2 SS Das Reich Der Führer Regt.

If you’re unsure about joining the hobby, and would like to meet the unit at a public event to get a feel for it, you are welcome! We do not require people to purchase the entire uniform just to say hello. If you wish to spend an event with our unit before committing to the expense of purchase, you must be dressed in period-appropriate, non-partisan civilian clothing. This will allow you into the camp for extended periods, but will obviously preclude you from battles. Once you start acquiring the kit, try to buy it as soon as possible. Soldaten will not be allowed on the battlefield without the complete combat impression, including all required field gear and weapons, so it is in your best interest to get everything you’ll need to fight before making the active decision to join.

There are different kit requirements depending on a participant's specific impression, as well as time in the unit. Because we understand the high cost of acquiring all the necessary equipment, requirements come in steps we think are grouped well according to necessity. There are numerous sources of purchase for each item on the required list, but our personal recommendations are linked below each item. Consult our Links page for alternate approved vendors.

Required before acceptance into training program. Acquisition of K-98 is strongly encouraged in recruit status. Basic uniform must be wool, with HBT’s an OPTIONAL secondary acquisition. Converted uniform items are not acceptable, including Swedish and East German conversions. Note the “type” of item usually designates the approximate year it was put into service (e.g. M-36 = 1936), so make sure all uniform items are appropriate to the event you are attending. The M-32 uniform set is expressly prohibited, as are any other black or white colored uniforms, or any other relics of the Allgemeine-SS.

M-40 or M-43 type preferred, but M-36 or M-44 may be acceptable with Command authorization. Initial purchase tunic should be feldgrau wool, which was the standard issue uniform for all enlisted personnel.

Tunic must have all insignia including Bevo or embroidered sleeve eagle, SS-collar tabs with appropriate rank, SS-enlisted shoulder boards with appropriate piping, and sleeve chevron if warranted by rank. Cufftitle is authorized for wear after completion of probationary period, and member will be informed by Command when he may purchase this item . Belt hooks should be worn in the tunics for a neater impression. Loops (as pictured on the breast pocket of the tunic shown) may be sewn into the tunic for the wear of any medals authorized.

Members may wear either the feldgrau Jersey Knit Shirt (pictured) or the Mouse Gray Service Shirt. The jersey shirt can be purchased with or without pockets, and was the more common of the two seen in service. The Service Shirt, should be a Cotton Poplin, and is to have appropriate sholder boards and sleeve eagle.

Trousers will be feldgrau wool to match the tunic. Styles M-37 and M-43 are both acceptable. The straight-leg M-37 trousers will be worn with suspenders, and the M-43 tapered leg trousers are to be worn with trouser belt. In the feild, trousers will be tucked into the gaiters or jackboots, and are not to be worn loose and out.

Enlisted man’s. Belt must be smooth or pebbled black leather. Buckle will be painted feldgrau (preferable) or left uncolored.

Low boots (brown or black) w/gaiters are preferred, as they were standard issue since mid-war, and allow for more field mobility. Jackboots (black) also acceptable. Boot soles should be smooth leather and hobnailed with heel irons. Vendors offer hobnails for purchase, and a good local cobbler will be able to resole and install hobnails on boots. Laces are to be straight or “bar” laced, as was the custom.

M-43 type for most events. Hat must be feldgrau wool. Hat insignia: bevo or embroidered wool skull centered on front, with national eagle on left side. The M-34 overseas cap encouraged to allow attendance at early-war events.

If a member wears glasses, he or she is required to utilize proper period frames with shatter proof lenses. Frames are silver in color, with support arms curving behind the ears.

Includes all of the above plus the following field gear and equipment that is essential to a member’s performance at tactical events and scenarios. Though these are the essential items, members may want or need to acquire more equipment before participation, especially weather-protection items for use in Winter.

M31 (with buttoned belt loop tabs) or M44 (with stitched reinforced loops). Bread bag is canvas in an appropriate camouflage color ranging from feldgrau to khaki tan, with single inner compartment. There are two leather straps on the front flap for equipment attachment, and two D-rings attached by leather to both the front and rear of the bag.

2 K98 Mauser ammunition pouches. Pouches are to be pebbled black leather with white stitching, with three compartments per pouch. Each compartment is capable of holding two 5-round stripper clips.

M-35 rolled rim or M-42 sharp rim type helmet with leather helmet liner and chin strap. Helmet will be painted feldgrau, and decals are discouraged but permissable.

Members may also purchase either a camouflage cover in appropriate pattern or purchase or make a wire mesh cover.

Spanish helmets may be acceptable with conversion; must be approved by the unit's Commander or Authenticity Officer.

M-27 or M-31 type, two-part exterior including folding handle with two strap loops on the handle's exterior. Mess kit also should inlcude an inner fitted cup. Exterior is to be painted feldgrau, inner cup left bare. Will require mess kit straps for attaching to breadbag or A-frame. (Post-war model featured is slightly taller than original)

Metal canteen with screw-top lid. Wool cover should have appropriate side snaps, front and rear leather loops for canteen strap, and bottom metal post. Cover should be appropriate camouflague color, either feldgrau or graugrün. Canteen cup must be metal (painted feldgrau or blue-black) or Bakelite (preferably black).

Mauser bayonet with wood or Bakelite grips and straight metal blade and metal sheath. Frog should be black leather, either mounted (as shown) or unmounted, without the top holding strap . Bayonets are to be worn as side-arm by those not carrying pistols.

Pocket trench lighter for smokers. Wooden type matches (preferably with reproduction cover) may be used as a substitute.

Includes all of the above items, plus the following, which are most useful and essential during public events. Members are encouraged to get these items as early as needed, but should have them within a year of membership.

Type I or Type II, in a reversible acceptable Camouflage pattern. Smocks are large-fitting, as they are to be worn over the tunic for camouflage and weather-resistance in the field, and fall below the tunic to about the middle thigh.

The Type I smock has side slits to access tunic pockets. The Type II smock has loops sewn on the shoulders and sleeves in which to loop camouflaging items, plus has pockets in the front "skirt" of the smock. Both tunic will have elastic gathering at the waist and the wrists, and a string-braided tie at the collar.

The toque is used for cold-weather climates, as a covering for the neck and head. Toques should be feldgrau or grey wool.

Gloves are encouraged to be purchased for cold-weather use. They must be period-appropriate black, grey or felgrau leather private-purchase, or standard military issue, black or gray wool with size rings.

Soldiers were issued one shelter quarter for personal coverage and camouflage. Four of the quarters were buttoned together to create a four-man pyramid tent. Individual quarters must be approved Camouflage. Grey or Tan full zeltbahn tents are acceptable for camping purposes; it is advised that each member acquire their own full zeltbahn if they do desire one, as they can comfortably fit only one or two people and their field gear.

Poles: wooden, three or four (depending on the desired height of your zeltbahn tent)
Stakes: wood or metal, four to eight
Members are also encouraged to purchase a length of hemp/natural fibered rope to secure the zeltbahn to stakes

SS-style, to be completed with information about your primary persona and carried with you at all times.

M-36 or M-38 types, painted feldgrau. Gas masks were carried by mandatory order of the Führer, after he was exposed to poisonous gas during the Great War. Troops will wear gas mask cans at all times during reenacted battle.

All members are encouraged to purchase any barracks or camp gear they see fitting for the unit, making sure to verify authenticity with a senior member before purchase. This can include full zeltbahns, larger tents, camp tables or weapons crates, etc. Senior unit members or command are more than willing to suggest any extra items for purchase to interested unit members.

Personal items, if used in openly in camp, must be period style reproductions. This includes toothbrushes, combs, razors, hand towels, and watches. Wedding rings are acceptable for wear, but the German custom is opposite of the American norm: wedding rings on the right hand and engagement rings on the left. We encourage members to purchase appropriate linens for open-barracks displays, which can often be found at military surplus stores.

Likewise, your specific impression will determine what other gear you will need to acquire. Consult with a senior unit member for guidance. While it is a member's prerogative which items he or she wants in their kits, we encourage members to purchase necessary or large meaningful items, such as weaponry or barracks gear, before focusing on the superfluous miscellanea.

WHY DO WE RECOMMEND AT THE FRONT SO MUCH?
There are a LOT of vendors for this hobby, and many have sprung up in recent years. At the Front has been one of the most lasting and reliable throughout our long-term member's experience; we've never been disappointed in their quality. They've done the research, own plenty of original examples, and used to make much of their stock in-house. Now that they have started more outsourcing, they still only buy the highest in quality. While other vendors may have comparable pricing, we cannot usually guarantee consistency in all item's quality, though this isn't the rule. However, we've come to the conclusion that ATF is the all-around best for price, stock, quality, and they are killer-fast in shipping; most of your orders will get to you within two or three days. Our Links page has plenty of good vendors on it still, so just ask for our recommendations if you wish to shop elsewhere.