Getting Started
Physical
and Financial Requirements
WW2 Reenacting isn’t for everybody. It’s not like many types of reenacting such as Civil War which involve “scripted” battles and are presented for an audience. WW2 Reenactments, CHG style, are conducted in private and are more like sporting events that depend on a set of rules and have unpredictable outcomes.
WW2 Reenacting, as we do it, tends to be much more physical than other types of reenacting. You should be in good physical condition ready for a full day of hiking, marching and running in the field (often at altitudes of 7,000 feet) in full field gear and carrying a weapon. Being honest with yourself about your fitness level will save disappointment – or worse- later.
There are also a number of costs that go along with our hobby as well. WW2 reenacting isn’t exactly cheap.
Annual
Unit and Club Dues $50-60 per year
Weekend
battle fees
$25-40 per weekend
Blanks
$45 per 100 rounds
Uniform, gear and weapon $1,200-2,000
Most unit members have some cash to start and then acquire the rest of their gear over the course of their first year. A complete list of required gear is included at the end of this document.
Quality
of the 2nd Infantry Division
In the 2nd ID we take pride in being considered one of the top US outfits in the hobby. As you will see there are specific reasons why this is the case.
Authenticity
Our authenticity standards are very high, while you might not be top notch out of the gate, with a little mentoring you will be where you need to be very quickly.
Leadership
Our NCO’s are truly the finest in the field. They have been trained to instruct you in the use of actual WW2 tactics and drill. They are the ONLY SL’s that can hold their own and prevail against the best German units that we face.
Consistency
Our unit doesn’t just show up a few times a year and stand around. The 2nd shows up to battle at EVERY event, usually 7-8 times a year.
Weapons
In
the 2nd we don’t rent our weapons or vehicles – we own
‘em!
Our unit is the only one to own a blank fire .50 heavy machine gun and we have 2!! We also have a mortar squad and a 37mm field gun squad; add to this a handful of .30 cal light machine guns and we can field an awful lot of fire power. The weapons’ crews are a lot of fun and a great place to start if you don’t have a personal weapon purchased yet.
Vehicles
As if all of the above weren’t enough- we also have the finest Armor! We have an M5 Stuart, some M8 Greyhounds and a LOT of jeeps. The best thing about the 2nd ID is we never have to WALK!
Time
Requirements
Now
that you are aware you will be joining the finest unit and that much of that
quality is based on strong attendance, let’s take a quick look at the time
requirement we ask of our members.
The average number of battles per year is usually 8 and we ask members to
attend at least 6 of those. Please
be honest with us if you make the “team”-you have to make the “games”