Basic Requirements for Membership

1.    Must be at least 18 years of age.
2.    Must conform to unit hair standards.
3.    Must be willing to make commitment of time and money to achieve proper/correct impression.
4.    Must be willing to follow orders of all unit officers, including NCO's and Safety & Authenticity.
5.    Must be willing to follow unit rules and policies.
6.   All new participants will be subject to a probationary period after initial sign up.

Ok Recruits... Listen UP!

The following are general standards currently used by re-enacting units.  Although these guidelines are necessary to maintain a congruent flow of historical accuracy one may deviate from the accepted protocol with his commanding officer's consent. 

So, in other words... if you can't get the gear you need check with your C.O. for help!

Hair Standard

      Hair will be tapered in the back well above collar.  Hair will be tapered on the sides and will not touch the ear.  The area around the ear should be clean with a razor.  Hair on the top of the head shall be at the members discretion, but should be neat in appearance and not excessively long.  Sideburns will be no longer than mid-ear and mustaches will be trimmed and WWII-style - not past the corner of the mouth.

      These standards will be strictly enforced in the field.

Basic Uniform Standard

      In order to maintain the highest level of authenticity possible, our unit policy requires you to own certain types of clothing and equipment.

Service Trousers - Two pair of trousers of the following type:
   a) Two pair of trousers, wool M1937 or;
   b) One pair of wool and one pair of cotton HBT WWII pattern.

Service Shirt - Two shirts of the following type:
   a) Two wool, M1934 or;
   b) One wool and one HBT jacket of WWII pattern.
        Rank and insignia (when earned) can be attached to one wool shirt.

Field Jacket - One M1941 Field Jacket is required. 

      WWII "Tanker's Jacket" can be worn only by tank and half track crews or officers unless otherwise approved by squad leader.
      The M1943 field jacket may be used in tactical situations only.
      If already owned, it may be used during the probationary period until an M1941 is purchased.

Boots - One pair of serviceable boots of any of the following types:
   a) Type III Service Shoes or service shoes of any type with Leggings; or;
   b) M1943 "Two-Buckle" combat boots or; (note: we discourage their use whenever possible).
   c) Corcoran style Paratrooper Boots. Laces should be leather or brown flat cotton. (note: with approval of squad leader only).
       

Head Gear - A WWII M1 Helmet and Liner are required.
      Helmets may have netting.
      A good quality "jeep" cap is also suggested.

NOTE: The use of original, mint-condition clothing in a battle scenario is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.

Basic Individual Equipment
     The following field gear is standard early/mid-war issue:

Belt - One of the following required:
     a) Cartridge Belt, Dismounted, M1910, M1917, or M1923 or;
     b) Pistol Belt M1912 or M1936.

First Aid Pocket - One of the following styles required:
     a) M1910, M1924, or M1942 (most common).
    

Back Pack - One of the following required:
     a) Haversack, M1910 or M1928 or;
     b) Field Pack (Musette Bag preferred), M1936 with Suspenders, M1936 or M1943 or;
 

Entrenching Tool - One of the following recommended:
     a) Shovel, M1910 with Cover M1910 or;
     b) Pick Mattock, M1910 with Carrier or;
     c) Entrenching Tool, M1943 with Cover M1943 or;
     d) Entrenching Tool, M1945 with Cover M1943.
 

Canteen set - One required, more recommended for hot days:
     1. Canteen, M1910 WWI or WWII manufacture,
     2. Canteen Cup, M1910, WWI or WWII manufacture, and
     3. Canteen Cover, Dismounted, M1910, WWI or WWII manufacture.
     These three items make one set. Canteen cup may be left out of second set.

    NOTE:   Load-bearing gear should be tan or transitional light green in color as is consistent with WWI or early WWII manufacture.  If dark green gear of late- or post-war manufacture is already owned, it may be used until the proper color is obtained.  Most U.S. and some British equipment is acceptable for use, just be sure to check with the unit command.

It is acceptable and even advisable to use equipment that is not in the best of shape as long as it is "Combat Serviceable".  The use of original, mint-condition web gear in a battle scenario is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED  Many men in the unit are opting to use some of the better quality reproduction gear now being offered at prices comparable to originals and, in some cases, much cheaper.  Talk to us about this option before you buy as very few reproducers manufacture gear that will stand hard field use.

Handguns -
   Handguns to be carried by NCOs of Sergeant grade or above.

Any fully- or semi-automatic weapon should be blank-adapted if practical. Make Sure It Goes BANG.

Knives - One of the following is required, knives not appearing must be approved by unit commander:
     a) M3 Fighting Knife in M8 or M8A1 plastic scabbard only or;
     b) M-1917 trench spike ("Knuckle Duster") or;
     c) M-1918 trench knife ("Knuckle Knife") or;
    

Other Equipment

1.    One pair of gloves:  leather, wool or jersey-type.
2.    One sweater of WWII-type or civilian pattern.
3.    Serviceable poncho; GI oilskin type is preferred.
4.    One WWII-type Mess Kit and "Eating Irons". You never know when there will be hot chow!

To Join, simply print and fill out the form below and return it to the provided address.  Your insurance dues protect you and your fellow re-enactors in the event of an accident on the field, and also enrolls you in the MLHA which will enable you to be an active member for all activities for the following year.  Welcome aboard and prepare yourself for some fantastic WWII "one-of-a-kind" experiences!

 Have questions?  Please feel free to contact the 4th. Armored!