C/401GIR: U.S. Glider Troops

Unit Standards

Our standards are high. Besides following all of the rules and regulations of the HRS, the well-rounded Gliderman should demonstrate proficiency in all of the following areas:

Safety

  • Understand the dangers of this hobby. Keep your head in the game at all times to ensure the safety of yourself, your fellow Joes, and the public.
  • Respect all firearms, edged weapons, and pyrotechnics.
  • Respect your officers, NCOs, safety, and event coordinators.
The only casualties on the field should be the reenacted kind.

Historical Literacy

  • Behave in the manner of a person of the 1940’s. Substitute modern slang with 40’s slang as appropriate. Make references that a soldier during the Second World War might have made and be able to explain it to the public.
  • Know and share the history of:
    • World War II from 1936 through 1945;
    • The creation of the 101st ABN and 401st GIR, its campaigns, and the experiences of the men that fought with the unit.

Note: Do not use derogatory language or behave in discriminatory behavior.

Impression Accuracy

  • Wear the appropriate gear for your impression in the correct manner.
  • Be able to accurately explain the purpose of everything that can be seen by the public or other reenactors.
  • Represent a typical member of the 401st GIR.
    • Do your research. If you want to have a unique impression, obey the 9 point rule.†
    • Do not wear gear that the men you represent would not have had access to or would not have otherwise worn.
  • Respect the unit’s decisions about what is appropriate to bring to events.
  • For more information, refer to the Combat Impression page.

† Present 9 points of evidence to your Authenticity Officer:

  •  3 points for photographic evidence of a unique individual in the 327/401st
  • 2 points for primary source accounts about the 327/401st
  • 1 point for secondary source accounts or veteran accounts about the 327/401st after 1955.

General Orders

General Order No. 1

C/401 GIR, 101st ABN DIV Reading, U.K., 26 May 1944

WEARING OF UNIFORMS

  1. Each event will have a posted uniform of the day, which applies to all situations not covered by these General Orders or specifically posted exceptions. (All specific references are for enlisted uniforms, but apply appropriately to Officers)
    • For all pre-September 1944-themed events, Uniform of the Day is M-1937 mustard wool pants and shirt, rough-out boots (or jump boots) with leggings. Khaki web gear, M-1928 haversack. M-1941 jacket if jacket is worn. Tanker jackets are an acceptable alternative, not to number more than 2 in a squad of 12. Musette bags for Officers and NCOs only.
    • For all post-September 1944 through VE Day-themed events, Uniform of the Day is M-1943 pants (w/rigger pockets) and jacket, wool shirt, Double-buckle or jump boots. Wool shirt may be omitted while in combat if temperatures warrant as directed by NCOs. Webbing may be khaki or OD. Musette bags allowed for non-officers / NCOs, not to exceed 5 in a squad of 12.
  2. Variations in Uniform of the Day based on duty: Variations from the Uniform of the Day will be based on the 3 factors: Visibility, Duty, and Location. Visibility is based on being visible to the public; Duty based on the type of activity being undertaken, and location based on where, in or out of the encampment the activity is taking place
    • For reenacting activities while on an event site in view of the public:
      • Arrival in camp / camp set-up – In UOTD or HBTs
      • While in the 401st encampment – UOTD, HBTs, or as directed by NCOs
      • Drill – UOTD or as directed by NCOs
      • Work details – HBTs or as directed by NCOs
      • NOTE – for people arriving at an event site in civilian clothes, it is expected that they will change into an approved uniform as quickly as is practical and conduct the bulk of the unloading and setup in uniform.
    • For reenacting related activities taking place on or off the encampment site but within view of the public:
      • Outside of camp but on event property – UOTD;
      • Chow line at Public event: UOTD or Class B Uniform as directed at the event;
      • Off-site meals – Class B Uniform unless otherwise directed;
      • Dance / USO show (on or off site) – Class A Uniform unless otherwise directed;
      • NOTE – If leaving the event for purposes of any non-event-related entertainment, wearing of civilian clothes is mandatory.
    • Alternatives and Exceptions: In case where a member has not yet acquired all of the items required to present a complete uniform as required by this Order, the first alternative is “borrow to complete” for that event, and the member should acquire the missing items as rapidly as their finances allow. Secondarily, the member may ask their NCO to designate an acceptable substitute for the event and particular situation; thirdly, the member may choose to remain in camp or other area where their out-of-uniform condition will not distract or draw undue attention.
  3. Other Exceptions / or Event-Specific Additions: Specific events requiring specific uniform additions and changes will be communicated prior to the event (e.g., invasion-related items for a D-Day scenario) and will become part of the UOTD for that event.

DISTRIBUTION:
ALL PERSONNEL

By order of Capt. R. L. BLECKE

Approved Sgt. M. WEISERT, Adjutant (Acting)

General Order No. 2

C/401 GIR, 101st ABN DIV Reading, G.B., 26 May 1944

MILITARY COURTESIES

Our uniformed reenactors represent the U.S. service men and women of the period 1939-1945. Anytime a reenactor wears the uniform of C/401GIR they are acting as a representative of C/401 GIR and the WWIIHRS. As such we should comport ourselves at all time consistent with the best behaviors of those we honor.

  • Military Courtesy. At an event, when in uniform in any non-combat situation, reenactors should recognize and salute officers in any allied army unit. Saluting will not be required or desired in simulated combat / approach to combat conditions.
  • Moving in groups. At an event, when in uniform, in any unstructured, non- combat activity (going to chow, visit vendors, etc.) reenactors should walk in formation, in step, whenever traveling in groups of more than two.
  • Courtesy to civilians. Whenever addressing directly, or speaking within hearing distance of any member of the public, profanity will not be allowed. All members of the public will be greeted as “Sir” or “Ma’am” as appropriate.
  • Female Officers will be shown proper respect and saluted like their male counterparts.
  • When in uniform, and an Allied officer enters the 401st camp, or enters a tent, the first reenactor to notice shall call the 401st to Attention.
  • Standing Inspection: When called into formation to stand for inspection each member will be prepared by being present at the assigned time with the specified uniform, properly worn. If under arms, they shall fall in at order arms (as appropriate for your weapon), and be prepared to go to inspection arms when commanded. The weapon should be verified as empty before falling in. The weapon should be clean.

DISTRIBUTION:
ALL PERSONNEL

By order of Capt. R. L. BLECKE

Approved Sgt. M. WEISERT, Adjutant (Acting)

General Order No. 3

C/401 GIR, 101st ABN DIV Reading, G.B., 26 May 1944

EVENT-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

As a member unit of the World War Two Historical Reenactment Society, the requirements for participation, safety, and authenticity are consistent. As a unit, we do participate in some non-HRS events, and the regulations and requirements may differ, sometimes significantly. Each member should be aware of these differences and prepare accordingly.

NOTE: Specific impression requirements vary from event to event and will be communicated directly to membership. Any information posted to an event website or social networking post should be considered minimum standards, and the 401st may alter or increase those expectations.

  • HRS Events. This will be called out in the event posting. All normal HRS rules for participation, age restrictions, safety, and authenticity apply. Refer to the HRS website directly for detailed regulations; clarify through Unit Leadership.
  • Non-HRS events, 401st sponsored (e.g., Camp Bowen-Rich). Event expectations will be communicated directly as part of the event communications. While HRS rules may be expected to apply in general, specific alterations or relaxations may be allowed to foster participation and enable training.
  • Non-HRS events, other organization sponsored. Event expectations will be communicated directly as part of the event communications. While HRS rules may be expected to apply in general, specific alterations or relaxations may st
    be allowed by the organizer, or by the 401 . Ask, don’t assume.
  • Airventure – Warbirds Living History Group sponsored.