FAQ's by Military Personnel on Active Duty.

[Barrelhunter]

Frequently Asked Questions by Military Personnel on Active Duty.

Can I reenact while I’m on active duty status?

Yes. The Army sponsors reenactment units at Bragg, Sill and Knox dealing with the specialty of those bases from times past. They also allow reenactors to use property and facilities for everything from Renaissance to Rev War to CW to WWII. Not only do they allow it but they encourage it.


Will my CO allow me to draw my M-16 for reenactments?

No. But as an American you are allowed to own private weapons. The stipulation is you are not allowed to store them in your barracks. Ask your unit armorer about the paper work necessary to store a Privately Owned Firearm in the Arms Room. If he’s unaware of it follow your chain of command.

Can I use the rifle range to practice?

Yes and no. Most major bases have Rod and Gun Clubs and they fire on or adjacent to the ranges. Joining them will allow you to use the facilities and meet new people.

Can I buy weapons from the ODCMP?

Yes. The only requirement is that you be a US Citizen.

Will my friends make fun of me?

Yes but you should be used to it. Face it we bust each others nads for no reason so why not give them one you can live with. Who knows they might just like it themselves.

Will my CO and First Sargent give me time off for events?

At the pleasure the Army yes. In fact since most events take place at times others aren’t grabbing for you have a better chance of getting the time off. Also since your highers will find your studying to be an improvement they will put you on the top of the list for.


How hard is it to transport weapons between bases and events?

Not hard at all. Company or Battalion will have all the necessary paperwork and the clerks will even fill them out for you. You’ll have it easier than your civilian counterparts if you go through your chain of command and get the paper.


Jim

[Faabala]

Nice FAQs Jim but don't you think it is a little "Army" centric. There are other branches of the military. Even including the Air Force that I have been in for 21 years. We are almost military.

[cco23i]

Dave,
You know we just fake it!

Tsgt Scott Dunkirk
Air Force

[Faabala]

He He

[diablo363336]

Hey, it can get real tiring sitting on those uncomfortable jump seats in the cargo bays...I mean c'mon, I had to sit and sleep for like 6 hours once....
Robert
Sgt.
USAF

[cco23i]

Geez bob what AFSC do you have? I need to change! ;D

[diablo363336]

I was a loadmaster on the Galaxy and the Herc. Started out "kicking" ended up as a crew chief.

[dtdoyle]

I started out a crew chief on the Galaxy and ended up a CC on hercs.

20 years, just retired!

Dave

[Barrelhunter]

That post is Army, Army Air Corp and Marine centric. I’d ask the forgiveness of the Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines in forum as I lack the proper vocabulary to best represent them on this subject.

[dumbodriver]

Don't forget Ft. Riley, KS (though most of us here or who have been here try to forget it daily).

The CAV has a group of CW/CAV reenactors for special events and at all the big boy Change of Commands, they have 2 Soldiers in WWII garb driving a 1/2 track for the "big boys" to review the troops.

[pvtschulz]

The 4th ID at Ft Hood had a halftrack and did something similar at big events. The 1st CAV at Fort Hood also has a Horse Detachment that dress up a Indian Wars Cav Troopers. Unfortunately their uniforms represent the "John Wayne" cavalry trooper vice the historically accurate version. Hollywood wins out over authenticity in that case. The 1st Cav museum curator has been trying to chage the uniform for years, but the 1st Cav Assn (aka cav mafia) just won't hear of it.

[cco23i]

I can't stand the 3 inch wide yellow stripe and yellow neckerchief and yellow under ware! It's terrible doing 1870's infantry all I see is cavalry around me and here I am the only poor infantry type in the bunch!

Scott

[pvtschulz]

Don't forget exposed suspendars which was totally against regs in the 1870s. it wasn't until later that troopers could take off their blouses in hot weather.

[Schultz]

I just wanted to add that even if you are in the reserves you buddies will still make fun of you. And it sucks if your UTA is on the same date as an event.

[barcelonablom]

Hey whatever a hobby is a hobby. Fellow Marines break my balls but are amazed by all my crap at the same time. It comes with the territory.

My first event was waaaaay outside the weekend libo limit. I asked my SSGT if I could take leave. He said why do that when I can put in a special request for special liberty (i.e. "pass") which is essentially the day off that I need to travel to Camp Roberts and back. Stuff went all the way to the squadron CO and back and the SgtMaj just wanted clarification that I was essentially camping. Heck the knowledge of my hobby led me to putting on the most kick *** Marine Corps Birthday Ball Pageant ever complete with lots of borrowed gear from other reenactors. They knew i had the knowledge and I had the resources.

For the Marines and Sailors out there. Special Liberty is the way to go unless you aren't in well with your work. It got to the point where for close events my SSGT would just let me have the days I needed off. They knew it was my stress buster and I didn't go out and get totally drunk and tear up bars when I'm out doing this stuff so that was a boon for me to go.

Everything else above mentioned is right on for us Department of the Navy folk (Marines) too. You'd have to store your weapons (firearms and knives) in the armory after registering them with the base PMO and if I was informed correctly, it requires written permission from your CO to draw them from the armory. I simplified and store my weapons with a fellow reenactor who lives off base.

Another note, when leaving events be sure to get rid of your large straight blade knives and ALL blank ammo (This recruit has no brass, trash, or live ammunition at this time!). Save yourself the headache. I've been in three years and I've gotten two random base command vehicle inspections. One resulted in me explaining what a musette bag and M1 spring clips are. Getting caught at the gate with weapons and/or ammo is NOT worth it.

Buying from the CMP. Very easy in the military. They require a copy of a birth certificate and a photocopy of the front side of your military ID, that fulfills all their requirements. Go to the base legal and get the notary work done there. Its free and the Gunny just asked me what I was doing, I told her I was buying a M1 Carbine for WWII reenacting. She asked me what I did in that and said it sounded awesome. So not everyone will make fun of you... (up front anyways...)

PS If you are stationed at MCAS Miramar (my town ) or anywhere nearby like NB Coronado or San Diego or NAS North Island, or even 32nd Street and MCB Camp Pendleton... drop me a PM, I'll be glad to get you hooked into the hobby and point you to whatever impressions (34th ID GI! ) you want to get involved with.

In the opinion of this Marine... more of us service peeps need to be involved in this hobby.

[redsoldat]

I am Army Guard Counter Drug and was based at Vandenberg, and kept my weapons at the SP armory/station. Never had any problems since it was open 24-7 unless I hit a shift change. We were always drawing our 16's out for missions. At Beal I got on base housing so the problem was moot. Had SCA guys in the Company so it was no big deal as far as going to events for me, but I did have to take leave so I would be locked in for an event.
CO did have to sign my paper work for the weapons, but most of the counter drug guys in the tactical team were 11B or 19D so no big deal there.