A point from another forum I disagree with, but leads me to ask questions.

While reading an argument on a martial-arts forum (sherdog.com) someone tried to make a point with this statement (I decided not to argue it, after all the forum is for discussion of martial arts):

I don't really think that's fair... I don't reeenact but I've thought about pursuing the hobby, and I cannot join the armed forces (always wanted to) for I am a type 1 diabetic. And while my interest in military history will never help me fight in a true war, I still don't find the knowledge learned useless simply for the fact that I enjoy it.

I do wonder, however, are re-enactors mostly armed-forces veterans? I would not want to enter a hobby that I would be at an obvious disadvantage in.

Another question: Just how large are the reenactment groups you are in? I've never seen anything like a roster at the few re-enactment sites I've read. How large would a group have to be to be recognized as a legitimate unit?

 

A good number of reenactors are military veterans. As for unit size it verys from unit to unit, in mine we have around 25 guys right now, but we've only started our unit a year and a half ago.

 

The average sized reenactment unit would probably number around 20. However, there are a few units out there with 50+ members. These tend to be the more established units who have been around 10 or more years.

Within each reenacting unit there are all types of community members. Teachers, scientists, garbage men, ex-military, current military, students, ect. Being ex or current military does not really give that much advantage or put others at a disadvantage. Remember, we're reenacting WWII. This includes all tactics and manouvers that go along with WWII. Using outdated tactics and manouvers truely negates any real advantage being in the military gives. However, when it comes to the military lifestyle and procedures, those folks blow us average joes out of the water.

I also disagree with the statement made in the other forum. Being in the modern military does not teach me anything about the military of WWII. Surving with the tools and material that soldiers during WWII had is much different than it is nowadays. At least, that's my .02.

Langemann

 

Thanks for bringing up all those points dane.

 

My unit is fairly large, over 100 members, others can be much smaller (there is a group around that has 5 members but is REALLY excellent) it just depends on the members as to how good they are. I am not at all sure about ur martial arts bloke, firstly most people do not 'train to become ... re-enactors' they become re-enactors and learn from there. I particularly disagree with the statement that you learn about history but that 'does not help you', how ignorant can you get? A society without history is like a man without memory. Most re-enactors are not armed forces vets over here, in fact there are some of the most un-military types you could ever hope to find. In fact, coming into it with a knowledge of history you have an advantage over many though most groups would accept you if you knew nothing, as long as you were willing to learn.

Thats my take anyhow

 

Thanks for the replies. 20, 50, 100 people? I find that surprising knowing how expensive repro gear is, and the fact that I had only seen photos of three, four, five re-enactors at a time. It's encouraging to know that the hobby is a bit bigger than I thought, though.

 

take a look at the pics on www.12thss.com some pics with fairly large numbers of blokes. The surpriseing thing I find is that despite how much the stuff costs, how unwilling people often are to pay the little extra to get things right.

 

I know what you mean stefan. There are people willing to pay alot for the big things, but when it comes to little things to improve your kit they won't do it. I just spend every little penny I have on the hobby so it works out for me.

 

J, I am very glad that you asked this question. I can relate to a lot of the points you asked about because they all affected me at really different points in my life. I was an Army ROTC cadet, then I was a Revolutionary War reenactor, then I enlisted in the Army, then I developed Type I diabetes and got booted out of the service. And I miss reenacting as much as I do the Army.

First of all, and most importantly, reenacting is a TERRIFIC hobby, no matter which period you want to interpret (which is just another way of saying, "portray"). I got my start in the hobby by learning how to offer educational living history programs with the National Park Service. That was my favorite part of the hobby - just talking with the public event visitors to let them know what that historical period was all about. (Of course, to do that properly takes a lot of reading as well as a good kit lol)

Different people join the hobby for different reasons, so depending on what it is you'd like to get out of it, feel free to take my observations with a grain of salt. Also, depending on what it is you'd like to get out of it, any advantage one might gain from prior military service is more or less significant.

Others in the WWII period hobby can speak more to this than I can, but I cannot believe for an instant that even if your only option was to join a hobby unit that is 100% guys who also happen to be prior or present military, those guys would not be happy to have you. Every hobbyist that I ever knew would welcome anyone, any time, who wanted to put on a uniform and fall in. (Although my own personal hangup is overweight reenactors. I don't fault people for being overweight, but it can give a historically false impression.)

The thing that servicemen have over average civilians is not something you can easily put your thumb on - "military bearing." They exude it, and it makes for a more "believable" interpretation of a soldier. It's not an attitude toward others as much as it is the way they carry themselves. But it's been a hallmark of front-line American soldiers since Von Steuben taught us the difference between "hay foot" and "straw foot" back in 1777 (lol). And even though I was on active duty for four years, I can't even describe why officers have different bearing than enlisted. But they do. (I've recognized plenty of officers whose rank insignia I could not see from behind, just because something about them said, "brass.")

Your role in a unit, presuming its goal is to be as realistic as possible, depends partly on your age. There were not a lot of 18-yr-old first sergeants or captains, or 30-yr-old privates. If possible, start out as a private and learn the ropes from the older guys. But most important - have FUN! That's what it's all about.

Oh and by the way - look up a movie called "Saints and Soldiers." It was an independent film about WWII. The production value was outstanding - and I was floored when I learned in the special features that it cost less than $1 million to make, thanks to the reenactors who populated it. Check out the credits to see how many units there were. Believe me - you're not as weird as you think! (OK, so you're a reenactor... you must be a LITTLE weird lol)

I hope that helps! See you in the field --

John A.

 

JPenn, If you are located in West New York State, you might want to take a drive to Reading PA the first weekend in June for the "World War II Weekend and Airshow" WELCOME TO THE MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM'S WORLD WAR II WEEKEND I am not a re-enactor, but I attend this show every year as a spectator. You will see 1000's of re-enactors depicting every country that participated in WWII, 1000's of restored WWII vehicles of every type, 100's of vintage aircraft: bombers, fighters, trainers etc. Last but not least there are many famous and unknown WWII vets who give talks and hold meet & greets. It is a wonderful place to totally emerse yourself in WWII history.

Greg C.

 

reenactors may be kids, but after all aren't we all? When I see tears in the eyes of old people and being greateful to reanctors for allowing them to relive the day they were liberated I have respect for those reenactors.

They may not have fought any war, at least they make it possible for all, young and old to pay a tribute and share the heritage, including for old people who cannot go to commemorations any more. I am not a reenactor myself, but I always shake their hands and thank them at ceremonies and despise some local politicians who think they they are smart when they ignore them. So hats off to those who spend money and time for others.

 

For many years I worked in a park system that was based on reenactors. It was a history lesson in real life. I think that reenacting is one of the most valuable teaching tools we have as a country, because the history isn't being taught in school out of books like it should be!

 

I am a WWII reenactor. I portray a member of the 505th PIR who jumped in both Sicily and Normandy and was wounded in Holland. I have thought about joining the military but decided that my interest in history would not be something that would qualify me to be in the military. My old unit in Tennessee was mostly composed of vets. The unit looked good because a majority of us were between 18 and 30 and were in good physical condition which is what you want in a unit. Right now I am living in New Zealand and am studying to be a teacher with History as my major. Its simply where my interest is and I apply my knowledge and incorporate it into my impression and into the museum I volunteer my time to. That was a pretty unfair statement that the guy made. Its like saying you have to be a grandkid of a WWII vet in order to portray a WWII impression. Its kinda silly to imply that. Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a grandfather that served or to serve our countries ourselves.