Additional Uniform Items

  Alright, we've covered the basics on clothing and the bare minimum of what you'd need to get when you join. Essentially, that first Uniform page is everything you'd need to get a basic Army Soldier impression going. It's versatile and, coupled with the right equipment and field gear, you will be able to portray just about every job the Army offered during the war. However, don't think the acquiring ends there.

Herringbone Twill Uniforms

  The US Army issued the Herringbone Twill (HBT) uniforms, designed to be worn over the wool ensemble. However, there were times, especially when it was hot, where the G.I. would wear just these alone. So, these will work in lieu of wools if you come across them, but it's best to get the wools first.

HBT Cap

HBT Jacket

HBT Pants

M43 Field Jacket

  The Army also issued the M-1943 field jacket in, well, 1943. It was part of a revamp of the Army uniform which included the Double Buckle Boots as well as M-1943 pants. However, a lot of the troops, especially those on the line, didn't really see this jacket until much later in the war. It's a better jacket compared to the M1941 field jacket because of it being marginally warmer and with more pockets, but it's not something you'll want to wear at earlier war events.

Staying Warm And Dry

  G.I.s were also issued wool gloves, raincoats, and sweaters to keep warm and dry. Now, these items are hard to come by as originals, and even more difficult to find in your size. But, if you find them (and the price is reasonable), snag them, especially the sweater. You'll thank me at 0830 on a Saturday morning in the back of a Halftrack on the way to the field. The raincoat wasn't very popular with the soldiers as it was stiff and didn't quite protect the neck. They usually opted to stick with the M43 jacket for rain protection (if they had it) or the poncho when it finally came out. WW2 Ponchos (not pictured) did not have hoods like its modern successors, so bear that in mind when shopping.

Wool Gloves

Rain Coat

Wool Sweater

Wool Overcoat

Dress Uniforms

  The last thing on your tally, but something you'll definitely want to get, are dress uniforms. Actually, with the wool uniform set, garrison cap, and russet boots, add the khaki (or black for earlier war) neck tie, and you have the Class B uniform. That's more than adequate for social functions when not in the field. For the Class A uniform, however, you would need to buy either the 4-pocket Dress Tunic or the Wool Field Jacket, aka "The Ike" Jacket.

4-Pocket Tunic

'Ike' Jacket

Service Cap

  It's not a common thing to have the chance to wear the Class As or even the Class B uniforms (which is just the basic wools with a tie). There are only a few events per year that the unit finds itself in garrison at night. So, while I will not deter you from buying an Ike Jacket nor dissuade you to find the saucer-style Service Cap, I must mention that you will be spending money on items that you may wear once or twice a year (depending on the event and if you're odd enough to wear these around town on your own). If you have the money to get them including all the more important stuff, swell! It's always fun to look dapper when mixing with other reenactors.

  And that's pretty much the gist of uniforms and clothes. Trust me, there are tons more to find and collect. HBT Coveralls, Khaki Uniforms, Tanker's Bibs, Overshoes, whatever. The list is long. However, this list will hold you down in this unit, and pretty much any other Army unit aside from airborne troops. Now let's move on to the Field Gear the G.I.s used!

Recruiting Subsections