GENERAL

Before looking at the detail of the many dress regulations required to illustrate the various campaign and unit scenarios, we need to look at the standard of dress and discipline required within the Association.

a) Discipline

FAAA has a large percentage of its membership made up of either serving or ex-serving members of HM Forces who are therefore used to military discipline and are comfortable working within a structured, organised body.

The Association welcomes civilians with no military background or experience and has many individuals who fit into this category.  The Association does, however, require all of its members to adopt a disciplined approach to its operations and to conduct themselves at public displays and events in such a way as to promote the finest traditions of the units they represent – and respect the uniform that they wear.

b) Dress Standards

The living history hobby is basically one of visual impression combined with theatre.

The vast majority of events undertaken by the Association are static displays where the visual presentation is the most important factor in a successful display.  The following is a guide to some basic rules covering our appearance.

Physical Appearance

The Association does not expect its members to weigh in at 120 pounds and be built like an athlete!  Very few of our membership (even serving HM Forces members) are within the average age of the Airborne Soldier of WWII.  In reality the combat soldier of the 1939-45 War looked older than their actual age – a result of hard training and time in combat.  Therefore the age of the membership is not (within reason) a concern, although members are expected to be physically fit for their age.

With regard to appearance, the Association does not permit overweight individuals to represent front line combat troops, as this would be unrealistic and reflect on the Associations’ standards.  However, it is appreciated that everyone is entitled to pursue his or her hobby and remember and honour the Soldier of WWII.  The Association will therefore willingly accept individuals who do not fit into the category of “Airborne Soldier” in a supporting role within the Quartermaster and Trucking Company sections.

These individuals will not wear the Airborne pattern uniform or insignia but uniform and insignia representative of the branch of service they are serving in, which in the case of US forces will be Transportation Corps.

Grooming

a) Hair cuts will be of a 1940’s style military cut.  Hair will be off the collar and will not touch the ears.

b) Moustaches are allowed but will be trimmed to the corners of the mouth and will not extend past the edges of the upper lip (moustaches were not common in enlisted men in WWII).

c) Absolutely no beards!  (Several days’ growth is allowed and encouraged for in combat display scenarios).

d) When carrying out in-camp scenarios or when in Class A uniform, all FAAA members are to be washed and shaved.

e) If you wear glasses, you are asked to purchase a 1940’s period set of eyeglasses (or similar) or wear contact lenses.

Sunglasses are not to be considered as standard GI dress.  1940’s pattern sunglasses may be required for certain scenarios (i.e. Southern France) and will be detailed in event Operation Orders.

f) All dress (Class A/B) uniforms are to be worn clean, pressed and moth free.

g) Combat uniform and equipment, depending on scenario, will be worn as detailed in event Operation Orders.  This may be clean and pressed or soiled and broken down (looking like a combat zone uniform).

h) All shirts and Jackets will have appropriate original or unit supplied) shoulder sleeve insignia, applied half an inch below left shoulder seam and centred, and have appropriate rank insignia applied.

i) All Boots will be Russet Brown in colour and carry a polish.  All dress Boots should be highly polished, however some display scenarios will require Boots to be “combat dirty”!!

For the general good and benefit of the Association, rules will be enforced.