Frequently Asked Questions

Q. So if I was going to do my own unit, what should I do to get started?

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• Where to begin? Well for starters, I would say choose 3 German regiments. In 1914, there were 217 infantry regiments. Then research all three Regiments, and see if you can find any GOOD reference material. Anything works, as long as it is clear you know the material is for the regiment. Then choose one of the three as your Regiment, congratulations! You have made your first BIG step!
  Next, all you got to do is budget and start assembling the uniform and do much of the foot work. You will now have a whole new set of problems! Like what? Making sure you have the proper sources for the impression. No one, and I mean no one will ever want to pay $60 for a replica patch unless they are dedicated. For me, my battle was creating Litzen. I had gone to Prussian Glory to get some, I was charged $60 for it, and the length of the Litzen wasn't correct for the Regiment I did. No one wanted to join due to the expense of the incorrect Litzen. So I went out of my way, spent over $750 for 500 meters of Litzen that has served my Regiment beautifully - I even gave the Litzen away for free!
  Next, of course you will need to recruit good members that will respect the established rules. You will be challenged, and asked for compromises, etc. Stay true to the source material! Also be weary, some potential recruits will try to get you to bid against other units for their membership. It's not worth it, you can always find other members else where.
  But there is one other big hurdle... competition...

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Q. Competition?

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• When I initially started my unit of 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuss, I initially came into the Great War reenacted scene with big eyes and hopes of what I understood as a very welcoming and professional community. Instead I was met with a fair amount of cold shoulders and eccentric personalities that would give you tid-bits of information in exchange for sufficiently satisfying their fragile egos.
  Then there were those that out right told me 'YOU HAVE TO JOIN THE GWA.' or 'JOIN AN EXISTING UNIT!'. But after the initial first few days of control freaks, sourpusses, and egomaniacal folks - I finally started to make my way.
  Another personal favorite was when it first came out I was starting a new unit in the summer of 2015, and I got three individuals contacting me to ask me specific questions. Once they had their answers they ghosted me. I suspect that they were trying to 'size me up'. Eh, maybe not? Not sure. Its in the past.
  
  Remember, do not let others pressure you. Never.
  
  Also, it is worth mentioning that I had several people that were always kind to me since the word 'go!' and I am beyond thankful to them! Thank you!

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Q. Starting my own unit sounds tough, how about joining a existing unit?

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• There is nothing wrong with joining a unit that already exists, there is a pre-existing ground work for rules, regulations, code of conduct, etc. Plus you don't have to worry about all of the foot work, you can just get your kit together and follow orders. You just have to do a little window shopping first though.
   

Q. Wait, window shopping?

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• Quite literally, yes. As great as as the idea is to join a unit. You need to join a good unit that has certain good qualities:
  
  Reputable - Make sure you join a group with a good reputation. Make sure they are not Neo-Nazis or a reputation for not playing by the rules. Does the unit have a habit of removing people that disagree with the leadership? Do they have good authenticity standards?
  
  Quality - Make sure the unit that you join matches your ideals on quality. For example, do you like to be in a unit that tells you to buy the cheapest stuff on the market and allows its members to wear inaccurate gear? I think any unit that allows WW2 ammunition pouches or a painted modern coffee can as a gas mask can is ridiculous on a good day.
  Perhaps you wish to join a unit where they have good uniform standards but will allow you to wear your modern glasses. Unless...
  You like to go all in, be a 100% authentic reenactor! Having everything down to the period correct pocket watch. Just remember: pick and choose what group you wish to join!
  
  Personality - The unit may have good quality, but some times its the personalities that make or break it for you. I have dealt with many many many colorful personalities in the hobby, from pleasant to sociopaths to divas. Be careful, and remember, you have a choice, not them!
  
  Accuracy - Making sure you join a unit also includes the unit knows what they are doing on a historical level. If you join a unit that tells you they are stormtroopers but it turned out that the historical records tell a very different story like that unit actually did menial labor, then you should ask yourself 'If they alter the history, what else would they say or do?'. Remember, you want to do these men justice from over 100 years ago.
  
  Respect - Make sure the people that you want to play with respects you. It could mean something as simple as giving you kind advice to help you improve your kit or talking to you as a adult. Remember, respect goes both ways.
  
  At the end of the day, you will have to write a list of what you are after for your own requirements for joining a unit. Be prepared to negotiate.

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