The members of the WWII HRS Re-enactment group 5SS Sturmpionier “WIKING” invite you to attend our World War II weekend of fun at the Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta, Michigan, just west of Battle Creek.  Fort Custer is still used as an active training area primarily used by Michigan National Guard units. 

   The POC for any specific questions on RETO or this event is Alan Miltich, email PzPionier@aol.com or Phone 517-796-9193   9am – 9pm EST, please!

      Our goal is to create a weekend of interest for reenactors and students of World War II history.  In addition to the tactical battle on Saturday, other activities are planned for Friday and Saturday night – including but not limited to Allied and Axis Veteran Chat sessions, movies, trivia games, and lots of vendors including local militaria vendors.  Plan on staying for the weekend instead of rushing in and rushing out!!  A snack shop will open in the common area mess hall and will offer donuts and coffee Saturday and Sunday morning and quick meals of burgers, brats and chili with drinks and snacks on Friday and Saturday. 

      You must preregister to get on the ‘gate list’ to get on base.  You have three options on how to preregister:  1)  Use Eventbrite to pre-register and prepay ($21, but saves you postage and time) via the internet, OR  2)  simply pre-register with Eventbrite without prepayment to get on the ‘gate list’ and pay $25 when you arrive.  OR 3)  Fill out the registration form and waiver and mail in with a check for $22.  ALL pre-registration must be COMPLETED by Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 10 pm!  If you are not sure you can attend but want to be on the gate list “just in case”, please use Option #2!  Vendors can use the common area for a modest fee of $21 for an 8x8 foot area.  Any extra vendor employees may register using the 'free ticket - pay at the gate' option.  Anyone that needs more space can reserve it with an additional fee (pay the extra when you arrive).  For those bringing Class III weapons from out of state,

                        Fort Custer Training Center

2501 26^th Street

Augusta, MI 49012-9205  is what you’d use for your ATF forms.

Due to new security rules on base, we must collect state issued ID numbers and date of birth for the gate list.

     Our event is open to all reenactors that belong to HRS approved associations.  We will be enforcing HRS Safety and Authenticity rules.  If you have any questions about how 16-17 year olds may participate at this event, please contact Alan at PzPionier@aol.com beforehand.  Minors must attend with parent unless arrangements have been made beforehand to have registration form and waiver signed by parent!

      We don’t want to disappoint anyone, but HRS S&A rules will be strictly enforced.  If you have ANY question about being able to properly portray a COMBAT participant in Western Europe in early 1945, please contact us first.  It is your obligation to meet our standards, not for us to alter the standards to meet what equipment you brought.  At the barracks, WWII military dress is encouraged but not enforced.

*** PLEASE NOTE!!! *** Due to security concerns, the military is becoming more concerned about the ammunition and pyrotechnics that are brought on the base. NO LIVE AMMO! No homemade pyro, only store bought, non-aerial (ala rocket) pyro. No ammo of ANY kind in the barracks area! HAVE ALL YOUR BLANK AMMO PACKED IN SEE THROUGH ZIP LOCK BAGS WITH YOUR NAME AND UNIT NAME CLEARLY MARKED!! The bags will be collected at the Security Gate by Wiking staff, to be taken to the Wiking Troop Tent on the edge of the tactical area. After your vehicle is inspected, you are welcome to stop at the Troop Tent, as that is also where ammo vendors will be set up. If you want to preload your weapon magazines, you are welcome to do so at this time, please provide a marked bag that the loaded mags can be stowed in for the night.

     After Saturday inspection, all units will pick up their ammo while deploying to the field.  BAYONETS will be allowed on base but KEEP THEM SHEATHED and STOWED AWAY until the Saturday tactical.  NO WEARING OF BAYONETS in the barracks area.   Anyone wearing a bayonet except for in the tactical will be escorted off base!  No other knives longer than 3.5” will be allowed on base.     

      The Barracks we are using are partially refurbished WWII barracks, approximately 85-90 bunks per building. The semi-private rooms are pre-reserved, sorry! Axis in one barrack, Americans in the second, Soviet, British and overflow in the middle barrack. The barracks are no smoking, no cooking. The “All Ranks” Club will be open. Bunks with mattresses and pillows are provided, but you need to bring any bedding, other pillowslips and toiletries you need. These barracks do not have the lockers, so pack with something to put your
gear into (no modern boxes!). Sandals are recommended for the shower/bathroom as they are still a bit on the rough side. We are all responsible for returning the barracks in a clean and operational fashion!  There is also a full service modern toilette in the laundry building between the barracks and the mess hall.  Female participants will be housed on base in the “BOQ” building, a semi-private roomed dormitory close by the barracks.

      The tactical will be using the objective based tactical system called “Rules of Engagement for Tactical Objectives” (RETO).  The rules are a point-based system of tracking successful strategy during the tactical.  More details at:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WW2RETO/ . There is no “scenario”.  The forces must use chain of command, reconnaissance and cooperation to win.  You might think of this as a tactical with a little bit of “Capture the Flag” and “Scavenger” hunt thrown in!   (please contact me if you are interested in being either Axis or Allied Commanding Officer or the Executive Officer)

      The tactical will last about 6 hours, beginning at 10:30am.  There are no scheduled lunch breaks, work it out in the field!  As there are areas and stockpiles of Victory Points to defend, troops can be rotated to meet their own physical ability.  Water will be provided in the field, but bring your own tactical rations.  To view the rules and discussion, visit the RETO Yahoo Discussion Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WW2RETO/

      To get to Fort Custer, take I-94 to Exit 92 (Climax Road) and turn NORTH.  The second traffic light is Hill-Brady Road, turn WEST (left).  After about ½ mile turn LEFT on to Denso Road to the entry Gate.  Have your Picture ID ready.  You will have to secure your ammo and pyro before going to the barracks – you will be told where at the Security Gate. Have your ammo and pyro packed in clear plastic bags with your name and unit clearly marked for Saturday distribution!  Proceed straight ahead and follow the road and “WW2” signs to the Registration Barrack.  You may arrive anytime after 1300 hrs on Friday, March 20 unless your unit has made arrangements for a private barracks opening on Thursday, March 19.  

     Remember, we are guests of the base and your behavior should reflect that.  Please contact the POC if you plan on bringing a period vehicle.  Transport vehicles that will support the movement of troops in and out of the tactical area will get a fuel rebate – please contact us for details!  Please, only period style vehicles parked next to the barracks.  Unload your gear and park in the Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) parking lot. 

NO POV in front of barracks overnight!

Tentative Itinerary:

Thursday, March 25:              Early arrival of staff, private barracks available after 5 pm

Friday, March 26:       1300:  Registration, Vendors and Public Barracks Open

                                    1400:  Snack bar opens with snacks/soup/chili/brat/dogs/burgers

                                    1800:  RETO discussion area opens

2100:  Unit Commander and Vehicle driver meeting

                                    2300:  Movies, RETO discussion, and Vendors close down

                                    2315:  Registration Closes   Quiet Time in barracks begins at Midnight!

Saturday, March 27:            0700:  Coffee is on, Snack Bar and Registration re-opens

                                    0715:  RETO discussion area opens

                                    0845:  Registration Closes

0900:  Units form up for inspection and group briefing

0900:  Unit Commander/Umpire briefing, RETO Discussion ends

0920:  Deployment to Ammo distribution point

0945:  Deployment to the field begins (Axis First)

                                    1030:  Engagement begins

                                    1500:  Vendors and Snack Bar reopen

1630:  Engagement ends

                                    1630:  WWII Veteran Chat session in Mess Hall

1800:  RETO results posted in Mess Hall.  Cards, anyone?

1800:   Other activities planned, Snack Bar with full menu stays open!

Sunday, March 28:       1000:  Barracks inspected

                                    1200:  All reenactors must vacate the post!