What to bring to your first event…
So you’ve checked out the Red Guard and you are ready to attend your first event. Congratulations! We are excited to have you. Here are a few tips to make your first event more enjoyable.
Research
Before the event, CLICK HERE to go to Facebook and join the RKKA Discussion Group Hosted by the Red Guard. There you will find lots of info and photographs to review. It’s never too early to start researching your impression!
Uniform and Equipment
If you need loaner gear and haven’t contacted our Kapitan, Dorian Motowylak, CLICK HERE to do that now. Dorian can provide you with a full uniform and field equipment for your first event. There is no charge for loaner gear but donations are gladly accepted.
You will be responsible for providing the following:
1. Undergarments – A tank top undershirt and modern underpants are fine. Please, no t-shirts. Later, you’ll want to acquire a set of Red Army issue undergarments.
2. Socks – bring two - three pair of heavy boot socks. Later, you’ll be wearing Red Army footwraps but for your first event, socks are fine.
Blanks
Blanks are often available at events but it’s best to plan ahead and buy in advance. Atlantic Wall at http://www.atlanticwallblanks.com/ is a great resource for blanks.
Grooming
Men’s haircuts should be short and in a 1940’s European style. Typically, that mean shorter on the sides and longer on top. Very short hair and military haircuts are also acceptable.
Men should be clean-shaven with facial hair limited to mustaches. Long sideburns, goatees, chesterfields, and full beards should be removed.
Women’s hair can be short or long. If it’s long, it should be worn up or in braids. There are lots of pictures of Red Army women on the Facebook page so please review those.
Watches and jewelry that are not period and authentic should be left at home or in your car. Our leadership group will help you with that.
Money
You will need some cash for things like event registration fees, rations, and loaner gear donations. Also, at many events there are mini-flea markets in the parking area where you can purchase uniform items and equipment.
Food
At many events, the unit provides period rations for a modest fee so be sure to check on that before you leave home. If we are not providing rations, you’ll need to bring food for three meals.
Unlike the western armies where rations were pre-packaged, the Red Army issued rations loose. Red Army soldiers ate lots of hearty soups and stews so good things to bring include canned roast beef hash, SPAM, dry sausage, macaroni, rice, onions, potatoes, cabbage, sunflower seeds, tea, and kasha (buckwheat). For canned items, we have reproductions of period labels available for you HERE. For loose items like rice and macaroni, you can wrap them in cloth (like muslin or cheesecloth), brown paper, or wax paper. Please stay away from anything plastic or obviously modern.
Water
Some event sites have water available and some don’t so it’s always a good idea to bring a gallon of water.
Medicine
If you are taking medications, please remember to bring them along. If you have any allergies or conditions we should know about, please tell an NCO or the head medic when you arrive at the event site.
In Summary
Reenacting is a dynamic hobby so every event is a little different. As a result, there’s no one set of rules. That said, if you have any questions about what to bring or what not to bring, just ask one of the unit leaders. The Kapitan, the Starshina, and all the NCOs will be happy to help you!
Research
Before the event, CLICK HERE to go to Facebook and join the RKKA Discussion Group Hosted by the Red Guard. There you will find lots of info and photographs to review. It’s never too early to start researching your impression!
Uniform and Equipment
If you need loaner gear and haven’t contacted our Kapitan, Dorian Motowylak, CLICK HERE to do that now. Dorian can provide you with a full uniform and field equipment for your first event. There is no charge for loaner gear but donations are gladly accepted.
You will be responsible for providing the following:
1. Undergarments – A tank top undershirt and modern underpants are fine. Please, no t-shirts. Later, you’ll want to acquire a set of Red Army issue undergarments.
2. Socks – bring two - three pair of heavy boot socks. Later, you’ll be wearing Red Army footwraps but for your first event, socks are fine.
Blanks
Blanks are often available at events but it’s best to plan ahead and buy in advance. Atlantic Wall at http://www.atlanticwallblanks.com/ is a great resource for blanks.
Grooming
Men’s haircuts should be short and in a 1940’s European style. Typically, that mean shorter on the sides and longer on top. Very short hair and military haircuts are also acceptable.
Men should be clean-shaven with facial hair limited to mustaches. Long sideburns, goatees, chesterfields, and full beards should be removed.
Women’s hair can be short or long. If it’s long, it should be worn up or in braids. There are lots of pictures of Red Army women on the Facebook page so please review those.
Watches and jewelry that are not period and authentic should be left at home or in your car. Our leadership group will help you with that.
Money
You will need some cash for things like event registration fees, rations, and loaner gear donations. Also, at many events there are mini-flea markets in the parking area where you can purchase uniform items and equipment.
Food
At many events, the unit provides period rations for a modest fee so be sure to check on that before you leave home. If we are not providing rations, you’ll need to bring food for three meals.
Unlike the western armies where rations were pre-packaged, the Red Army issued rations loose. Red Army soldiers ate lots of hearty soups and stews so good things to bring include canned roast beef hash, SPAM, dry sausage, macaroni, rice, onions, potatoes, cabbage, sunflower seeds, tea, and kasha (buckwheat). For canned items, we have reproductions of period labels available for you HERE. For loose items like rice and macaroni, you can wrap them in cloth (like muslin or cheesecloth), brown paper, or wax paper. Please stay away from anything plastic or obviously modern.
Water
Some event sites have water available and some don’t so it’s always a good idea to bring a gallon of water.
Medicine
If you are taking medications, please remember to bring them along. If you have any allergies or conditions we should know about, please tell an NCO or the head medic when you arrive at the event site.
In Summary
Reenacting is a dynamic hobby so every event is a little different. As a result, there’s no one set of rules. That said, if you have any questions about what to bring or what not to bring, just ask one of the unit leaders. The Kapitan, the Starshina, and all the NCOs will be happy to help you!