I started reenacting in 1983 as a Confederate in ACW, then in 1986 doing German in WW2. I did German WW1 for a short time but those 2000 mile trips back east were too far (since there were no WW1 events near where I lived) I am over 50 now and my work keeps me too busy to fully participate. I must say that I had a lot of fun over the years and the hobby certainly has grown. The Farb Factor has certainly improved too except that there are still too many overweight reenactors out there. I can't figure out why someone will spend thousands on a premier uniform and gear but won't get below 30% body fat. Even the Volkssturm didn't have that many fat guys in it, let alone someone portraying a member of an elite unit such as the 101st Airborne or a Waffen SS soldier. These guys were supposed to have grown up in the Depression and have been living off of a military diet for some time. My suggestion albeit unenforceable would be that only those under 35 and in excellent condition be permitted to portray the elite. If you have a big "Budweiser Tumor" hanging over your belt, then you are a farb unless you are doing the impression of a cook in the rear or Hermann Goering.
If someone was to look at the ration of SS and US airborne units in reenacting, they would have thought that WW2 should have been called SS vs Airborne. SS units made up somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% of the German armed forces by about 70% of the reenactor units. Airborne units comprised probably less than 10% and about 50% of the reenactor units if not more.
There needs to be more people willing to portray the "ordinary"soldiers. I find it amusing that the reenactors of these elite units actually seem to consider themselves an "upper cut" above someone portraying a standard unit, even if the "standard" soldier has a superior impression.
Just my opinion, not trying to offend anyone.
If someone was to look at the ration of SS and US airborne units in reenacting, they would have thought that WW2 should have been called SS vs Airborne. SS units made up somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% of the German armed forces by about 70% of the reenactor units. Airborne units comprised probably less than 10% and about 50% of the reenactor units if not more.
There needs to be more people willing to portray the "ordinary"soldiers. I find it amusing that the reenactors of these elite units actually seem to consider themselves an "upper cut" above someone portraying a standard unit, even if the "standard" soldier has a superior impression.
Just my opinion, not trying to offend anyone.
Lets hope we get better weather this year. I see several familar faces in your pics 
The whole LAH unit is nothing but FARB! 
Assign this man to the fuel trucks! 
Hey Landsman, how's it going? 
But, "it's all good!"
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