Mountain Infantry of the German Army
in WW-II, 1939 to 1945
The less than comprehensive, yet important, quick guide for reenacting a German Soldier
The 98th Gebirgsjäger Regiment Reenactor’s goals are to be as authentic as possible with the minimal costs, inconvenience, and mistakes regarding our equipment, food, clothing, and mannerisms/dialogues. The reward for this hard work is having a good time and experiencing the “moment in time”.
HERE ARE THE RULES FOR AUTHENTIC PLAY
1. Arrive in uniform, 40’s civilian attire, or if that’s not possible – Get in uniform ASAP
2. Pre-prepare your gear, clothes, and foodstuffs the night before, pack them so that they are accessible when you arrive. HINT: Take a day off from work, ARRIVE EARLY!
3. Use appropriate canvas stowage bags, a wicker basket, or other suitable container to stow your gear & uniforms. NO PLASTIC BOXES, NO WIRE or PLASTIC HANGERS.
4. Have the correct bedding for the barracks: wool blanket & blue/white blanket cover or for serious cold (if you must); a G.I. cold weather sleeping bag (captured) or civilian bag with a blue/white checked duvet (or wool blanket) sewn to the outside.
5. When arriving to the barracks, get yourself/bedding/gear done right away; that means make your bed, set up your gear, and get in uniform! Bring a wooden or steel folding chair for your personal comfort and for eating dinner in the barracks.
6. When arriving to a field event, get yourself/bedding/gear done right away; that means set up your tent, gear, and get in uniform! When notified of an event that goes active at arrival; put on your rucksack, sling your rifle; be ready for the road march to the 98th GJR camp!
7. Uniforms: Only authorized clothing, socks, boots, gloves, coats, undershirts/shirts, and if possible – underwear (they make repro now or wear G.I. “captured” long johns).
8. NO MODERN JEWELRY, WRISTWATCHES, OR EYEGLASSES!
9. Food must be wrapped in butcher paper/wax paper/paper bags – NO PLASTIC!
10. No modern snacks, no gatorade, no potato chips, Coca-Cola in bottles is Ok but FANTA is preferred. SODAS should be in limited quantities, WATER stowed in cleaned out “stopper” type beer bottles is the preferred drink! German, French, Italian beers and wines are Ok for after-battle hours at night (exception: 24-hour scenarios). Chocolate must be German/Swiss or Belgian with modern wrappers removed. Glass jars: Ok with modern labels removed.
11. When in a field event or in the barracks, stay in character throughout. Practice your German, use English only when necessary; You’re re-enacting a Deutsche Soldat!
12. Act like a German soldier, LEARN your commands, practice, practice, practice…
13. Learn the Gebirgsjäger Songbook.. German soldiers sang a lot!
14. We will have a period lantern or candle burning in the barracks or camp. It is called the “ECHTE LAMPE” (authentic lamp). When it is lit it means NO FARB ALLOWED!
15. FINALLY, come out to the battle with a “can-do” attitude, make the best time of it!
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