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Post by 506pir on Jan 3, 2011 19:13:23 GMT -5
Hey guys I was wondering if I should start a 101st group or not please PM or post a yes or no I dont really know how to start all this but I'm sure I can figure this out but I live in Southern MN
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 3, 2011 20:03:39 GMT -5
Start by finding 2-4 airsoft buddies or fellas around you that are interested in reenacting WW2 and introduce them to WW2Airsoft. Then you guys decide on a unit. Lots of people are going to tell you there are too many 101st or paratroopers or what have you and that is true. However you are going to want to reenact and learn about what interest you and if that is 506 then so be it. I would say there were fine infantry divisions to base impressions on. Even Rangers is not as common as paratroops...Hell build a glider and glide in as gliderriders at the next MOA event they'd love that...lol
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Post by Fusilier on Jan 3, 2011 20:14:23 GMT -5
Exactly,we already have everybody and their sister doing Easy/506. We need MORE regular infantry. I know its "teh Kool" and all that,but there were over 100 infantry divisions and only 5 Airborne Divisions in WW2. Plus regular infantry is cheaper on the pocketbook.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 3, 2011 20:50:54 GMT -5
But do whatever unit you like it is your money and your hobby so you should enjoy it.
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Post by txtrench on Jan 3, 2011 20:55:23 GMT -5
the US army was only able to field 91 divisions total durring WWII when you look at german, french, and soviet armies they looked huge compaired to the small US army fielding 200+ divisions (but at a lower number).
There were 5 types of divisions: infantry, mountain, armored, airborne, and cavalry. 91 divisions were mobilized during the war: 68 infantry divisions, 1 mountain division, 16 armored divisions, 5 airborne divisions, and 2 cavalry divisions. All divisions were activated in the United States except for the following divisions: Philippine (activated in the Philippines), Hawaiian (activated in Hawaii and renamed the 24th division), 25th (activated in Hawaii from troops of the Hawaiian division), and Americal (activated in New Caledonia.) There were three major theaters of operation during the war: Pacific (22 divisions were deployed to the Pacific), Mediterranean (15 divisions), and Europe (61 divisions). Seven divisions served in both the Mediterranean and European Theaters (1st, 3rd, 9th, 36th, 45th infantry divisions; 82nd airborne; and 2nd armored.) Two divisions were disbanded or deactivated before the end of the war: the Philippine division was destroyed and disbanded on 10 April 1942; and the 2nd Cavalary division was activated and inactivated twice: 15 Apr 41 to 15 Jul 42 and 23 Feb 43 to 10 May 44. Three divisions did not enter combat: 98th Infantry division, 13th Airborne division, and the 2nd Cavalary division
source US ARMY
so if you are going to do the 101 just do it right.
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morganm
Private
"For us, there was no land behind the Volga"
Posts: 151
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Post by morganm on Jan 3, 2011 22:46:01 GMT -5
Do army. It is a known fact that their are more 101st Airborne reenactors than there were soldiers in the entire division. Paratrooper gear is expensive anyways. There are way to many airborne an ranger units.
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morganm
Private
"For us, there was no land behind the Volga"
Posts: 151
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Post by morganm on Jan 4, 2011 16:18:14 GMT -5
Well I agree with sgttom, do what you're interested in but infantry gets no respect and it's not like you are going to be jumping out of planes so doing infantry would be more unique, and less expensive, and just as fun.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 4, 2011 16:23:04 GMT -5
You agree with who?...lol One other thing to consider. I went with 82nd airborne to be a little different but I intially put the impression together for JTD so I could jump out the back of a box van at 2am in the morning to simulate jumping out of a plane....Wouldn't have been able to do that as leg infantry.
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Post by Fusilier on Jan 4, 2011 17:04:55 GMT -5
so if you are going to do the 101 just do it right.[/quote] >> I couldn't agree more!!! Although,this can be said about ANY unit..
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morganm
Private
"For us, there was no land behind the Volga"
Posts: 151
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Post by morganm on Jan 4, 2011 18:38:31 GMT -5
Sorry I meant you CharleyNovember. But infantry did most of the fighting, since Airborne only had 5 divisions compared to 100 infantry. If you must do airborne, I would do 82nd because they were in every Theater of ops so you can fight afrika corps guys in north Africa themed games or Italian/Sicily battles, and northern Europe.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 4, 2011 19:21:01 GMT -5
The other reason I did 82nd. Africa/Sicily through Germany...lol
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Post by whiterook on Jan 4, 2011 19:42:02 GMT -5
As a blank fire reenactor, I have multiple impressions that I plan on carrying over into WWII airsoft. While the elite units of the 101st / 82nd / SSF & Rangers are very attractive, I always felt that the regular leg infantry divisions were not well represented ... As it has been pointed out, almost 90% of the army was regular infantry. While I have been doing 101st - 502nd PIR - 327th GIR for over 18 years, I also have impressions for the 4th ID, 3rd ID, 45th ID (willy & joe's outfit), and the 83rd ID (the Ohio Division). Oh yeah ... this past fall I add French Resistance to the mix ;D I can tell you this for sure, if you show up at a WWII Airsoft event in an M41 jacket, HBT pants, mustard wool shirt, leggings & low quarter boots, m-1 helmet, khaki web gear, and a WWII airsoft gun ... you will be welcomed with open arms. Just remember, most of the vets still alive out there were in leg infantry units ... but whatever impression you go with ... do them proud!
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Post by 506pir on Jan 7, 2011 21:49:45 GMT -5
Dang thanks guys so anybody have any Infantry Divisons for suggestions I have one in mind now the 1st Infantry or Big Red One but if you guys have a better suggestion tell me thanks.
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Post by heinrich42 on Jan 8, 2011 20:43:38 GMT -5
The 101st Airborne Division, and even futher, the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, are very over-represented, IMHO. And, sadly, most of the time the impression is butchered by those who do it. I'm not going to tell you what to do, these are simply my suggestions based on my experiences and what I have seen. I would choose to portray a regular, line Infantry unit. It is cheaper, there were more Infantry Grunts than Paratroopers, you will fit in better with a wider range of scenarios, it is easier to go from an Early-to-Late-War impression, etc. etc. However, the 1st Infantry Division, as far as standard Infantry Divisions go, is somewhat over-represented. I have nothing against folks portraying the 1st ID (I'd much rather see that than another E/506th/101st unit, believe me), but it is fairly "popular". I prefer to do some of the lesser-represented divisions, but that's just me. Find a division that really interests you, and go from there. Read about their history, read about their combat experiences, read about everything that concerns them. Research the hell out of them until you don't think you can learn anymore. Then research them even further. Find out which uniforms and equipment they had, and buy that for your impression of that unit. For instance, for most Infantry impressions, I would not suggest purchasing HBTs as your first/only/primary uniform, as wools would be the most correct choice. And, even if HBTs were worn by a particular division (such as the 4th and 90th IDs), they were generally worn over the wool uniform. Also, while good for most events and impressions, the M1941 Field Jacket and Leggings with Service Shoes/Roughouts is not necessarily correct for every impression. One such example being the 44th Infantry Division (my primary impression). They trained stateside with M41s, Leggings, and even HBTs, as did most divisions, but when they shipped overseas they had primarily Double-Buckles/Shoepacs, M1943 Field Jackets, etc. Point here being that whichever division you choose to portray, research that specific division, because the "standard" or "generic" kit may not be correct for that impression.
If you would like, I would be more than happy to provide you with basic information on various divisions and help you in any way I can with researching the division that you choose.
Just my $0.02, -Shawn
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 8, 2011 21:31:12 GMT -5
1st would also take you from Africa on through Europe. Most battles seem to center around D-Day and after but occasinally people also throw MTO events. I'd get a set of wools and maybe some HBT's later on because whatever is said 100+ degree weather in wools sucks hard to try and move and play in. But buy those wools first. So a set of wools, leggings, lowboots, basic set of webgear and you have a fine start that you can add to later on.
Edit to clarify: I'm not saying whatever pleases you. Do your research on your specific unit. If they were never issued HBT then it is HIGHLY unlikely anyone in that unit would be wearing them. The only way you could justify it is to come up with some story about filching it off some supply pile and that is a BAD rationalization. Wools are going to cost you about the same so go with the right thing to begin with.
Having said that If you are playing a tactical game in high heat high humidity conditions besides drinking a whole lot of water you might also think of dressing down to an HBT top so you don't die. If you are doing a living history display you have no excuse though. You are for the most part standing around as a living display and educating the public.
Bottom line is that we all agree do your homework and do your unit proud not halfassed.
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Post by Fusilier on Jan 8, 2011 21:47:22 GMT -5
Theres a lot of GREAT,hard fighting units I never see people doing.5th, 28th,29th,36th, 45th and 69th inf. divisions to name but a few. All these units are just waiting to be represented.
This hobby,and blank fire suffer from "Elite Envy!" Everyone out there wants to be Joe SS guy,or Dick Winters Jr. Well,there were thousands more regular Joe's in those boring leg units who have never been immortalized in print,film,or reenacting.
Be different! Don't be part of the cool crowd!
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jan 8, 2011 22:22:45 GMT -5
Why would a soldier where HBT's over wools? That is what puzzles me.
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Post by heinrich42 on Jan 8, 2011 22:27:18 GMT -5
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 8, 2011 22:52:51 GMT -5
Oh and as to the why Tom. HBT add a layer of warmth. So do what you gotta. There are also more resistant to tearing up then serge wool.
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Post by 506pir on Jan 9, 2011 0:07:39 GMT -5
I'll probably do a 5th or a 29th Infantry team then just gotta get some research done and all that I also have a Willys Jeep don't know if that could be in a airsoft war or not...
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jan 9, 2011 16:14:25 GMT -5
I cleaned up your thread. I edited the original post of mine that was unclear as to what I intended. Good luck with your impression do your homework. Buy some books to begin with then buy gear it will save you money in the long run.
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Post by 10target on Jan 9, 2011 20:05:46 GMT -5
Very true words. I started with Vietnam era BDU's and vest with a Vietnam era m1 rear seam helmet carrying a thompson. Now I own a complete PIR set courtesy of ATF.
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morganm
Private
"For us, there was no land behind the Volga"
Posts: 151
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Post by morganm on Jan 9, 2011 21:37:49 GMT -5
I'm planning to get this for a start
M41 jacket & pants
Wool shirt & pants.
Gaiters.
Service Shoes.
Cartridge Belt.
Combat Suspenders. 1st Infantry patchs.
Helmet.
Overseas Cap.
Canteen and Cover. $30
Mess kit
Mess kit utensils
M1 Garand Sling
Private Stripes
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morganm
Private
"For us, there was no land behind the Volga"
Posts: 151
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Post by morganm on Jan 9, 2011 21:40:00 GMT -5
Sorry I copied and pasted a list I had previously made that included prices to tally it up, so at least you know how much a canteen is!
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Post by 506pir on Jan 10, 2011 18:28:52 GMT -5
Thanks guys for the help I needed it now all I need is to round up more people in my neighborhood to get out of modern things and create a website so anyone can join only one question does it matter what kinda age the starter is sorry I'm just wondering
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Post by 63busman on Feb 9, 2012 21:46:50 GMT -5
I'd find out what units came from the area where you live and go with that or find out what units your relatives were in. Andy
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