The G Co. 513th PIR is actively recruiting new members into our organization. If you possess a sincere desire to honorably portray the men of the 17th Airborne Division then "WE WANT YOU!" Please contact us utilizing the CONTACT US Page above.
Membership:
Membership is open to any US citizen at least 18 years of age who is able to legally possess a firearm, free of any felony criminal convictions, not a respondent to a current restraining order, and possessing a valid driver’s license if operating any motor vehicles. Each member is required to join the World War II Historical Reenactment Society (HRS) and pay a yearly membership fee of $15.00 as a condition of membership.
(Minors)
Any applicant who has reached 16 years of age and has completed a legally recognized Hunter/Firearms safety course can petition to become a probationary member. The member’s probationary period will end upon reaching their 18th year of age. While serving in a probationary status, the member will have no voting status and unable to hold any position other than the rank of private. The use of reproduction or blank adapted firearms, and non-lethal pyrotechnic devices (Fireworks) must be supervised by the member’s legal guardian during events or gatherings, and will be authorized at the discretion of the unit commander. The use of edged weapons is strictly forbidden. The member will be subject to all HRS bylaw restrictions and any other umbrella organization’s rules and regulations while attending sponsored events. (See HRS Bylaws Article III, Section 2 for further information.
Uniform & Equipment:
As with most major hobbies, World War II reenacting requires a considerable financial commitment as part of membership. The minimum uniform and equipment requirements are as follows: Each member must provide his own combat uniform and equipment. Combat uniforms will depict those normally worn by WWII 513th PIR members at or before the time of the jump over the Rhine (M1943 Combat Suit with cut edge 17th Airborne Division insignia on the left sleeve and 48 star US flag on the right sleeve), and will consist of the following as a minimum:
1. M1943 Combat Jump Suit with 17th style rigger modified trousers. Service hat with late war Para/Glider patch worn on left side. Unit crest worn on right side.
2. Stripes or officer rank insignia, as appropriate.
3. Olive Drab tank top or t-shirt, repro or original.
4. Brown Cap Toe Jump Boots or Double Buckle Combat Boots.
5. M1 Helmet with airborne liner, first-aid pouch, cloth chinstrap, and netting.
6. Standard khaki/tan web trouser belt with open black buckle.
7. M1938 or M1942 Leather Riding Glove.
8. M1941 Knit Wool "Jeep Cap".
9. M1936 Pistol/Cartridge Belt.
10. M1936/M1943 Combat Suspender, Reinforced/Unreinforced.
11. M1936 Musette Bag.
12. M1910 Canteen, Cup and Carrier.
13. M1942 First Aid Pouch with metal Carlisle bandage tin and contents. Airborne Style First Aid Pouch worn on Helmet.
14. M1943 Folding Entrenching Tool with M1943 carrier.
15. M3 Fighting Knife in M3 Green Bake light Sheath.
Notes:
1. NO Marine Corps K-BAR fighting knifes allowed, no exceptions.
2. NO 1918 Mark 1 Brass Knuckle Trench Knife. The few that were issued to airborne soldiers in 1942 were recalled prior to 1944 because of Geneva Convention restrictions. Brass knuckles may be carried for display purposes only and subject to local laws and restrictions.
3. NO hanging three-grenade pouches regardless of date produced.
4. NO excessive use of Rigger produced equipment. All rigger equipment must be approved by the unit commander. Furthermore, shoulder holsters will only be worn with approval of the unit commander.
5. Rank and shoulder sleeve insignia will be worn in accordance with WWII uniform regulations.
6. Use of olive drab equipment (transitional) is authorized, when mixed with khaki and is dated prior 1945.
Additional uniform and equipment items are authorized, if approved by the unit commander.
7. It is acknowledged that the 17th Airborne Division patch & Tab were not typically worn on the M1943 Combat Suit during Operation Varsity for security reasons. However, unit personnel will wear the shoulder sleeve insignia for the purpose of identifying our unit at reenacting events.
8. The unit commander will provide reasonable notice of event uniform requirements to all members for the purpose of establishing the correct uniform of the day. Any member who attends a sanctioned event without the proper uniform will have approximately 1 hour to procure the needed items. Failure to provide the correct uniform of the day will result in the member being counted as AWOL and asked to exit the event.
Authorized Weapons:
Each member must provide his own weapon, which will consist of at least one of the following:
M1903-A3 Springfield
M1 Garand
M1A1 Carbine
M1 Thompson Sub-Machinegun (SBR 10” barrels only)
M3/M3a1 Sub-Machinegun "Grease-gun"
M1918-A2 BAR
M1919 Browning Belt Fed Machinegun
M1911 Semi-Auto/M1917 Revolver
T15 / M18 Recoilless Rifle (First deployed by 17th AB in ETO) Legally INERT.
Notes:
1. Semi-automatic versions of the automatic weapons listed above are authorized. (Blank adapter required)
2. Full-auto weapons MUST have proper registration with the ATF. (Blank adapter required) SBR weapons will be accompanied with the required ATF form at all times.
3. NO 1897 Winchester Riot/Military Trench Shotguns.