2. Kompanie Gebirgsjägerregiment 100
Historical reenactment unit
Thank you for your interest in joining the ranks of one of the most professional and authentic “Living history” units in the U.S.A. We take pride in the fact that the 5th Gebirgs has been in existence for some twenty years, and has built an excellent reputation in this hobby by “doing it right”. We are a group of living historians who are fascinated with WWII history and who strive to recreate the experiences of the typical German soldier. Our policy is to maintain the highest in authenticity standards in order to present the correct visual impression.
WWII reenacting is not only a very educational experience, but also a very fun hobby. You will have many opportunities to meet real veterans, even German vets, and other historical personalities. You will be invited to air shows and museums. And if you liked playing army when you were a kid, our tacticals are about as real as it gets without getting killed. So are you ready to join and enjoy this exciting hobby?
Introduction
We are not affiliated with, embrace or tolerate the philosophies of any political, radical or racist organizations.
This WWII living history unit was formed to portray the 2nd Company, 100th Regiment of the 5th Mountain Infantry Division of the German army, as it would have appeared from 1943 to 1945.
The 5th Gebirgsjäger Division of Ohio is a chartered member of the World War II Historical Reenactment Society (WWII HRS).
We participate in four types of events:
Living history displays
Barracks displays
Tactical battles (not open to the public)
Public battles
Most events that we attend are within a 3-4 hour drive of north-central Ohio. Our unit normally attends about one to two events per month.
Appearance and fitness standards
Living history is a visual hobby. It was considered the highest honor to be a German soldier. As a member of this unit we will always present ourselves by appearance and actions in a positive way.
New members must be between 16 and 50 years of age.
The wearing of earrings or jewelry is prohibited. (Except wedding rings)
Tattoos must not show, or will cover up with period clothing.
Haircuts must be of a 1940’s style.
Eyeglasses must be of a 1940’s style, round wire frames.
New recruits must be clean-shaven, no beards or mustaches.
We require our members to maintain an above average degree of physical fitness and weight control. An overweight Gebirgsjäger was non-existent then and certainly does not look the part now. The tactical battles we attend are physically demanding and very often we must move quickly over very rugged terrain. Excessive weight gain after becoming a member will also be grounds for termination of your membership. We must look like German soldiers.
Recruitment Policy
Potential members must meet the authenticity, personal appearance and fitness guidelines to gain membership into the unit. The new member first enters the unit as a recruit and will serve a probationary period until all three of the following requirements are meet:
Attend at least one Recruit Training event.
Participate in three tactical battles.
Purchase the basic required uniform, equipment and weapon.
Upon the successful completion of the probationary period, the recruit will be promoted to the rank of Jäger and receive full membership.
Conduct and safety
Each member is responsible for maintaining the proper behavior and safety standards at every event. The following examples are considered bad behavior and unsafe practices. They will not be tolerated, and are grounds for termination of your membership.
The member continually disregards unit authenticity standards.
The member knowingly commits unsafe acts that jeopardize the well being of others.
The member knowingly creates dissention within the unit by arguing or fighting.
The member knowingly inflicts injury or property damage to others in the hobby.
Drunkenness or the use of drugs at any event.
Use of profanity at public events.
The member becomes affiliated with a radical or racist organization.
The member knowingly brings live ammo to any event.
If you can meet the above requirements and abide by the units authenticity standards and rules of conduct, you too can join the elite and open up a whole new world of fun!
Cost
Reenacting is not an inexpensive hobby. This is to give you an idea as to what the cost for getting started will be. Basic uniform $350-400, basic gear $300-350, k-98 rifle $250-300. You are not expected to buy everything at once. Most new recruits take up to a year to get their basic kit together. Some have purchased all of it within a month. It’s whatever your resources will allow. When we travel to an event we try to car pool as much as possible to save on fuel cost. Most battles we attend there will be a $20-25 fee to pay. This is to pay for the use of the site and for insurance coverage. Once you are accepted as a recruit unit dues of $20 per year will be payable by Jan. 31st of the next full year. The dues help cover the cost of unit mailings (like the membership packet), newsletters, maintenance of the unit web site and other unit projects.
In closing
I know this all sounds like a lot of rules and requirements. And even the cost of getting started in this hobby may be a turn off. But we want to be up-front with you from the start so you know what you are getting into. Also all the rules and requirements are there to protect you, us and the public. We have over 20 years of experience as a unit behind us and our unit is in great demand to attend events. Camaraderie is very important to us. We have a great group of guys that truly enjoy this great hobby. Are you ready to give this really fun, exciting and educational hobby a try? If so please fill out the application for membership form, send it in and we’ll arrange an interview. Parents or wives are welcome to attend the interview also. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at outback@accnorwalk.com
HURRA DIE GAMS!