The German SS unit we will be representing is the 1.SS Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. These regulations are not meant to restrict unit identity or dictate the historical record, but to guide participants in order to create the most typical SS soldier found in the scenario we are recreating. Documentation can be found contrary to some of our restrictions, but we are portraying the norm not the 1 out of 1,000 exception.

Should you have any questions or concerns about these regulations or the event, please feel free to email Justin Smith (the German Coordinator) at: Sturmsoldat@excite.com

Helmets

M42 helmets are preferred, but M40 or M35 models are acceptable. The less decals in the field the better, but single decal helmets (SS runes only) are permitted if an alternate is unavailable. Absolutely no double decals. Correctly painted "Normandie camo scheme", camouflage covers of a documented pattern and type (no ’44 dot or Italian), inner tube rubber band, and correct European chicken wire is permitted if so desired, but not in combination.

Caps
M43 caps in feldgrau wool are preferred, but M40 “schiffschen” overseas caps are permitted. No M38 SS side caps. Camo forage caps of documented schemes (no ’44 dot) and correct cut are permitted in limited numbers.*see camo section below*

Tunic
M42 and M43 tunics are preferred, but M40 and M36 models are acceptable. No M44 wool tunics or reed green HBT tunics of any model permitted. M44 dot uniform sets highly encouraged. *see camo section below* Camouflage tailor-made tunics are restricted to higher NCOs and Officers only.

Cuff Title & Shoulder Board Slides
We are portraying elements of the 1.SS LAH around Caen in this scenario, so the only cuff title permitted is that of the LAH (slick sleeve is highly preferred for most). If you have a different unit cuff title and/or shoulder board slides currently on your tunic, please remove them for this event. If you do not wish to remove an existing cuff title, then you must temporarily sew a 1.SS LAH cuff title over your existing cuff title.

Event Organizer's Note:
This is not meant to strip individuals or units of their identities, but to create a more realistic impression of the unit being portrayed in this scenario for us and the other participants.

Trousers
M43 preferred, M40 acceptable. Please no M36 or M44 style. M44 dot uniform sets highly encouraged. *see camo section below* Field made camo trousers of a documented pattern and cut permitted if worn with a plain feldgrau wool tunic (not in combination with a smock, dot tunic, etc.)

Overcoats
M42 or M40 mantels (overcoats) are recommended. Winter parkas and trousers are not permitted.

Boots
Low boots with gemaschen or sock roll preferred, but Marschstiefel are permitted if low boots are absolutely unavailable. Low boots can be left natural (well-oiled) brown or dies black but must be of a correct documented German or European pattern with leather soles and hobnails. Sorry, no rubber soles permitted.

Weapons
Please keep them to the correct WWII German types. German K98s, MP40s, G41/43s, & MG34/42s are acceptable. Sorry, no foreign (US, Brit, Russian) rifles/MGs of any type or MP44s permitted. Pistols are restricted to officers, NCOs, and gun crews as prescribed by German TO&E.

Camouflage
Camouflage is often overdone among SS reenactors, with individuals wearing every piece of camo garment conceivable. While camouflage is by no means required, as a guideline we are asking that either smocks or trousers be worn - not both - with a preference on the smock. M44 dot uniforms are highly encouraged when worn as a complete set. No mixing of ‘44 dot with other camouflage garments/patterns aside from helmet covers. ’44 dot should be of the correct HBT or smooth cotton 5-color pattern and M43 cut. The only insignia permitted on ’44 dot tunics is the sleeve eagle and shoulder boards; no collar tabs, cuff titles, or rank/specialist patches. Italian camouflage was not used with great regularity, so we ask that no Italian camo garments be worn unless specific approval of the garment and pattern has been given by the event coordinators in advance.

Eyewear
No modern eyewear permitted. Must be of correct period frames or contacts.

Equipment
Basic infantry gear setup is the call. A mix of web & leather gear is permitted. Everyone should strive to have and wear the gas-can (with mask & gas-cape bag is encouraged), shovel, & bayonet. We will be living in the field, so expect to carry what you bring. Again, these must be of correct pattern and not that of a foreign country (ex: Swiss Zelts, obvious post-war breadbags, etc...).

Identification
Proper SS ID paperwork (either a Soldbuch, Ersatz Soldbuch, etc...) are required. It doesn't have to be unit specific to the unit we are portraying at the event, it just has to be proper ID paperwork for the SS branch). Please make sure you have something along these lines on you & filled out. ID disks "Erkennungsmarken" are highly encouraged.

Appearance
Hair should resemble a period style cut. Short on sides and sort of long on top. For examples: click here. Slight stubble is permitted. No beards, no mustaches, & no side burns. We have been fighting for some time now, so being dirty is HIGHLY encouraged.

Food
Food should be that of German iron rations & food scrounged from the local areas. We are in France, so acquired "period" civilian foodstuffs are permitted. Of course all items must be wrapped in period style and have period labels (nothing modern permitted).

In General

Make sure that you are familiar with German verbal, hand and whistle commands. These can be found at www.dererstezug.com and clicking on the “articles” tab and then “commands etc.”.
Proper respect will be paid to all NCO’s.
Make sure you know how to dig a foxhole and conceal it. We will be digging in! These basic’s can again be found on the der Erste Zug website under “articles”.
We will be living in the field, so expect to carry what you bring.
No Filtered cigarettes.
There will be only one port-pot, so bring toilet paper!
Only bring what you can carry on your back!!!