Pros / Cons, and opinions on Re-enactors

[warbird1]

Warbird1. Great concept. Most MAJOR organizations have that in place. However, have you ever tried herding cats? In many cases a guy spends a ton of money on a "toy" (Much like an A/C owner) and wants to use it as part of his impression. Well, that toy wasn't really issued to that type unit or for one of his rank. Also, it is a civilian organization so only the ones that do it right are usually the ones that get asked back to museums, airshows etc.

I realize what I am asking is a near impossibility. But it can be done if enough people and event/airshow organizers demand that it happen. The one huge disadvantage that such a concept has is that it is not as safety-driven as my comparison, the FAST formation idea. Though working around airplanes can be considered a safety issue, nobody is going to die if they wear the wrong uniform, have long hair, drink beer while in uniform while bad-mouthing someone's politics, etc. For this reason, I would suspect like others have said, it will be dang near impossible to get everybody on the same page with national standards, IMO.

Unfortunately, until that happens, I just don't see the re-enactor groups/organizations being taken as seriously as they could be otherwise.

[cco23i]

There actually has been advances in authenticity and there has been "slippage". Many of the organizations are attempting to "police" the "Farbs" and get them to conform. Our group actually does mostly "living history", simular to what is done at Colonial Williamsburg. So we have standards that HAVE to be followed.

Scott

[groundpounder]

Just remember, we didn't fight Germany in World War Two. We fought the Nazi's. So, that means (to the general public) all German's are Nazi's even though less than 15% of the German Military (WM, KM and Luft) were members of the Nazi party. Funny, at the time, it was against regulations to be a member of a political party. I guess they overlooked that one.

WTF??? This one wins the prize.

[cco23i]

Just remember, we didn't fight Germany in World War Two. We fought the Nazi's. So, that means (to the general public) all German's are Nazi's even though less than 15% of the German Military (WM, KM and Luft) were members of the Nazi party. Funny, at the time, it was against regulations to be a member of a political party. I guess they overlooked that one.

WTF??? This one wins the prize.

Yes that comment REALLY is kinda out there. There were Germans who STRONGLY disagreed with the nazis BUT had to keep quiet for obviously reasons. Hell we had nazis in America!

Scott

[p51]

I have no issues with any re-enactors who portray German units so long as they do it well. That said, I would never do it because I just wouldn’t want to spend time trying to explain it to people who’d think I was some kind of KKK member or something on my own time. I developed what I call the “7-11 Theory of Re-enacting,” which goes like this:
I walk into a convenience store wearing a US WW2 uniform, and the guy behind the counter will ask, “Why are you dressed like that?”
Another person walks into the same convenience store wearing a SS uniform and the same guy at the counter will ask, “Why the $#@% are you dressed like that?”

[cco23i]

Hell Lee many people I met over the years I did German had no clue what uniform I had on.

Scott

[Shay]

From the recent Doolittle Raider Reunion:



This guy said the uniform was his father's from WW2. (notice the discharge patch) The only problem I have is if you are going to wear the uniform then wear it properly within the guidelines the uniform type was active. This gentleman in my opinion could used some fine tuning.



Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

[DaveG]

From TOM last summer:



I personally enjoy the reenactors and usually visit the camps when they are set up. I like the aircrews and will, as a result of this thread, pay more attention to the ground crew reenactors.

I also agree that standards regarding age, weight, uniform fit, etc. are important things to consider and somewhat distracting when a reenactor sticks out because of those things. I like the idea of a uniform code (!) regarding reenactors as some have suggested here.

[agent86]

Just remember, we didn't fight Germany in World War Two. We fought the Nazi's. So, that means (to the general public) all German's are Nazi's even though less than 15% of the German Military (WM, KM and Luft) were members of the Nazi party. Funny, at the time, it was against regulations to be a member of a political party. I guess they overlooked that one.

HUH? Say What? We didnt fight Germany during WWII? Are you Serious? Your claim that only 15% were party members means that the other 85% were just Germans.So they dont count as Germans or Germany.You cant be serious.I have read many incredible claims over the years but this one tops them all. If we were fighting just the Nazi's,The war in Europe would have ended after Stalingrad. This is on the same line of thought as All German(Not Nazi) war criminals were just following orders and the German public had no idea what was going on at the death camp down the street.(What is that smell?_)

[cco23i]

From the recent Doolittle Raider Reunion:



This guy said the uniform was his father's from WW2. (notice the discharge patch) The only problem I have is if you are going to wear the uniform then wear it properly within the guidelines the uniform type was active. This gentleman in my opinion could used some fine tuning.



Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

Fine tuning? MMMM, lets see, the German has US 1944 goggles, the AAF type is wearing and enlisted jacket, officers winged props, modern flight gloves and Korean war trousers. This stuff drives me NUTS!

Scott

[Shay]

Fine tuning? MMMM, lets see, the German has US 1944 goggles, the AAF type is wearing and enlisted jacket, officers winged props, modern flight gloves and Korean war trousers. This stuff drives me NUTS!

Scott

Ahh but you missed the Hula Girl LOL

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

[cco23i]

I know after I looked at the pic later, DANG!

Scott

[CDF]

Just remember, we didn't fight Germany in World War Two. We fought the Nazi's. So, that means (to the general public) all German's are Nazi's even though less than 15% of the German Military (WM, KM and Luft) were members of the Nazi party. Funny, at the time, it was against regulations to be a member of a political party. I guess they overlooked that one.

I think your confusing the Weimar republic which forbade the Army from holding political affiliations etc. Remember the Whermacht (Heer, LW, KM etc) swore an oath personally to Adolf Hitler. And the fact that many in the military at the time felt they could not break that oath. Despite the ruin of Germany.

[Jollygreenslugg]

This guy said the uniform was his father's from WW2.

Yep, when red checked shirts and jogging shoes were standard issue!

Cheers,
Matt

*grins, ducks for cover*

[RyanShort1]

From TOM last summer:

Wow, there are just SOOOO many things wrong with that picture! I'm not even sure where to start, or if I could finish.

Ryan