Membership

Our organization does not practice or condone any of the ideals of National Socialism, nor do we support the agendas of any past or contemporary racist organizations.

Below is a form to complete and send if you would like us to contact you. Minimum age for membership is 18. Junior members aged 16-17 can be considered on an exception basis with parental permission.

I'm interested in membership

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Phone Number *

Email *

Re-enacting Experience *

None Active in re-enacting Past membership in another unit(s)

Previous Unit if applicable: *

What is your date of birth? (Include full date: month, day and year) *

Military Service *

Yes No

Any Special Skills/Experience, such as machine gunner, squad leader, mechanic, sutlery, etc. *

Anything Else You Want Us to Consider? *

Submit

Membership Requirements

You must be 18 years of age or older to be a full member. We consider trial memberships on an exception basis for minors under the age of 18 but they must have permission from their parent or legal guardian and they must have transportation to and from events. The Kommandeur will confirm age, permission and transportation status with parent or legal guardian before granting a trial membership to a minor.

Authenticity
Be mindful that while we can help you with loaned or rented gear early on, we will expect you to conform with the unit Authenticity Policy to the best of your ability as early as you can. While we are firmly grounded in the reality that none of this is real, we do take the impression seriously, including military discipline. If you are unclear about any aspect of this, you are responsible for contacting a senior NCO for their direction. Serious or chronic violations of authenticity or safety are grounds for dismissal.

Wearing the Edelweiss is a privilege. If you are going to wear it, then look like a mountain soldier, and look your best. If a group of us have an Edelweiss on our uniform, we should all look like mountain soldiers and we should all look as uniform and consistent as possible.

Our reputation took years to build. Don't destroy it in one day. A new member trades on the reputation of the men who came before him in the unit-- respect their years of hard work by following their example and learning what they have to teach. This website is filled with information to make us all better at this. Use it.

Make a contribution. It took thousands of men performing routine tasks to keep an army in the field and combat ready. This is a hobby but it takes work and effort to do it right. Some examples: volunteer to help with setting up and tearing down, help with cooking for the men, or volunteer your expertise or skill with a particular topic, weapon, uniform component, equipment.

We follow a chain of command. Recruits sometimes struggle with this concept. We all recognize that this is a hobby and it is not the real military. We are replicating a military organization, especially in the field. The military uses a chain of command because it works and it's efficient. That's why we also do it.

Attendance & Training Requirements
1) If an event is not published on our schedule, that means senior leaders are not available to attend it and it is UNSANCTIONED. If members want to attend in a Gebirgsjäger impression, then a senior leader must attend to sanction it and provide appropriate leadership. No GJ impressions, no Edelweiss insignia, must EVER appear at an event otherwise.

2) Sanctioned events have priority and members are expected to make a good faith effort to attend. Sanctioned events will have impression requirements found on this page.

3) New members (less than 5 years membership) are expected to attend 3 training events during the first two years.

4) A recruit does not wear an Edelweiss until they become a member. Membership is granted by the Spiess or the CO after 12 months of good conduct, attending at least 3 events including at least 1 training event. A recruit must participate in The Soldier in the Squad and The Soldier in the Mountains training modules. Both of those have classroom and field components. If a training event does not precede a recruit's first field exercise event, the Spiess may improvise a training alternative. Finally, the recruit's kit is reviewed by the Spiess or someone designated by the Spiess for acceptability.

5) The unit leadership reserves the right to terminate any membership if a recruit or member will not make a good faith effort to meet the Impression Requirements. Gear can be loaned. Help is always available. Questions are welcome.