2012-03-28
By Neil Gillbanks
Since tighter budgets are a reality for most people these days, I was looking to compose a comprehensive list of zero dollar solutions. That is, the things reenactors can do to improve their impressions for zero or nearly zero dollars.
Many times I have seen units that look 10 times better with minimal kit and without the fancy weapons, than units with more money than sense.
I am focusing mostly on the times when you are not in the field or when you are at a public display. My list in no particular order, so far is:
Get a haircut.
Get your hands out of your pockets.
Don't wash your feldbluse.
Skip the modern sports/tv/politics talk.
Walk EVERYWHERE in step and in column of 2
STOW your gear.
Clean your weapon when sitting in camp.
Use your canteen cup/stein.
Wear your belt in the right place.
Set up zelt tents in rows.
Stack boxes, crates, etc., neatly.
Put your rifles in 3 unit tripods with a helmet on top.
Place the tripods next to the zelt tents.
Carry a pack of cigarettes.
Stuff your pockets with socks, blanks, apples, etc.
String your gear on your "Y" straps.
Learn 1 new German command each event.
Use German commands in formation.
Have formations and kit inspections.
Move as a squad/unit to and from assembly areas.
Learn some greetings/small talk in German.
DON'T use cheesy Hollywood German accents.
Listen to ACTUAL German accents.
Get a little feldgrau canvas bag to cover Gatorade bottles.
Discuss squad tactics in camp.
Include the new guys in the discussions.
Practice your rifle drill and teach the new guys.
Write letters home in cursive. [Not curse words!]
Do everything possible as a group.
Learn to darn socks, sew buttons, patch zelts.
When sitting in camp, darn socks, sew buttons, patch zelts.
Leave the twinkies, potato chips, etc at home.
Bring Babybell cheese, small rye/pumpernickel loaves, wafer cookies.
Remove modern labels from tinned goods.
Learn the German names for your kit.
Play checkers, chess and cards.
Offer to do vehicle maintenance. (Check oil, tire pressure, etc.)
Use and respect rank/command structure.
Don't argue in public. (Unless it is in German!)
TURN OFF/or hide Cellphones.
Post a sentry at camp or have people watching for P-47's.
Button your pockets.
Inspect each other's gear before taking the field.
Try to maintain a consistent time frame look for the squad.
Fill your stripper clips.
Think and act like a squad.
If waiting for something, stand in line.
Don't chew gum.
If you don't know, politely ask questions.
Remember, We do this for FUN!