29th Infantry Division
Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am interested in joining the unit.  What do I need to do?

As with all new members, we would like to talk to any person who is interested in joining us.  We ask that you call Spence in order to get a better understanding of what we are do, what the hobby is about and we want to talk to you as well. This way, we all fully understand what is expected.  Once you are satisfied that you want to join, you are added to the email mailing list and you are assigned to a regional POC. This person is an NCO who will work with you to ensure you can get kitted out, you get all of your questions answered and you have someone to direct all of your questions to.  A new members package is mailed to you that covers far more than we can put on our website.

2. I want to get my gear together.  What do I need to get started?

This is based on your time and expenses. There are many places to buy gear. We have compiled a basic equipment list that will provide those items to get started.  From there, you can add various other pieces as you see fit.  We have a basic listing on the website and we have a more detailed listing in our new members package. As a word of caution, unless you are absolutely certain the item(s) you are buying is WW2, please ask for guidance.  Not all venders are honest. 

3. I have all of the basic gear but I do not have a rifle.  What do I do?

We have a limited number of loaner weapons that new members are welcome to use at events.  All we ask is that you are safe with them, clean them and pay for any replacement for damage. Ultimately you will need to buy your own weapon, an M1 Garand.

4. Where can I get .. ?

Ebay, flea markets, various venders whom we can recommend and well as who we can suggest you stay away from as well as members within the group. Quite often, venders set up at events and sell nothing but WW2 gear. We will assign a regional 29er to assist you and help you with purchasing the correct gear.

5. Why do you do the 29th Infantry Division?

The 29^th Infantry Division re-enactment group was started in 1974 and is THE old unit in the hobby of WW2 re-enacting. The original members who started the group were from MD and VA just as were the real 29^th.  There is a strong sense of pride within the group and only people who share that feeling of being a part of the largest and best group in the hobby should join.

6. What unit in the 29th do you portray?

There were 3 Infantry regiments in the 29^th Division: the 115^th from Maryland, the 116^th from Virginia, and the 175^th from Baltimore. The various Field Artillery, Medical, Military Police, and Engineer units were also headquartered in the 2 states.  With the wartime expansion via the draft replacements came from all 48 states.  We do not make you choose a particular unit from with in the division. In fact you don’t need to choose one at all. We are all 29ers and we wear the patch on most everything: Including painting it on our helmets.  In this unit, we are all Infantryman.

7. What is the age requirement to join the unit?

As long as a member is 16 years or the member can exhibit a certain degree of maturity and the persons legal guardian is in the unit, they will be considered for membership.  This is not set in stone. Likewise if a person is older yet is able to portray a proper image of an Infantryman in WW2, we will allow them to join.
 

8. What types of events do you do?

Parades, public displays, re-enactments, Veterans events, wreath laying ceremonies, funerals, whatever we have the chance to show the 29^th patch, we will be there.

9. Can I be a member of the 29th and still be in other units

Yes. As long as you attend one event a year as a 29er, we will keep you on the roster.

10. What part of the country does the 29th do most of their events?

Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

11. What are the expectations of our membership?

We expect you to buy your own gear and get outfitted with the correct, basic gear.   You will need to buy a weapon or work with the crew served weapons. We will give you all of the guidance to be a 29er.  We will provide you with much information that you will need to read and be able to remember.  We are not trying to make you into a real soldier.  We expect you to attend one event a year and to communicate when you can’t. We want to you are alive if we don’t hear from you.  This unit is a democracy of sorts.  Every man has an equal say in what we do. You tell the NCOs and we do it.

12. Are there any dues for the unit?

 No, none, zilch.  We run this unit out of our respect to the Veterans who we portray and honor. The newsletter, website email and phone calls are all a labor of love.

13. What about rank?

All members start out as Privates,.  If you want rank, look to join another unit.  Rank is a responsibility. Our NCOs are dedicated members who do many hours of work behind the scene to ensure the unit is organized.  If the only shirt or jacket you can find to fit you has Sergeants stripes on it, take them off. If you are concerned about ruining an original piece of history, perhaps you shouldn’t wear it in the first place.