|
Getting it Right... |
12 February
2008 |
In a
hobby such as ours one often sees
any great number of reenactors
“checking the block” as it were when
it comes to authenticity standards.
Generally speaking mainstream groups
tend towards low or moderately
priced, and usually spurious
reproductions for their impressions.
It isn’t entirely unheard of to go
to a less attended living history
weekend and encounter a “Bandwagon
of Brothers” unit with nylon
cartridge belts with plastic
fittings. While cost is a deciding
factor when building a first person
impression, quality should always be
in the forefront of any reenactors
budget.
We at Fort Miles have been blessed
with truly dedicated members. I have
noticed first hand that many have
opted to go the route of Genuine
WWII Issue (or unissued) pieces of
uniform and equipment rather than
purchase reproductions. I am
thoroughly impressed when it comes
to the caliber of individual
impressions at Fort Miles. Unlike
most units, the 261st has written
guidelines on the appropriate wear
of uniforms and decorations.
Using a search engine such as Google
one can be at the homepage of
countless WWII reenacting units in
seconds. Simply “surfing” and
browsing through unit photo archives
can open the door to questionable
activity. As the end goal of what we
do is “honoring” those who have gone
before, we have come so far already.
Again, I applaud the success of each
one of you who help make that
happen. On the other hand there are
groups who feel the need to “pin on
shiny things” in order to look………
cool? Hanger dances especially tend
to act as a beacon for those types.
|
Genuinely many have never heard of
the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. The
Act goes far beyond the
Congressional Medal of Honor. It
encompasses several decorations such
as Silver Star, Distinguished
Service Cross, Purple Heart, Bronze
Star (for Valor), and the Air Medal
(for Valor).
There are certainly a large number
of service related awards which were
not “valor specific.” When worn
appropriately, one can utilize
campaign ribbons to accurately
portray a first person impression.
However, certain items such as the
CMB (Combat Medical Badge), CIB
(Combat Infantryman’s Badge), or the
Combat Parachutists Badge are a
matter of great controversy in the
reenacting community. These are
actual devices which require
participation in an active combat
zone. A majority of the offending
reenactors whom wear these badges
have never served in the military,
let alone in combat. After careful
consideration Fort Miles command has
decided to condone the wear of the
above.
Fortunately we have done extensive
research for the website. The
Awards & Decorations document in
the Supply & Admin section gives
great guidance on the wear of such
devices.
Your continued support is what keeps
the project alive and growing. Being
able to stand apart from the
“Bandwagon of Brothers” and “Junior
Birdmen” types shows just how
dedicated you are to success. I for
one appreciate it greatly. |
Information
used in the Fort Miles field training
manuals comes from the Coast Artillery
Journal "New Soldiers Handbook" dated 1943,
the Soldier's Guide (FM 21-100), and the US
Army Manual "New Infantry Drill Regulations"
dated SEP 1941.
Special thanks goes to Hardscrabble Farm for
information and graphics that make many of
these training manuals possible. For
more information, visit the website at
http://www.hardscrabblefarm.com |
