How to Join 'Miss Drop 44'
Presuming you've read the bulk of what is on the website (or even if you haven't), or there is just too much to take in all at once, you should at least have some idea of what we do and the sorts of things you're going to need to purchase.
Just remember that all of us were in the same situation at some point; we all started with nothing, and this was all very new to all of us as beginners, too. There are always other members in the unit who are new to us and some new to re-enacting as well. We are always happy to answer any questions and are always available to talk with.
STEP 1 - The first thing to do is make contact with us. Send a message, ask us questions if you have them and we can get you added into the 'WhatSapp group chat' and we can get you added to the Company Rosta. This is the first step. Simple, right?
STEP 2 - At this point, you are in the halfway house. You decide if the group is right for you and we also do the same, mainly to protect the interests of the group as a whole. Don't worry, if you're 'normal' (and by that, I mean you don't want to change everything, lower the standards, or constantly bicker with everyone) then you should be fine. Then its down to the 'kitting up'. We have 'Kit Chat' for all the help and advice you'll need. Once at the minimum standard you are free to come to an event, but ONLY if you have sorted your membership insurance. No insurance, no playtime!​
If you decide this is the hobby for you, then the next task is simple: Start at the beginning. Look to obtain the minimum of kit. I don't mean start with buying a rifle, webbing, pouches, shaving kits, tents, jeeps, half-track... I mean MINIMUM KIT. Boots, M42s, wool shirt and an M1 helmet.
STEP 3 - After completing two events and meeting the minimum kit requirements, at the end of that season you will then be classed as a member. You will have a voice and vote in all things that Miss Drop 44 does. You will be awarded your first badge, which will be the next season year, depicting your first year as a full member of the group. ​
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STEP 4 - Once a member, it's simply turn up and emerse yourself without the hobby. You'll get out as much as you put in.
After the minimum kit, most members start buying the items that transform you into a rifleman and delving further and further into full emersion in the hobby. Most of those items you will need for ALL other impressions, no matter what your end-goal impression might be.
ADDITONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We do have a stock of kit items that you can borrow for your first few events if you are missing items but everything else is in place. This gets you started and into the hobby so you can confirm it is 100% for you. Just check with us that we have the items in your size and can get them reserved for the event you're planning to attend.
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Lots of people in the group are in various stages of kit progression. So always 'BUY ONCE & BUY RIGHT'. Don't buy cheap rubbish - it will not be acceptable, and it would only lower the group standards, so it won't be tolerated. All the information on individual items can be found on the website as well as the best vendors to purchase things from. Don't think that because we only use specific vendors that doing this the most authentic way will be vastly more expensive - it will be less overall in the long run. A copy of our book is very handy for new members, plus you get it at cost price... even for recruits, once we've met you.
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Right now you only need the minimum kit, consisting of -
= M1/M1C Helmet (Helmet Net & Scrim)
= M42 Jumpsuit (Re-Enforced Jacket & Pants)
= Enlisted OD Wool Shirt
= Jump Boots (BROWN)
Once you have the bare minimum kit, you're welcome to attend an event with us and meet some of Miss Drop 44 in person and see what the group is all about. You can decide if the group is really right for you, if not, then you'll have a great start on the kit needed to join any other 'less authentic' 82nd/101st group in the UK.
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If you decide you want to join, get in touch.
That's really all there is to it. Most important thing, and best bit of advice I can give you, is to make contact... even if it's just to say you're thinking about re-enacting or that you want some information.
AMMENDMENTS -
Under the age of 18. This is always a problem in the hobby, for you don't want to turn away someone who is enthusastic, but at the same time, if someone is immature and just going to need really babysitting, then that isn't compatible with the group. So this is now done on an individual basis. Meeting the under 18 and their parents is a mandatory first step. Both understanding what is involved in the hobby. Some under 18s are sensible enough to just get on with things and can be put into the hobby with no problem at all and can be a real asset to a group and in which case perfect! There are other that 'might be' but we're not sure on, in which case we might insist that a parent be present for some of the shows that they are attending first. So if it isn't a good fit, then we can stop everything right there and then. Then there are those that are simlpy not mature enough or really just look too young, both not being someones fault, they just need to give it more time and that sucks for everyone really.
Insurance for the under 18... may prove problematic, this is possible through the MVT however as they take members from 16.
All under 18s are to be considered to be on a provisionary basis, until we deem otherwise. Some may get there membership badge during the normal course of time and requirements, others may not. If the later happens to you, don't worry, just give it time, knuckledown, get stuck in and it will happen when we and you are ready. We are playing this by ear a lot and want the make the inclusion of under 18s a thing that can happen for some.
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How young can we take members? Good question... answering that isn't easy. I've met a 14 year old who was 6ft tall and look much older than he was, so a great start when blending in with a hobby full of adults. On the flip side, I've met 17 year olds that are bordering on dwarfism and look like they just ran out of nursary... so no, don't ask if that is the case. As we said prior to this, each case is taken on a case by case situation. 17 would be good, 16 is possible, younger than that and it just needs a parent onsite at all times. Also, that parent would have to be dress appropriately for the dispaly too.
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Members will NO LONGER need to CC2 their uniforms! As we are doing June 20th, most of the troopers would made a good attempt to boil the CC2 out, the uniforms would be a lot more worn in. Having been worn for over 2 weeks of combat and not forgetting that the riggers were sent the worst of the two M42 uniforms a trooper was issued to get reinforced and then sent off to be CC2.
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If you don't listen and buy crap... don't bring it to events. This is a sure-fire way to prove that you don't belong in our group. Yes, we do have high standards. We are more authentic, so NO, your cheap China-made M42 will not do. No! Soldier of Fortune rigger pouches are not good enough. Don't ask! ​
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We will always help you with every step, finding any item and advice is pretty much available 'nearly' 24 hours a day. However, if you repeatedly ask the same question over and over, we will get shitty with you... and you'll soon just start seeing "WEBSITE" or "BOOK" as replies to your questions. We just can't be asked to write exactly the same information over and over for people when it's so easily accessible.
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We have a great bunch of lads in the group, and they come from all walks of life, so you'll get to mix with a very interesting and varied group of people - exactly the same as what the draft did to the recruiting pools in the 1940s.
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Still interested?
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Up for the challenge of being one of the most authentic?
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Send us a message through the Contact Us button and we will get you added to the chat and take it from there.
Once you join us, unlike Miss Drop above, you'll never look back! Unless she is behind you of course...
The Miss Drop 44 guide...
Sold at cost price to recruits and members, £21 a copy, £25 posted to you.
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Yes, it does cost that much to print a solid, 240+ page, full-colour throughout hardback book.
It contains all the information you need... literally everything to put together an excellent 101st paratrooper impression.
