So 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 in one hit. You should at least have some idea of what we do and the sorts of things your 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 at one point too. There are always other members in the unit who are new to us and some new to re-enacting too. 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 'RECRUIT 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 half way house. You decide if the group is right for you. We also do the same, mainly protecting the interests of the group as a whole. Don't worry, if your 'normal'; and by that I mean you don't want to change everything, lower the standards, constantly bicker with everyone then you should be fine. Start 'kitting up', once at minimum standard you are free to come to a private event. ONLY if you have sorted your membership with AFRA. No insurance, no playtime!

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STEP 3 - Our training weekends are to help all members; as well as have a lot of fun. We are always improving our own impressions, research is a double edged sword, its great to discover new things. Then at the same time, it can lead to small and big changes in what everyone has to be wearing etc. I get sworn at sometimes because of this! Sorry guys... At these events recruits can ask questions, we can help get the webbing properly adjust to fit you comfortably, its easier with two or three people man handling you together than trying to do it on your own. We constantly work on improving our impressions and as a future member of the group, you'll be expected to have the same ethos. After meeting us you may want to pick a different group, you may think we actually know what we are doing and understand why we have the high standards we have and 'get it' and if so you'll want to become a full member. At this point, you tell us, we'll tell you if your ready and we'll decide if your right for the group and if there are no concerns raised... boom you're in. If you're not kit ready or if you seem like a total nut job then we'll discuss it with you. 

At your first event with us, you'll be given a present (cute right!) a reproduction copy of the FM 21-100. This isn't really an item to bring to shows, but does actually have some useful information inside it and gets your mind starting to think like a soldier. It covers things that will be useful to know. The basics of marching (glorified walking about in soldierly terms), rifle drill (how to hold and move a rifle)... so once you get a copy actually study it from time to time. This won't be the only free item to come your way from us, but the rest are a secret and come when certain criteria are met or the time is right.

STEP 4 - Next step is public shows. Someone came up with the phrase 'show ready' at some point. Its all well and good being able to come to private training events, but standing in front of the public and looking only half ready isn't going to cut it with Miss Drop 44! You have to be 'ready ready'. This will be discussed at training weekends and things that are great are highlighted and areas to work on and improve are worked out. Remember, its not picking on those things that are wrong, this is about getting it as authentic as as possible to improve your impression. Be the best you can be!

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STEP 5 - If you can do all that, and honestly its not difficult, you'll have help all the way. If you need to borrow items its no problem. We have a stock of items you can loan to get you to training events and to shows if we think its not too early. Talk to us, we are here to help, we've been through this ourselves.

ADDITONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
However, we do have a stock of uniforms and webbing 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 to check it is 100% for you. Just check with us that we have the items in your size and reserve them for the event your planning to attend.  

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If you decide this is the hobby for you, then the next task is simple. Starts at the beginning. Look to obtain the minimum of kit, I don't mean start buying a rifle, webbing, pouches, shaving kits, zeltbahns... BASIC - MINIMUM KIT. Boots, M42s, wool shirt and an M1c helmet. After that start buying the items to make you into a rifleman. Those items you will need for ALL other impressions, no mater what your end goal impression is.

Lots of members are in various stages of kit progression, buy once and buy right. Don't buy cheap rubbish, it will not be acceptable and it only lowers the groups standards overall. All the information on individual items are on the website and where to purchase things from. Don't think that because we only use specific vendors that doing this the most authentic ways will be vastly more expensive. 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 -