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General Information for Guest Members

Thank you for your interest in participating as a Guest Member in a World War II reenactment hosted by the Northwest Historical Association (NWHA).

As a visitor, you need to be made aware of certain policies and procedures to follow to ensure that your experience is a positive one.

You will be assigned to the Unit that most closely matches your individual impression (e.g. US infantry reenactors will be assigned to one of our US Infantry units, German Heer reenactors will be assigned to one of our Heer units, etc.). You will not be asked to remove any sewn-on rank or unit insignia, but you will also not be placed in a position of authority within our club's chain of command. You will essentially be a "private" even though you might be wearing higher rank. Generally, the only exception would be if a visitor comes with a group large enough to act as an separate squad. The NWHA Tactical Commander for your side will make a decision whether or not to allow your unit to act as a separate unit. You will still be subordinate to our club's Unit Commanders and the Tactical Commander for your side.

You must contact the appropriate NWHA Unit Commander a MINIMUM of three weeks in advance of your arrival to ensure that we are prepared for your arrival. That Unit Commander has the option of referring you to the most appropriate Unit Commander, and will also discuss with you pertinent club rules and requirements.

All visitors must abide by the NWHA's Bylaws, Policies, safety rules, authenticity requirements, chain of command, good-sportsmanship standards, and fee schedules. Failure to abide by our policies, rules, etc. will result in your immediate removal from the reenactment. The NWHA also reserves the right to refuse return visits from anyone for any violation of club rules, policies or standards.

Billeting is available at most events, but again, we generally need a minimum of three weeks notice to ensure adequate barracks. Event fees are normally $30.00 for the entire weekend, and $20.00 for one day. You are required to clean your barracks before you leave. You will be provided a bunk (if we are in barracks), but you are responsible for your own bedding. Period correct blankets and sheets are recommended; sleeping bags are generally acceptable. You are responsible for your own food. Electricity is available in the barracks. Camp stoves (Coleman, propane, etc.) are allowed only out-of-doors away from the barracks. Lunch on Saturday is eaten in the field. You should bring appropriate period correct food for these meals, and be prepared to eat it cold. Fires, camp stoves, and open flames are generally not allowed in the field. Many club members eat dinner Saturday evening at a restaurant in town. There are several to choose from, and all require travel by vehicle. Many other club members prepare a period correct meal and eat with their unit.

The weather in Oregon is unpredictable, but is generally cool, and often rainy. It is possible to have 65 degrees and sunshine in February, and equally possible to have 45 degrees and rain in June. The weather on the Oregon coast is rarely above 75 degrees. Plan your uniform accordingly, but ALWAYS be prepared for rain. Weather information links are available on our Events webpage.

Blank ammunition is generally available for purchase at events. The cost for blanks varies depending on caliber/type. Any special ammunition needs (odd calibers or large quantities) generally need a minimum of 30 days notice prior to the reenactment, and still may not be available.

Billeting, sign-in, and blanks are normally available from about 4:30 PM on the Friday of the event, until approximately 11:00 PM. If you will be arriving later, you must let us know so we can make arrangements for your arrival.

You will need to complete an NWHA Membership Application as a Guest Member. There is no charge for Guest Membership. If you have not completed this application prior to your arrival, you will need to complete it when you arrive. This application will need to be approved and signed by your NWHA Unit Commander prior to your participation in any part of the event.

Formation (line-up) is generally at 9:00 AM Saturday and Sunday morning. Most units require you to be in formation prior to 9:00 AM. Check with your Unit Commander. A quick explanation of the days activities will be given at this formation, along with a reminder of club safety poklicy provisions, etc. An authenticity and ammunition inspection will also be conducted at this time.

NO LIVE AMMUNITION IS EVER ALLOWED AT TACTICAL EVENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Illegal drugs are prohibited. Alcohol may be consumed by individuals of legal drinking age, but only indoors and only during non-tactical portions of the event. Anyone found in the possession, or under the influence, of illegal drugs will be expelled immediately. Anyone under the legal drinking age found in possession, or under the influence, of alcohol will be expelled immediately. Anyone found furnishing alcohol to minors, or illegal drugs to anyone, will be expelled immediately. Anyone found to be under the influence of any substance (including legal medications) will not be permitted to participate in the tactical portion of the event. In other words, your use of any substance which causes you to be impaired will not be allowed to create a safety or legal issue for our club or our members.

Our most frequently used barracks and reenactment areas are on active Oregon National Guard bases, and an Oregon State Park. Their regulations mandate quiet after 10:00 PM. Also pay close attention to speed limit signs. The absolute maximum speed limit on post, or in the park, is 25 MPH, and is lower in many areas. No weapons discharges of any kind are allowed in the billeting area. Ranges are a short distance away, and may be used for test-firing blanks with prior permission only.

Helmets must be worn in the field at all times unless you are "dead". Grenades are permitted, but must be made of wood, foam, and/or soft plastic. No metal of any kind is allowed on any grenade. Wooden blanks are prohibited. You must not be prohibitied from the possession of weapons. Any Class III (full automatic) weapon must be legally registered with the BATF. You must show the club a copy of your ATF Form 4, and you must retain the original or a copy in your possession when in the field with the weapon.

The appropriate NWHA Unit Commander will explain the authenticity requirements to you. These include, but are not limited to, weapons, uniforms, equipment, and your actions as a member of the unit. If you do not understand the requirements, it is up to you to seek clarification. If you are unable or unwilling to meet our authenticity and behavior requirements, do not attend the event.

If you have any further question which have not been answered on our website, please see our Units webpage and our Contact webpage from which you may contact the Unit Commander of the unit which interests you. Or you may contact us via US Mail at:

Northwest Historical Association
22506-126th Av SE
Kent WA 98031-3740 USA

 

Copyright 2006 - NWHA
Modified 07 May 2006