Welcome to the
United States
Army of 1944!
Before we have you slotted with your team, let me go over
some things
with you. The first thing is to dissolve any illusions you may
have
about this impression.
Disclaimer:
This is not the United States Army, if you intended on
joining this
branch of our armed services, you can go to http://www.army.mil/
and speak with a recruiter there. The 4th ID, 8th. Regt.
Intelligence
& Reconnaissance Platoon is a living history outfit. This
group
is made up of friends who believe in representing a reasonably accurate
portrayal of the soldiers within I&R platoons in the ETO. In
the process of developing this outfit, we hope to honor the memories of
all soldiers who served in WWII and teach a younger generation about
the
price of their freedom.
We do not discriminate based on age, race, or sex; however,
understand
that the US armed services of WWII were predominantly segregated along
racial and gender lines. The 4th ID I&R Platoon will help
guide
your role within the outfit.
Enlistment Criteria
1) Age of Enlistment:
All troops must be at least 16 years of age with
parents consent as a non-combatant in the form of squad medic.
Preferred age of enlistment is 18 years of age or older.
2) Bearing: You
have to possess
a good attitude. This means an eagerness to participate at
events,
gather equipment in a timely and consistent manner, speak with the
public,
and generally want to be a part of this outfit. You will want to
engage your NCO in any questions you may have about this
impression.
It helps to have a good nature and be amiable. In the 4th
ID
I&R Platoon we tolerate
or
If you are one of these, then pack your bags and hit the high road.
3) Attendance:
First you must
want to participate at better than 50% of our event schedule or it will
not be worth your effort to acquire the necessary gear. This
means,
If you are caught AWOL for
too many events, this will be grounds for dismissal from the group.
4) Appearance:
You will need
to show up prepared for each event. This means properly groomed
(definition:
appropriate hair length and facial hair limited to a small moustache
not
to exceed beyond the length of your mouth). You will need your
full
equipment list in accordance to the general equipment order issued
prior
to most events (if one is not issued then request one or assume the
full
kit). If you are new to the group, you must make arrangements
with
group members prior to the event to have equipment issued to you.
When at an event and in camp you will be expected to
maintain a clean
living area. This means void of trash and modern equipment.
There are
in the 4th ID I&R Platoon, for two important reasons; one, kit
layouts
are predominantly done in barracks and not in the field (unless you
have
a chickensh*t platoon leader); 2, no one wants to be responsible for
all
of your small crap being potentially stolen. The object is to
create
a “lived in look” for the camp. We’re a functional group, not a
bunch
of wax museum manequins.
5) Actions: You are
expected to be
courteous and show proper military etiquette in the presence of
officers.
You must exhibit competence with your weapon and hold safety on the
field
in the highest regard. In camp you are expected to fullfill any
assigned
duties and properly address these duties with the utmost
professionalism.
Alcohol is permitted for those who are of 21 years and older, but is
not
tolerated during public hours or prior to and during tactical
engagements. Violations
of these rules aregrounds for immediate dismissal from the unit.
If you have a prior criminal record, you will need to disclose this
with
your senior NCO (who will keep it in confidence).
In training and tactical maneuvers you are expected to show
considerable
trigger discipline. The nature of our impression precludes us
from
engaging the enemy unless fired upon or when the odds are considerably
stacked in our favor. Your demeanor for tacticals should be
serious
to the point of recognizing the business you are about to
recreate.
The weapon you are carrying is just that...A WEAPON. Your weapon
should never be taken for anything less than that. When on patrol
you are expected to show light and noise discipline. Under combat
conditions you will be expected to act and react appropriately under
fire.
In a combat zone (anywhere where consistent gunfire can be heard) you
will
carry yourself accordingly and keep your helmet on and weapon properly
oriented. Weapons are charged only on the command of the Squad
Leader.
