If you look at war-time photographs, you should notice a certain "look" of the German soldat that differed from his Allied counterparts. This was in large part reflective of the national culture as a whole; it was an era of pride and discipline for the German people as they tried to build up their national identity in modern times. The SS especially were considered the elite soldiers, and were chosen based on their model physique, abilities and appearance. Because we try to portray these soldaten with accuracy, we do require our members to adhere to grooming and physical standards similar to the original wartime SS. Because this is a hobby from which we eventually return home, we're not requiring everyone to have the strictest whitewalled haricuts, but do demand similarity, and a clean, sharp appearance.

Hair: Cut and Styling

The German military is infamous for its signature soldat cut. This haircut is shaved closely from the bottom of the hairline up to slightly over an inch above the ears, with this hairline sloping down in the back to various extents. This shaved area is tapered to longer hair up top, which was left with a rather substantial bit of length to it. The longer hair is either slicked back or to the side, with a high side part. Pomade or hair cream should be used to keep hair neat and in place.

Facial Hair

Not allowed in this unit! Beards were only approved for Gebirschjager troops located in the highest altitudes, and then only minimal growth was approved. Though mustaches were occasionally seen in the Army, they were not allowed for SS troops, so all soldaten must be clean-shaven. Because of the haircut standards, it should go without saying that sideburns are not allowed.

Glasses

Period-appropriate glassed consist of round, wire-rimmed frames, silver in color. The stems must curve behind the ears for authenticity and support of the frames. Size-wise, the lenses are about as large in diameter as the width of the eye, or slightly smaller. For our purposes, either wear period-appropriate frames or opt for contacts; modern glasses are FARB as hell, and not allowed.

Posture

Germans, especially during this time period, were disciplined and structured; the military only reinforced these principles. They held themselves high and straight, with erect posture and heads held up. If hands weren't occupied, they were held at the sides - never in the pockets! Unlike the more casual attitudes of the American soldiers, the SS always held themselves with the air of military professionalism.

Weight

Look at the photos - German soldiers were thin, and "slender" was the most common soldbuch entry found in description of body frame. Long days, hard work, and little food lead to soldaten in the field generally having slender, muscular frames. In addition, sports and physical fitness were held with high priority in both the military and culture itself. Training especially consisted of sports regimens, intensive workouts, and team pursuits. Goering should be nobody's model for appearance - control your weight!