Reviving the "Landser"?

Nope, you're not alone. I think there are several of us who are very willing.
Training days outside of the main 'summer season' are perhaps the best way forward, as I recall an excellent idea for a training day/weekend falling by the way side because nobody could make that weekend.
Have a word with Sgt Heide, he does a splendid training day and he is back uniformed for the darkside.
Location always seemed a talking point too. For my money middle of the country and then we all have to travel to a degree.
My Misses is about to pop my first born, so I won't be available for a few months... so don't go organising anything before Autumn please.

i recon its a good idea,may work best in region's though so that the training is with people that you are likely to be playing with more regularly .not sure about the marching drill but the tactical training and basic commands is a good plan.

I'll have to say I like the idea
I've often wanted to play a airsoft game where a force goes on partols or being in a small group and having to search a building not knowing what you'll find. Bit like how Op Foxely's breif looked like

Unfortunately for me tansport is a huge issue and if it's too far away it wouldn't be worth travling all that way for one day. Have to agree with dadio, people work better with people they know and like

Must get a HBT uniform for summer

As someone who enjoys training and drill more than actual events it has my full support. However bitter experience leads me to conclude that such endeavors are non-starters for the following reasons:

1. Spending time and money on something that isn't shooty shooty has very limited appeal to airsofters, even our bunch

2. Learning correct WW2 drill and tactics can't be had from a book. It requires someone who knows enough about it to teach it. For our hobby that limits you to about 3 guys (and their schedules).

3. The limitations of airsoft weapons are such that any authentic tactics must be massively adapted to the point of which they cease to be authentic at all.

Personally I get my combat fix from WW2 airsoft and my polish 'n' drill fix from re-enactment.

just my zwei Groschen...

1. Spending time and money on something that isn't shooty shooty has very limited appeal to airsofters, even our bunch

Yes thats the problem we face and why Im in favour of doing this at events rather than at training days that I do not think would be supported. Lets face it we tend to spend quite a bit of time at events waiting around for socials to kick off or breifings to begin, so even a small amount of time doing this at existing events would be possible and help to add a new dimension to the experience.

2. Learning correct WW2 drill and tactics can't be had from a book. It requires someone who knows enough about it to teach it. For our hobby that limits you to about 3 guys (and their schedules).

Another good point Martin. Personally I'd be prepared to attend reenactor meetings to learn these skills if necessary (perhaps some others would care to join me if I can arrange it?). The more of us that have some understanding the easier it is to pass this on at our own events.

3. The limitations of airsoft weapons are such that any authentic tactics must be massively adapted to the point of which they cease to be authentic at all.

Quite so, I am not suggested we try to use real ww2 tactics, I think this has been well debated in the past and as you say the range of airsoft weapons is the limiting factor. However being able to follow commands, either spoken in German, hand or whisle signals is still possible and I think this in itself would lead to a far more enjoyable experience.

Of course the other problem is that squad leaders tend mainly to be the game organisers themselves so any attempt to do so may be treading on peoples toes unless they were to become involved or possible accept one of us as assistant squad leader.

The main problem with all this is that what we all want and get out of these events varies enormously, as Dadio has said he's interested in the squad combat training, not so much the drill and I must admit that while I'd like to learn and be able to do some drill I dont want to spend all my time on this aspect. So really it depends if there are enough kindred spirits to make it worthwhile putting the time in organising something along these lines. So if anyone is interested please post

Of course, as ever, I am always up for organising training days, if the demand is there. I think that there is always a place for some very basic drill and commands, as it always looks so much better before game on if a side is formed up nicely and looks smart, as it helps people to get into the mindset that little bit better than those who have just turned up to play airsoft in WW2 kit, it only takes a few basic commands and movements to really enhance things for all. It also gets other players to think "they look good, I'd like to be a part of that" and, you end up with an enhanced mindset and, resulting gameplay from more people who otherwise would not have gotten involved.

Over the years, I have always tried to meld the realities of airsoft with the ideals of real WW2 tactics and the mindsets of the relevant factions when it comes to training. With the move towards more "generic" uniforms and units, I think it's a good time to get likeminded people together again to try to take it to a higher level in terms of gameplay and attitudes. No stitch counting or ego massaging, just trying to enhance the overall experience for those that want it.

Yes well put Pete. Im glad your up for this, although Ive not had the chance to experience one of your training days Ive only heard good things about them. Lets hope some more post up an interest

a few years ago , training days were well attended, and bloody good fun as well as informative, but there were only 4 games a year, and there was plenty of time to get it in. with games all over and lots of choice, training days seemed to slump.

PBI did some training at OP huskey just before "game on" (glider landing practice i think ) 10 minuites quick talk trough and walk through helps no end.

i can manage 4 to 5 outings a year tops, and thats for ALL types of event, ww2 , modern, or western/other types.
I tend to save these for games as opposed to training, But i still think training days are a good idea, and interesting if youve not been in the forces, it can really help.

You can count me in done a few training days worth the experience

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I'd be up for a training day, subject to the usual constraints of time, distance, schedules etc.

One thought which did occur to me was maybe trying to fit something in at an existing event, maybe the night before or in the morning, or even as part of the evet itself. Depends what you want to cover, ten minutes of how to stand at attention, or three hours on fieldcraft??

Cheers
Martin

I'd be up for a training day, subject to the usual constraints of time, distance, schedules etc.

One thought which did occur to me was maybe trying to fit something in at an existing event, maybe the night before or in the morning, or even as part of the evet itself. Depends what you want to cover, ten minutes of how to stand at attention, or three hours on fieldcraft??

Cheers
Martin

Hi Martin, yes I must admit I had my doubts about a training day as with events pretty much running at one a month I felt that most people would consider "trigger time" more important. However Pete has kindly offered to run one IF there is enough interest and this would be a great way of kicking things off.

I was considering producing a downloadable handbook with commands/drill etc in it so that people could practice a bit at home and then we could get together at events and give it a try.

However if Pete is preparred to put his time into this and we can get enough people interested I think it would be a great way to get started. But clearly we need more people than have so far shown an interest. So if anyone is interested or has any suggestions please post away

Crikey chaps we can even learn some Marching songs

Crikey chaps we can even learn some Marching songs

My favourite Need a desert game though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7P6rEctIsU

We shouldn't need to know much drill. We could try starting with the very basics like how to stand and hold the rifle (the jerry's were slightly different to the rest of us and very specific in this regard). Even something as simple as that might create more atmosphere at the start of a game. I doubt that we could learn to march properly without a lot of practice anyway.
This is a great place to start...
http://www.dererstezug.com/CommandsTactics.htm
Actually, it is worth exploring the whole website, not just that bit.
Training day in the Autumn or later and I'll be there if at all possible.

Probley goes without saving but yeh tactics like advancing in on a enemy position, CQB room clearance and tactial retreats.

I think with training days date and loction is key. Would love to attend a few training days and be able to work the skills into an event but transport is my main problem

at ill giogo pass they did a very basic squad and support training,at patton stalled we were in units with orders to follow ,both really enhanced the game,i think a separate day would be best as not all players arrive the day before or early enough to do it in the morning of the game unless it was a two day event with training on the first day.the two day game would not only give a training day but also with the members of the squad you will be in.i know there has been a move toward one day games but it doesn't have to be at every game maybe one in each region.

...... i think a separate day would be best as not all players arrive the day before or early enough to do it in the morning of the game unless it was a two day event with training on the first day.the two day game would not only give a training day but also with the members of the squad you will be in......

And training days are not only informative but bl##dy good fun. At least the ones I've been to were.

I was considering producing a downloadable handbook with commands/drill etc in it so that people could practice a bit at home and then we could get together at events and give it a try.

The Nafziger reprint of the 1942 German section/platoon/company tactics manual is pretty good, however it isn't as prescriptive as the various British manuals. Infantry Fieldcraft, Training and Tactics does indeed have sections on building clearance, woods clearance etc as well as lots of interesting fieldcraft exercises but the German one doesn't. It does have basic formations, commands etc however there might be some real problems translating these into Airsoft due to some of the problems already mentioned.

I have done British section battle drills with airsoft players successfully as they really do tell you how to do it step by step, although how much they actually did it irl is a matter of some debate and the authors are at pains to stress that they are just guidelines. As a Living History type thing though, it is very interesting to do. Just learning how to stand and march properly would be a start, I haven't done any square bashing since I was in the Scouts a very, very long time ago

Cheers
Martin

OK half a dozen interested so far, I dont know how many Pete would need for a training day to be worthwhile but suspect we will need a good number more. Also I think Pete is right to say that even if a small group starts it will encourage others to participate.

We have both the Corridor and Chateaux comming up in the next few weeks so I will raise the issue at the socials and see if we can drum up some more interest

I'm keen on trying to blend in with a Heer team.
Only just getting kit together but would hopefully be able to contribute to games happening around the south, maybe further away too.

ill have a chat with you at chateau prideofengland