2nd ID website - Authenticity, Roles and Rank

That’s YOU! The number one priority is to get to a battle (if you are reading this then you made it!) Don’t wait until you have all your gear, or your wife thinks it’s a good idea. Get to a battle and check it out. Item # 2 is to do your homework; talk to guys in the unit and visit the national reenactor board:

http://ww2reenactors.proboards35.com/index.cgi

The above site will answer a lot of “new guy” questions, we know because we posted a lot of questions when we first started

Watch a few episodes of “Combat”, a few of “Band of Brothers”. Don’t use these for authenticity standards, but get a flavor of the era. There are a few guys that have first person impressions that specialize in paperwork and “pocket junk” of the era to help you “get into Character” if that is your thing.

Keep an open mind and get ready to have the time of your life.

Private- Rifleman

Get to as many battles as possible. Get your gear squared away over the first year or so. Learn your CORRECT sizes and how to take care of and wear your uniform and equipment. Learn your tactics and drill. Soak up everything you can from your SL and ASL. Be a team player. Learn how to LISTEN to your SL in the field- he can’t run the squad unless you are ready to take commands at all times. Being a good FOLLOWER is the 1^st step to being a good LEADER. (You picked this hobby- if you don’t like taking orders what were you thinking?! We all have trouble w/ this from time to time, don’t worry about it, but let us know if this is a problem). Be aware of your opponent and take your “hits”. Learn the job of the person above you inside and out. HELP HIM TO BE A SUCCESS!

Private First Class- Rifleman (16 battle days unit leaders discretion)

Here you begin to work out the kinks. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Get ready for a leadership role. Sit down with your SL and ask him if there is anything you can improve. Your impression? Your Grooming? Your Drill? Your Conduct in the field? Now is the time to dial in the details. Watch out for the pitfall of giving other Privates orders. Only NCO’s and above give orders. Lead by example. Be ready to move up.