Training
We don't expect anyone to join the group knowing how to do everything; in fact, it's much more fun learning how to do everything as a unit. So, I am coming up with more aspects of training (and encourage others to come up with aspects from their own roles that they can gives lessons on) that we can include into our displays, not only to entertain the public, but to further our own knowledge and enjoyment. On top of that it helps bond us together as a unit.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Part 1!​
Part 2!​
​​Drill / Marching / Cadence
So, what sort of training are we planning? The basics that most groups do of course is marching/drill, and we have touched upon these briefly in the past. However, it was so infrequent that as soon as we did it, it was forgotten again and not 'drilled' into us. So, aside from the art of moving and walking, I will be adding the addition of cadence to moving around. This will not only be entertaining, but also helps us all to stay in step. So, bring your lovely singing voices!
Without Arms Drill
Now really these should be the other way around, but this is far more complicated with so many more rules than rifle drill. A good few viewings of the video below should help, as the Sergeant giving the lesson provides clear instructions and orders over and over; it's good to practice, too! Broken down into the basic commands:
- Attention
- Stand at Ease
- Rest
- Fall Out
- Left Face
- Right Face
- About Face
- Fall In - Close Interval
- Eyes Left
- Eyes Right
- Hand Salute
You don't need to know any of this before hand, we'll try and teach you! It'll just look a little smarter if you do watch it and practice, but that's all up to you.
There will be other training lessons of all sorts, however, you'll not be given advanced warning of what these'll be! We don't want anyone to swot up on everything before the events.
There are plenty of examples of WW2 Cadence; I have a few favorites that I have added into my bag of tricks. Don't worry, you don't even need to memorize them, you just repeat the cadence being called. Easy right! Oh, and try not to laugh...​
With Arms Drill (Rifle Drill)
Drill is one of the most entertaining things to watch re-enactors do. Nobody every does it as it should be done; not through any fault of their own. Re-enactors have just never had this 'drilled' into them hour after hour, day after day. So, expect mistakes and lots of them, but that's great! Remember we are here to entertain the public and making them laugh at us for not knowing right from left is part of the show! Drill may sound daunting, however remember that everyone is in the same boat. Even if you've done it 100 times before you never remember any of it and even if you can, convincing your hands and arms that you remember it is a different matter.
Rifle drill is only done with a rifle. BAR gunners and those with Thompson, Grease Guns and carbines, simply shoulder the weapon... however, don't think that will let you escape drill... sometimes there are spare rifles kicking around just for you! If you think actually doing the drill is hard, try being the officer giving the commands and trying to get you to do it correctly... that really is a challenge!
If you want a heads up on rifle drill, below is a wartime training video. As you'll see there are really only a few steps (rules) that need to be remembered. Easy, huh?
This is broken down into:
- Order Arms
- Port Arms
- Inspection Arms - Lock Pieces
- Trail Arms
- Right Shoulder Arms
- Left Shoulder Arms
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The second video goes into further and more detailed steps:
- Parade Rest
- Fix Bayonets - Unfix Bayonets (no cadence)
- Sling Arms (no cadence)
- Unsling Arms - Adjust Slings (no cadence)
- Rifle Salute
- Present Arms
- Stack Arms - *Stackmen*
- Take Arms
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Intelligence Training
Although this sounds like it will involve completing Sudokus or playing Dr Kawashimas Brain Training Game, it's far from it. As I have chosen to represent a member of S-2, it falls to me to be the one passing information up or down the chain. These lessons could involve information about the enemy, how they behave, how to identify them, scouting/reconnaissance and gathering information.
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The training lesson on 'How to identify German Army Soldiers', although fairly basic, is ready to go. Including training props for all.​
​​Intelligence Bulletins have been being professionally printed covering the important months. I have original examples of over 20 of these, including the very first issue as well as a few issues that contain interesting subjects. Most of these have fantastic-looking covers and are really useful training tools for those who wish to give talks/lessons when at events or displays.
