Before being accepted into the unit, a prospective member must have the required uniform items and certain accessories. Please be advised that this is not a cheap hobby. You'll spend more or less $1500 just for the basic uniform and kit. After that, if you're like us, this hobby is an addiction and you'll spend more money along the way. Be advised of your financial situation first before committing to this investment and risk the fury of your spouse, girlfriend, or parents. Do not have them contact us with complaints, domestic disputes, your marital failure, etc. We are not the complaint department, YOU ARE! We will do our best to direct you to the best affordable vendors and possibly save you money. Many of us do this hobby on a Pauper's budget so it is possible to get involved.

General Information on Gear: All leather must be purchased or dyed black. We do not accept Swedish conversion uniforms at all, or post-war surplus gear unless it meets authenticity standards. Likewise, no Yugoslavian rifles.

For information on camouflage patterns acceptable by this unit, check out our Camouflage Primer.

Basic Uniform

Feldmutze: M-43 Field Cap (for late war) and M-34 Schiffchen (for early war)

Feldbluse: M-36, M-37, M-40, M-43, or M-44 tunic. Wool, feldgrau. HBT is optional secondary wear for both tunic and trousers.
Due to perception, the M-32 black dress uniform is not authorized. Because of its limited use after the outbreak of war, it is unlikely one would be seen anyway.

Langhosen: M-37 or M-43 trousers. Wool, feldgrau. HBT is optional for secondary wear.

Koppel und Koppelschloss: Black EM Service Belt with SS buckle. Aluminum or feldgrau-painted buckle.

Fußbekleidung: Low quarter boots (worn with Germaschen) or Jackboots, either style dyed black
Low quarters are the preferred footwear for the unit; they replaced jackboots entirely in 1942 (at the latest), but they did begin to be issued earlier. Keep in mind your soldbuch enlistment date when buying footwear, but we would recommend the low boots anyway for reconnaissance accuracy purposes. Your feet will thank you, trust us.

Schirmmutze: M-37 "Crusher" Cap (for NCO's) or Enlisted Man's Service Cap (optional for Enlisted personnel)

Hemd: M-43 Heershemd Service Shirt or Schlafhemd (Sleep Shirt).
There are other acceptable options; check with unit command

Hosentrager or Riemen: Either period-appropriate gray suspenders or trouser belt
Personal Equipment

Stahlhelm: M-35 (rolled rim) or M-42 (sharp rim) helmet
Note on decals: Helmet decals were ordered removed in 1943. Due to reissue of helmets, examples with decals were seen until the end of the war.

Brotbeutel: Bread bag

Feldflasche und Trinkbecker: Canteen and cup

Kochgeschirr: Mess kit

Tragbruchse: Gas mask can

Tragriemen: 3 equipment straps

Koppeltraggestell: "Y" straps / suspenders

Patronentaschen: 2 Cartridge pouches

SS Zeltbahn: 1 Tent quarter

We only accept Planetree, Oak A, Oak B, or Blurred Edge patterned camo. For information, look at the Camouflage Primer.

Field and Combat Equipment

Decke: Gray wool blanket

Spaten mit Tasche: Shovel with carrier

Seitengewehr mit Seitengewehrtasche: Bayonet with carrier

Kocher: Esbit Personal stove

Laufel und Gabel: Spoon and Fork

Fettdose: Butter dish

K 98 8mm Gewehr: Mauser 8mm bolt action rifle with sling

Other weapons are permitted in the unit, but should be command-approved before being brought into combat.

Dienstbrille: Eye Glasses must be period-appropriate. If you wear prescription eye glasses, we can direct you to vendors who offer time period eye wear. Lenses must be impact resistant.
Secondary Gear
(Required within 1 year of membership)

Mantel: Overcoat

Kopfschuetzer: Touqe

Handschule: Gloves

Zeltstock: 3 tent poles

Tarnjacke: Camouflage Smock

Tarnüberzug: Camouflage Helmet cover OR period wire helmet cover

We only accept Planetree, Oak A, Oak B, or Blurred Edge patterned camo. For information, look at the Camouflage Primer.

Gefechtsgepäck: "A" Frame assault pack

Gefechtsgepäckbeutel: "A" Frame assault pack bag

Erkennungsmark: Identification Disk

Soldbuch: Identification / Pay book

Tornister or Rucksack: Backpack
Optional Miscellaneous Items

Your personal display items are limited only by the impression you're looking to reenact, your imagination, and the ever-important cash flow. Amass small items here and there; a lot of sites sell great repro gear, and you can pick things up at events. The photo and list displayed here contains examples only; while some are recommended, you can go much farther as you develop your own impression.

Barracks Display: German military sheets, towels, period straight or cartridge razor, shaving brush, comb, toothbrush

Personal Display: Pipe, cigarettes or tobacco rolling supplies, trench lighter, period photographs, reproduction money, flask, handkerchiefs

Field Gear: Goggles, binoculars, lanterns, compass, gas mask, etc.