IMPORTANT UPDATE, January 20, 2012
See AMMUNITION for the lataest IMPORTANT update on ammunition at FIG
Army Base = Army Rules
Remember that we are and have been using a military installation. Contrary to popular lore, the rules employed are MILITARY rules, not Federation guidelines. This is a military living history event. To effectively perform the Living History role, participants must be prepared to adhere to military rules in a manner correct for military living history. If you look at it that way, it makes the event more immersive for those of us who desire a more authentic atmosphere.
Barracks Safety Procedures
Safety plans have been implemented in order to comply with the Base requirements. These include:
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Posted building evacuation plans with designated muster points.
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NO SMOKING within 50 feet of any building.
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Electrical appliances such as coffee pots and other SMALL units must be unplugged when not in use.
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Do NOT tamper with fire alarms and report any and all problems with same.
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Certain designated roadways in Area 13 must be kept open at all times (see maps for details).
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Once buildings are occupied, a Fire Watch must be maintained between 22:00 and 06:00. This means that barracks officers must make certain that someone is awake and able to react if there is any sort of an emergency.
Area 13 Update Number 2
We'd like to begin by thanking those of you who have exhibited cool heads and understanding about this new issue.
If you would like to not attend the Event because of the remodeled barracks and would like a refund, please do the following: Send an e-Mail to do not send as dead line is past refund@wwiifederation.org on or before 16DEC11. The refund then will be mailed back to you after your check or money order has cleared the banking system.
At this point in time as we understand it we will only be in Area 13, nothing will be in Area 12. But we will know for sure after the next meeting.
Most of you know that what you see of what we do is only the tip of the Iceberg. Even though this barracks issue was very recently sprung upon Dave Shaw and therefore the Federation Staff, all kinds of work exploded for us in dealing with it. What I can tell you so far is the HQs and small buildings should be fine. According to our most recent reports, the small buildings will be moved have not been renovated to the degree that the barracks have been.
The no hobnails in the Barracks issue is one of the big one for the Germans, and everyone understands that...including Larry Mihlon, Dave Shaw, and Bill Bethke. We continue to work on it in order to minimize the impact on us as far as the barracks go. Suggestions range from protective floor coverings, to rubber sole covers when inside, to having to remove your boots near the inside barracks doors. There is also a slim possibility that, if there are un-restored barracks in Area 13 that the Germans/Canadians/British be assigned to them. Nothing has been finalized. The Area 13 barracks are situated in quads which may actually make their Appeal better.
Moving the furniture, the modern looking lights and walls, etc., is not within our power to change. However, suggestions such as bringing period desk lamps may help restore a tiny part of the ambiance we crave.
A walk through and site inspection is coming up on the 14, 15, and 16. Bob Lawrence will be there as well so that even GAP II issues can be examined early. Reports will be disseminated soon thereafter. We will also attempt to publish for the reenacting community everything from videos to digital photos so everyone can judge for themselves and plan for next month. Maps of the new area with building location templates will also go out.
We suggest using the chain of command in getting questions answered and issues addressed in the meantime. It's more efficient and actually speeds up the process. Each of the men have support staff who help them address the myriads of tasks assigned to them.
No tracked vehicles are permitted on the roads at FIG, they are only permitted on TANKS trails in guided and in pre- approved convoy. Therefore, any armor that comes must stay down at the "wash rack" as in the past. That's another issue in and of itself that will probably adversely effect our armor status.
Larry has a great suggestion here. For those of you who are interested in getting yet another great item for FIG similar event, I've recently purchased a Bluetooth device with allows you to plug in any modular-plug-adapted period desk phone for use as a remote for your Bluetooth cell phone. It even gives a dial tone to the desk phone when picked up and the bells ring with the cell phone receives a call. Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043D2IBE/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img
Combine this thing with a wall charger for your cell phone and you no longer have to worry about interrupting your impression to take a call. I know most of you avoid cell phones while we're there but some of us don't have a choice.
We hope you all have a great Christmas and Holiday Season. See you next month. Larry, Bill, Dave and especially from everyone else that makes this event a success.
We have great news for the 2012 Battle of the Bulge Living History Week.
Due to construction in Area 12, we will be staying in the newly remodeled barracks in Area 13.
What does that mean?
- Heat Control
- No windy / drafty windows and doors
- Really nice showers
- No peeling paint
- Very nice floors / walls / ceilings
- Bright lighting
- Hardwood floors
- Wood paneling and dry wall walls
- Very nice, cozy, and clean barracks
Now for the part where we all need to work together and respect the property of the post. We all need to respect the remodeled buildings; they are not the old buildings we are used to.
Things we will need to do to enjoy these nice barracks
- Wear only soft sole shoes/boots inside
- NO hob nail boots
- NO putting anything on the wall.
- NO nails,
- NO thumb tacks,
- NO tape,
- Leave ALL furniture in place
- NO moving of bunks
- NO moving of wall lockers
When I first walked into one of the remodeled barracks I felt as if I was walking into a friend’s very nice living room that just happened to have a lot of bunk beds in it.
We need to remember we are all guests here and are responsible for our actions and the actions of our peers. Units will be responsible for the actions of the whole unit and the actions of an individual registered in that unit
We are responsible as renters of the buildings to maintain the level of care of these buildings. If there is damage done then the individuals and units will be held finically responsible and asked to leave immediately. No exceptions!
This is a great opportunity for the living history weekend and will help to build the quality of this premier event.
GENERAL ORDERS
IDENTIFICATION: You must have a Government Issued Photo ID & Event Registration Card ready at ALL times.Approved examples of an acceptable Government Issued ID:
- Military Issued with Photo
- Passport with Photo
NON WWII VEHICLES:
- ALL Re-enactors MUST park in the designated POV Parking Lot.
- No Driving of POV Vehicles in barracks area, except when in possession of pass for unloading (See Arrival Section).
- No parking in the Veterans Parking Area.