Recruiting Section

  Welcome to the 1940s. Europe and Asia has been at war, and now the struggle has caught up with America. The Nation has just come out of the Great Depression and wanted to stay clear of the "European problem." Despite not wanting to be involved in another European conflict, American began gearing up for involvement in the war, which some speculated was inevitable. December 7th, 1941 changed everything when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Naval base in it's territory of Hawaii, with a devastating surprise attack. The United States, and the world, would be involved in a global war that would leave nearly no corner of the earth unaffected.

2nd Armored reenactors and CHG members portraying soldiers and sailors at a Pearl Harbor event in Palm Springs.

  America was deeply affected by the war. Many didn't come back home and some of those that did were left with both physical and mental wounds that would affect their lives forever. These men and women went in to harm's way with the belief that America needed help and they had to do their part as American citizens. American cemetaries around the world are filled with soldiers who died doing their part. The events of WWII were decades ago, and it is easy to forget their struggles as new ones present themselves. As more generations are born in to the world, and the Golden Generation of World War II fades away, their stories can just as easily fade with them.

  We reenactors are, in a way, taking up "arms" to fight against time... to actually, to rewind it for moment. By wearing the uniforms, carrying the weapons and gear, and riding in the fully restored vehicles, we have somewhat frozen time to give those who are not intimate with the history a chance to see with their own eyes how their forefathers looked during one of America's greatest and most defining conflicts. For us, it gives us a different perspective of history that no history book can teach. Not only are we the displays of our own museum, we are also the tour guides.

2nd Armored reenactors portraying the 66th Tank Regiment.

  Looking to join us? We're looking for able bodied men, ages 18 and up to join the tank forces! Reenacting is not only an exciting hobby, but a rewarding one. Our members find great camaraderie as well as a great learning environment. By putting on the uniforms and going out to events, you'll get a different view of history as you'll feel the wool on your skin and the weight of your gear. You will participate in accurate tactics of the era and carry relics of the past. You'll see in real life what you would only see in black and white photos inside a book.

  If you're interested in signing up with 2nd Armored, read the different subsections in the listing. There is a lot of information about the hobby as well as the kinds of uniforms and gear you'd need to purchase. Read "The Basics" to learn more about what reenacting is, how we do it, and what you can get out of it. Read the Uniforms, Field Gear, and Weapons sections to learn what you'd need to acquire to accurately portray a soldier serving in the 2nd Armored Division during WWII. Warning: this hobby is not cheap! While original uniforms are still around, sizes are smaller than what you'd expect (and need). There are many companies reproducing uniforms and equipment (in varying degrees of quality depending on the company) but often this comes with a price tag. More details can be read in the different subsections.

  And remember, you can always contact us with any questions you might have. 2nd Armored is a proud member of the California Historical Group (or CHG). Under the CHG are many other units portraying different countries and different types of personnel that were active in WWII. Be sure to check with them to see how they look and do things before making a choice of what you'd want to reenact. If you decide to join us, we're more than happy to welcome you aboard!

Recruiting Subsections