bayonets, ammo boxes, bread bags, gas mask cans, mess kits, Zeltbahns, and the proper "Y" straps. No Austrian 'Y' straps or Spanish Gas Mask cans. Only quality, accurate, reproductions or originals will be accepted.

4. Boots: The West German jack boots is acceptable if the rear buckle is removed, and the flap sewn flat. Low boots with gaiters are an alternative, but make sure the gaiters are worn with the buckle facing backwards. East German jack boots are acceptable if the pebble finish is flattened out.

5. Helmets: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A HELMET. This goes for ALL participants of all branches. Besides being correct. our insurance policy requires that you wear a helmet in combat. No Spanish Helmets.

6. Weapons: Only German Weapons are allowed to be carried by Axis troops on the Westernfront but Easternfront, you will be allowed to carry Russian made weapons. The decision will be made by your unit commander.

7. Grooming: Proper military hair cuts, No hair touching the ears or collar. For the SS and GD troops, no beards or mustaches period. If your unit impression allows it, beards can be worn to the military specification of no more than ¼ inch. Mustaches, although not in style at the time, can be worn but must be groomed way down and not extend past the corners of the mouth. A good rule of thumb, is not to have more than 10% of the people in your group wearing mustaches. Sideburns should be proper for the hair cut. No hiding long hair with a toque or pushing it under a hat. If you do not comply with the grooming standards than will not participate until you correct the problem. We shouldn't have to say this after all these years but 'hippie types' keep showing up..

8. Eyeglasses: Proper period eye glasses only. These are the round "John Denver" style. No aviators sunglasses. If you must wear sunglasses, wear period ones. Contacts are the best choice.

9. Personal items: Leave your digital watches at home. Go to the store and buy a square face watch, battery or wind up, and use that. No Bic Lighters, if you smoke put your cigarettes in a period box. Drink all of your liquids out of a period container, canteen cup preferred, and not from a aluminum cans or plastic soda bottles. Have all of your food items at least, wrapped in Wax Paper, and tied with a string. Period Labels on your food stuff is even better.

I strongly believe that EVERYONE should have a dog tag and Soldbuch. If you do not have these items they should be on your list of the next thing you need to get for your impression.

Additional Notes on Authenticity:

Behavior: If you have members in your unit that you cannot control, do not bring them to our event. Unruly, uncooperative or stupidly behaving people will be escorted from the tactical area. Working with armor leaves little room for mistakes. A thirty ton Sherman tank has no conscience and is not particular about who it crushes into the ground. .

Camp: Since we will be doing field events we expect all participants to have the proper shelter for their sleeping arrangements. We will accept all WWII style tentage, NO CIVIL WAR TENTS or other non-period tentage will be allowed.