FAQ

Q: What is reenacting?

A: Reenacting is a way of remembering and studying history. Instead of reading about World War Two in a book or watching a documentary on TV, reenactors try to recreate history by wearing uniforms, carrying equipment, and using weapons and vehicles form this period. By recreating an authentic impression, we can learn more about history and what it must have been like.

Q: What happens at a reenactment?

A: The majority of the CHG’s activities consist of the battle reenactment. At a reenactment, a historical scenario is predetermined and the appropriate opposing units; American, German, British, Canadian, Russian, etc.. try to accurately reenact the chosen historical event. For example, a scenario may consist of a particular battle in Normandy, France or a battle from the Ardennes offensive or the defense of Budapest, Hungary in 1945, etc.. Individual units then equip and outfit themselves with the appropriate uniforms weapons and vehicles in order to accurately portray their particular unit. The tactical operations consist of shooting authentic blank-firing weapons while trying to achieve certain gains in the field using World War Two tactics. Participants try to put themselves back in time for the weekend. Authentic situations are the common goal. Members try to speak the languages, eat the food, operate in the field, and sleep in the surrounding that would have been present during World War Two.

Q: What do you shoot at a reenactment?

A: At a reenactment, blanks are fired through weapons from the WW II period. Nothing is actually shot at anybody. The honor system is used to determine who is hit during a scenario. There are rules of engagement that determine safe distances, kill ranges etc.. Most engagements occur with both sides “taking their hits” in order to alleviate any arguing and maintaining a historic experience. Blanks range in price from 10-35 cents each.

Q: How often does the CHG have reenactments?

A: About 8 times a year. These reenactments vary in theme. An average breakdown is: 5 ETO theater battles circa 1944, 2 Russian Front Battles, 1 North Afrika Battle. The CHG has a Pacific Theater battle about once every other year.

Q: Where do reenactments take place?

A: Most reenactments are on large pieces of property that represent the particular scenario. The CHG uses two military bases, two Boy Scout Reservations, National Forest land, and private property. Most sites have roads suitable for period military vehicles and provide barracks or period camping sites.

Q: What is a CHG unit all about?

A: The main component of the CHG and the reenactment is the individual unit. Each unit of the club prides itself in the job it does recreating a part of history. The members of a unit are experts on the history of their particular division, battalion, company, and platoon. They extensively research the original military unit for accuracy. Every detail in weapons, uniforms, equipment, and vehicles are noticed. Period tactics are studied and reenacted. Languages, commands, and drills are learned and practiced in order to more accurately portray their particular unit.

Q: How are units organized?

A: In a lot of ways, they are organized just like the original military unit they portray. Each unit has a leader who is usually the highest in command. Under the unit leader are other NCO’s that handle a certain amount of responsibility for the unit. Rank is based on the amount of members in the unit and has a historically accurate brake- down. Rank and awards are based on attendance, knowledge, and leadership ability.

Q: Do new members have to have their own gear before coming out?

A: Absolutely not! Loaner gear is always available for potential members and we encourage members to check it out before spending hundreds of dollars on their impression. Personal items like socks are recommended, but the uniform, gear and weapon can be borrowed.