WWI Guards Division Forum

So what did everyone think of the November event?

Overall, I think it was a fantastic event. There was certainly plenty of activities, but there are several things we can do to improve things and make our impression even better.

1) Improve close order drilll - I know it is very difficult to learn when we only drill for 30 minutes twice a year, but seeing that we are representing Guards Regiments, it is key to a good impression.

2) Complete our kits - I know this is an expensive hobby, and it certainly takes time to complete, but the sooner we complete our kits, we can focus on improving other aspects of our impression as a unit.

3) Fine tune our kits - As most of us know, fine tuning things can make a good impression great. A few small things for starters. a) Remove modern tags from uniforms and replace them with period tags. (see www.footguards.org download tab) b) Polish all brass and leather, and blanco webgear. c) Mark all gear with Regimental abbreviations and service number

I think we have a great group of guys now and a wonderful impression, but we should strive to constantly improve things. What does everyone else think? Any other ideas to add or comments?

I agree with the close order drill. It is hard when the event is only twice a year like you said. I think that we should make an effort to learn and at least mentally go over the top five drills. Like slope arms, order arms, present arms, fix and unfix bayonets and the stand easy routine. Maybe practice turns. We should come up with a list of some basic drills to work on. What does our Lt. want us know?

It would be great if we could all get the basics by the April event. Maybe we could decide as a group on what to wear gear wise to the morning inspection. It was confusing as to large packs or no large packs, what type of soft hat etc. I think we could make a post ahead of the events outlining what we should all be wearing to the morning formation and at least try to all match. It will make us look more like one unit and avoid some last minute confusion.

Great point Drew.

I think we can focus on a few movements and then build from there.

As for morning formation, we can set the SOP as follows:

Marching Order: Large Pack on back, small pack on side, Helmet held on large pack with valise straps. SBR slung over shoulder to the side. Soft caps (preferably SD, but any variety of Trench caps is okay)

Since we will be marching straight from formation to the trenches, pack what you need in the trenches in your large pack, bring it to the trenches ahead of time, or have it set in a group pile for runners to come and get.

Once guys get to the trenches, drop the large packs and stack them in a common area, move the small pack to the back, move SBR to the at ready position, and put on helmets.

This shall be the SOP unless I say otherwise.

Post your thoughts on any of this! Let's get these forums active again!

Jim