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1.
GENERAL
The
following is a guide to the various dress and equipment regulations
adopted by the FAAA.
The
regulations cover American Airborne combat and Service dress and both the
very basic “recruit” standard required and the individual units that
FAAA represent.
The
“basic” uniform and equipment listed is the minimum requirement to
enable an individual to participate in Association events and activities.
2.
NEW RECRUITS
a)
It must be stressed to new recruits to the Association that these
regulations are a guide to what should be worn and what should not be worn
for the various scenarios the Association undertake at events.
DO NOT think that you are required to purchase all the items listed
immediately – concentrate on the basics initially.
b)
All original and reproduction uniform and equipment are expensive
so it will be a big financial outlay for an individual new to the hobby.
If uniform and equipment are well looked after, however, they will
always hold their value so can be an investment.
c)
New recruits and individuals coming into the Airborne from other
WWII units should concentrate on the initial items first before buying
additional or optional items, so that they have the basic uniform and
equipment that can be used in most scenarios.
d)
In all listings recommendations for purchase are made and on
occasions items “not authorised for wear” by the Association are
mentioned. Terminology
“unit supplied” indicates that these items can be purchased either
through the Association PX store (contact Neil Galloway at
Neilgwhiterose@aol.com
) or at Association
discount through the many dealers that we use.
Those
new to the hobby or transferring into the Association are encouraged to
assemble their uniform and equipment to represent the basic Rifleman in
a Rifle Platoon.
It is very tempting to
start out by
buying an automatic
weapon such as
a
Thompson, which
are
attractive, but
not
representative of the average American Paratrooper,
who carried an M1 (Garand) rifle.
Whilst
weapons will be covered as a separate issue, the Association encourages
members below the rank of Sergeant to concentrate their
initial
equipment
collection at Rifleman level. All
unit scenario dress and equipment regulations will be focused on this
tasking, but include the options for those
of
ranks of Sergeant and above who
are in a command appointment or specialist roles.
3.
BASIC
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
The
following equipment list is the basic required to represent an American
Paratrooper in a Parachute Infantry Regiment.
Recruits
that are new to the hobby should source the following
as soon as possible in order to have enough uniform and equipment to
cover most scenarios:
a)
US Army Airborne Uniform
Garrison
Cap
Infantry
blue piped with “Unit Issue” Para patch on R/H side, spare Para/Glider
patch.
M2/M1C
Parachutist Helmet with British contact Helmet Net
Quality
complete reproduction M2 D Ring Helmets can be purchased from
Dennis Smith via
dennis@shda2003.free-online.co.uk or other dealers
M42
Parachutists Jacket and Trousers
Re-enforced
and of Tan appearance. Association
has excellent deal on reproduction uniforms at discounted price.
Note: Avoid the Green tinted suits that have been seen on the
market.
Jump
Boots
“Corcoran’s”
manufactured reproductions only to be used.
Contact “Soldier of Fortune” on 01490 412225
E.MAIL
sales@sofmilitary.co.uk
Wool
Enlisted Mans Shirt x 2
Two
shirts should be sourced; x1 for combat uniform and x1 for Class A Dress
Uniform.
Best source for reproduction shirts is Peter de Brabander - contact him
via his web site
http://users.skynet.be/quartermaster/ .
Note: Avoid Saving
Private Ryan reproductions.
PX
Purchase White T-Shirts
1
x “Toccoa” T-shirt.
1
x "Camp Mackall"
T-Shirt.
Used
extensively for downtime during in-camp scenarios.
Available from unit PX or Dennis Smith
via
dennis@shda2003.free-online.co.uk
M43
Uniform Complete
Norwegian
produced jacket and trousers are an acceptable alternative to originals.
Try to get versions with
correct brown rather than green buttons. Failing that,
John Lewis stock suitable brown buttons (haberdashery).
Trousers are to have unit supplied Rigger Pockets applied to
trousers. BOB pockets are
unacceptable as they are the wrong material and colour.
M43
Combat Boots (Buckle Boots)
Good
quality Reproductions are available,
from Soldier of Fortune
01490 412225, email
sales@sofmilitary.co.uk
Be wary of the
poorer quality versions that are around.
b)
US Army Airborne Field Equipment
All
field webbing equipment is to be Tan in appearance.
The exception to this is the addition of dark Green e-tool covers
in small numbers for 17th Airborne Rhine Crossing scenarios.
Reproduction
webbing is acceptable but must be of the correct Tan colour.
Reproductions do not last as long as original “load bearing”
webbing and are avilable from Motion Picture Props (www.motion-picture-props.com)
or Soldier of Fortune
01490 412225, email
sales@sofmilitary.co.uk
M36
Musette Bag
Tan
only, recommended to contain: -
1
x shelter half/pegs/poles
1
x US meat can and Knife/Fork/Spoon
Wash
roll and towel
Individual
rations
1
x wool blanket
M36
Suspenders
Tan
only. Any padding should only
be used in combat scenarios and only for the Normandy campaign.
Canteen,
Cup and Cover
Tan
only. Wartime canteens not
recommended being drunk from!
M43
E-Tool & Cover
Tan
cover will see you through all scenarios.
An additional dark Green cover can be purchased for Rhine Crossing
impression.
Cartridge
Belt
M10/M23/M38
- 10 pocket cartridge belt, Tan only.
Will see you through all scenarios as an Infantry Rifleman.
Avoid in the initial stages the pistol belt / rigger pouches set up
that will only be used for Normandy scenarios.
First
Aid Pouch
M10
or M42, Tan only, should contain Carlisle dressing Tin.
M1
Bayonet
Sleeping
Bag
US
issue – wool or mountain/arctic.
Surplus
Army sleeping bags covered with US blanket is an acceptable alternative in
the short term. Definitely NO
civilian “multi” coloured bags or inflatable beds!!
c)
Recommended Additions
M41
Field Jacket
Good
quality reproductions available – see follow on notes.
HBT
Shirts/Trousers or HBT Overalls
Reproduction
HBT uniform is readily available (we have a good deal on complete
uniforms). They provide a
good “in camp” training uniform and a Pacific (11th
Airborne, 503 PIR) combat uniform. See
follow up notes.
Undershirt
Original
or Dutch copies.
Cotton
Shorts
Originals
if possible.
Wool
Short Johns
Originals.
OD
Socks
Cotton
or wool with cushion foot. Any
good quality heavy duty socks are recommended as alternatives if not seen
by the public.
Wool
“Beanie” Cap
Replicas
are available – see follow on notes.
Rubberised
Invasion Assault Gasmask Bag
Luxury
item! With gasmask can be
expensive – bag only is required for most scenarios.
Tan
or Green PUP Tent
Essential
addition to any US re-enactor, PUP Tents can be Tan or Green but must be
of WWII vintage with buttons,
not poppers,
typical of Vietnam era Tents.
GI’s were issued a shelter half but it is advisable to have your
own complete Tent. “In
camp” scenarios will provide you with Troop tent accommodation, however
PUP Tents will be used for additional accommodation.
PUP’s should be complete with Tent Poles and Pegs.
Camp
Cots
A
luxury item that is money well spent -
used for all “in camp”
scenarios.
V
Neck or 5 Button High Neck Wool Jumper
We
have negotiated a good discount on these reproduction items from the
leading manufacturer in Belgium, Peter de Brabander. See
contact details above.
4.
CLASS
A / CLASS B UNIFORM
The
American section of the First Allied Airborne Association has an active
social calendar, attending 1940’s dances and unit organised “Prop
Blast” events throughout the year.
Period dress is mandatory and will usually involve representing a
single Airborne unit.
The
unit represented is normally the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment 101st
Airborne Division on its return to England after the Normandy campaign.
Uniform
regulations with regard to Service Dress are strictly adhered to and no
deviations are permitted.
a)
Class A Dress Uniform
OD
wool Garrison Cap
“Infantry
Blue” piped with unit white on light Blue parachute patch on right hand
side, and of twin peaked type.
Notes:
Photographic evidence illustrates that the parachute patch was
retained for as long as possible in the 101st Airborne and the
Para/glider patch is not seen worn with the Garrison Cap until very late
in the War (and not by enlisted men while in England).
The
patch was originally positioned on the left side prior to deploying to
England when it was moved to the right side (either just before Normandy
or certainly on the Division’s return).
Class
A 4 Pocket Wool Service Jacket
Should
be in A1 condition with no visible mothing.
Reproduction uniform is available – see follow on notes.
Only insignia listed below is permitted.
M37 Wool
Trousers (in light OD “Mustard” shade)
Should
be in A1 condition. Reproduction
uniform is available – see follow on notes.
Wool
Shirt
Should
be in A1 condition and of suitable fit to be worn without the Class A
Jacket. All enlisted men to
wear 101st SSI on the left sleeve half an inch below the
shoulder seam and centred. Appropriate
badges of rank are to be worn.
Cotton
“Khaki” Dress Shirt (Enlisted)
Authorised
for Association Honour Guard personnel only.
Should
be of suitable fit to be worn without Class A Jacket. All enlisted men to wear appropriate badges of rank and 101st
SSI on left sleeve half an inch below shoulder seam and centred.
Khaki
Necktie
Should
be original wool tie of Tan appearance.
Trouser
Belt
Originals
preferred – of Tan appearance with open enlisted man pattern buckle.
Paratrooper
Jump Boots
Corcoran
reproduction only. Dutch
Service boots not permissible. All
boots to be Russet Brown in colour and carry a polish.
b)
Class B Uniform
The
following is an acceptable alternative to the full Class A uniform for
social events: -
M41
Field Jacket – good reproductions are available.
M37
Wool Trousers (in light OD Mustard shade).
Wool
Shirt.
Khaki
Necktie.
Trouser
Belt.
Paratrooper
Jump Boots.
Garrison
Cap as per Class A uniform.
c)
Insignia
101st
Airborne Division Shoulder Patch SSI
Original,
BOB or unit issue (no white tongues).
Note: On occasion other
Airborne Division SSI may replace the 101st SSI.
Collar
Discs
US
and Infantry Crossed Rifles, highly polished.
Paratrooper
Qualification Wings
Originals
or reproduction brooch back wings preferred.
Post war lightly polished wings permissible.
Wing
Backing Oval
Unit
issue 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment oval.
Note:
On occasion other units may be represented by the wearing of
alternative ovals.
Overseas
Service Bars
Maximum
of two to be worn on lower left sleeve (see exclusion notes).
Combat
Infantryman’s Badge
Originals
or good quality current issue CIB to be worn on left pocket flap below any
medal ribbons (see exclusion notes).
Service
Ribbons
No
personal gallantry ribbons to be worn – only ribbons authorised by the
Association are to be worn (see exclusion notes).
Badges
of Rank
Worn
as appropriate to rank held.
d)
Insignia Rules/Regulations
The
American section of the FAAA wishes to accurately represent the US
Paratrooper off duty around the time of his return to England after combat
in the Normandy campaign.
The
Association does not have a unit awards system as such but employs a
system that ensures accuracy when wearing the Class A uniform, with
positions held within the Association and length of time served.
No
individual gallantry awards (including the Purple Heart) are ever worn.
Only the appropriate ranking as authorised by the Association is to
be worn on any uniforms.
Service
Ribbons
Only
service ribbons authorised by the Association are to be worn on Class A
uniform.
All
paid up members of the Association as at these instructions dated 1 June
2003 are permitted to wear the following service ribbons: -
ETO
Ribbon
with
one bronze arrowhead and one bronze star, denoting the Normandy assault
and combat jump.
Good
Conduct Ribbon
denoting
one years service in the FAAA.
American
Defence Service Ribbon
Only
Serving or former Regular and Reserve
servicemen within the FAAA who are eligible as of 1 June 2003 to both the
ETO and Good Conduct Ribbon are authorised to wear this Ribbon.
All
new recruits to the FAAA will be required to serve one year in the
Association with regular commitment to musters, training and event
weekends before becoming eligible for the ETO/Good Conduct/American
Defence and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Overseas
Service Bars
A
maximum of two bars are to be worn on the Class A uniform.
All
paid up members of the FAAA as of these instructions dated 1 June 2003 are
permitted to wear 2 overseas Service Bars.
New
recruits to the Association will be required to serve one year in the FAAA
with regular commitment to musters, training and event weekends before
authorisation of the first overseas Service Bar, and a further one years
service is required for the further award of the second Bar.
Combat
Infantryman’s Badge
All
Association members eligible to wear the ETO ribbon with Bronze arrowhead
and Bronze star are to wear the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Distinguished
Unit Citation
All
members of the FAAA are to wear the Unit Citation (1st Award)
above the right breast pocket of the wool Class A 4 pocket uniforms.
Ranking
A
defined ranking system based on position held in the American section of
the FAAA is in place to assist in the running of the American element of
the FAAA and to afford an authentic visual command structure at events.
Only
ranking as authorised by the Association is to be worn on any uniform.
From time to time appointments may change due to the natural
turnaround of personnel, or due to a specific scenario or impression.
Individuals will be notified of any changes in the rank system.
Rank
badges on Class A 4 pocket uniforms should be of the Cotton Khaki pattern,
shirts -- Olive Drab wool on Dark Blue wool or Cotton pattern. Combat uniform any pattern but Khaki pattern preferred.
EXCLUSION
NOTES
No
item of uniform, equipment or insignia other an detailed in these
regulations is to be used without prior permission from the Association
Uniform advisors (unit commanders).
Note:
It does not mean it will not be allowed – but consultation is
required.
1) Combat Uniform
New
recruits and individuals coming in from other units or groups, even
attached for specific events, need to concentrate on sourcing the Airborne
related uniform first. No
mixed dress will be permitted.
2) Class A Service Dress
The
best possible uniform needs to be sourced and should be clear of motthing
and fit well. Reproduction
uniform is allowed but no look-alikes - i.e. current issue Dutch No. 2
dress Trousers or Dutch Army Trousers (in the cast of Officers dress) is
permitted.
3) Paratrooper
Boots
Good
quality Corcoran reproduction paratrooper Boots are readily available.
No Dutch Army Boots are permitted.
4) Insignia
Only
insignia as detailed in these regulations is to be applied to uniforms.
On
no account are the following to be worn: -
a)
Rank, unless authorised by the FAAA.
b)
Wire embroidered shoulder sleeve insignia.
c)
Combat patch (SSI) on right sleeve (*not seen until the end of the
War).
d)
Belgium/French Fourragere (*not seen until after the War).
e)
Dutch “Orange” Lanyard (*not seen until after the War).
f)
Service Stripes. (*The
Airborne was largely a young civilian branch with very few career soldiers
serving within its ranks at the outset of War.
Therefore, few would have qualified at the time (served for 3
years) of pre-post Normandy).
g)
No unauthorised badges to be worn on the Garrison Hat.
YOU
OWE IT TO THE VETERANS TO WEAR YOUR UNIFORM CORRECTLY |
