The usual Comrades in Arms rules will apply for this event
Weapons - General principles
Period weapons may be used by either side of the conflict. Airsoft gear is rather restricted for the period and in any case captured weapons were a reality - no problem with having Axis using Thompsons or Brens, for example, because that's what happened.
The market is changing quite rapidly with the advent of Chinese 'cheap-soft' guns. The M14, Thompson and MP40 are excellent buys whether bought in this country or imported privately.
Whilst we would be delighted if all players turned up with period weapons we recognise that a huge number of airsofters that would like to participate would be excluded. So, if you don't want to buy something expensive we would ask that you consider a Chinese cheap-soft weapon before using a looks-like weapon. However, we have drawn up a list of weapons which can be used on a ‘looks-like’ basis so that the look and feel of a WW2 scenario holds good - at least at a short distance.
Weapons not on the list may be used but will be designated semi-auto only (most WW2 weapons were bolt action or semi-auto). Likewise, the approved 'looks-like' list may be used by either side but the fire setting must be set as the designated weapon. For example, M14's are fine but in semi-auto only.
Approved 'looks-like' weapon list.
If you come up with something not on the list and you think it should be then by all means post on our forum, bound to be something we haven't thought of.
MP5 = MP40 or Sten auto
M14 = Garand/G43 semi-auto
M14 / bipod must be used deployed = BAR auto
AK47 & AK74 with full stock = MP44 auto
AK47 & AK74 folding stock = MP40 auto
Any bolt action sniper without scope = K98/M1/Enfield single
Any bolt action sniper with scope = K98/Springfield/Enfield single
M249 or M60 must be used deployed = MG34/43, Bren or M1919 30cal (suitably converted with a card tube barrel cooler/cover then its a Vickers) auto
Any pistol with standard magazines.
Prohibited:
Absolutely not permitted are vision aids of any kind (ACOG, red-dot, scopes etc) unless you are using a designated sniper rifle in which case a scope is fine.
Silencers (unless MP5 = Sten)
Any other furniture must be removed from RIS rails (tac lights, lasers etc) and other modern gubbins such as mag clamps.
Players assuming a support weapon role will be required to deploy before firing - bipods erected where fitted and be prone or have gun supported on wall/sandbag etc
German Uniforms
The following is not exhaustive but a guide to what is and is not suitable for CiA events. If you are not sure please ask. You will find plenty of help on our forum, your fellow players will be more than happy to point you in the direction of where to source kit and how much it will cost.
All period gear is obviously acceptable and to be encouraged. We have found that airsofters being airsofters they generally want to get it 'right'. However, first time players and those with a minimum budget are more than welcome to put together a 'looks-like' uniform. Different forces should be distinguishable from a distance by colour and outline - we do not use coloured armbands as might be used at regular skirmishes to identify sides!
We have a policy of not 'stitch-counting' and aim to be an inclusive organisation not exclusive. Some players strive for perfection, some go for a specific period of the war, some a more generic look and others go for a basic looks-like kit. No one is judged or ridiculed or looked down on for not being 'perfect' - what we do ask for is players to make the effort, to be enthusiastic for the period and join in.
Uniform & webbing
Feldgrau (field grey), Grey or Black uniform
Camo smocks, & uniforms. Any period of war is fine. Oak leaf, Splinter, Plane tree, FJ gear etc.
Flecktarn & Stricktarn can be worn as SS cammo, please try to use cotton not gortex. Also allowed are baseball caps worn as Feldmutze.
For a really cheap look, a cotton black boiler suit with a belt can pass for Panzer troops away from vehicle.
Jackboots or modern boots with canvas gaiters.
Hats – Please make an effort with headgear as it adds a lot to the look of the event. Feldmutze, Sciffs or any German shaped helmet – can be steel or plastic , cammo'd or not .
Please avoid crushers/officers caps as these are used for command and control purposes.
Webbing & field Equipment – period is best, or close to it, any canvas or leather webbing inc 37 or 58 UK pattern. Canvas satchels and side bags can be very useful in the field.
Insignia, entirely at players choice as long as it is plausible and historically sensible. You can portray any element of the German Forces, from a humble Landser to a U boat Captain. You must portray a German though rather than an Axis Allie – i.e. Russians, Rumanians etc.
We separate politics from soldiering. Swastika armbands are an unnecessary accessory. Salutes where given are to be the army salute not the party salute - it is quite possible to be respectful of the period and the men and women that fought in it without being distasteful. Please exercise common sense whilst portraying a sensitive period of history.
What is not suitable
Modern Kit - Modern Webbing, assault vests, DPM or other modern camo patterns.
Plastic – where possible all items of kit should be made from canvas, wool, cotton, wood, leather or metal. Apart from bakelite there was very little plastic in the 1940’s and therefore we ask that this is followed. A plastic water bottle hidden in a canvas pouch would be OK, but things that are obviously anachronistic such as a large plastic box would not.
Fabrics – again, whilst we would not stop a player for wearing some modern fabrics, nylons, gortex, cordura and the like were not widely present in WWII, so we ask that people look to use wool or cotton clothing.
Radios – the use of PMRs is allowed only on an event-by-event basis. The game's rules will state who can use radios, normally their use is restricted.
Allied Uniforms
The following is not exhaustive but a guide to what is and is not suitable for CiA events. If you are not sure please ask. You will find plenty of help on our forum, your fellow players will be more than happy to point you in the direction of where to source kit and how much it will cost.
All period gear is obviously acceptable and to be encouraged. We have found that airsofters being airsofters they generally want to get it 'right'. However, first time players and those with a minimum budget are more than welcome to put together a 'looks-like' uniform. Different forces should be distinguishable from a distance by colour and outline - we do not use coloured armbands as might be used at regular skirmishes to identify sides!
We have a policy of not 'stitch-counting' and aim to be an inclusive organisation not exclusive. Some players strive for perfection, some go for a specific period of the war, some a more generic look and others go for a basic looks-like kit. No one is judged or ridiculed or looked down on for not being 'perfect' - what we do ask for is players to make the effort, to be enthusiastic for the period and join in.
Uniform & webbing
Forces will be designated by colour:
Plain Tan/Green/Olive - US
Plain Brown - Brit
Second to colour for recognition has to be outline and most distinctive is headwear. Jeep caps, fatigue caps for US, berets and wool hats for Brits. Cheap plastic Tommy helmets churned out for the last footy world cup would work.
US Infantry:
M1 helmet - Post-war helmets are available at many militaria fairs for as little a £5. Expect to pay more for 40's dated example.
Jacket - M41 jacket or similar tan/OG waist-length jacket is perfectly acceptable. Try surplus stores for cheap equivalents.
Trousers - Any brown wool or heavy cotton trousers are fine. This can be complimented with the iconic canvas gaiters to finish the look.
Boots - Any hard wearing boots are fine, although brown would be preferable.
Webbing - Post-war sets can be picked up for a few pounds. As a minimum we would recommend a pistol belt and suspenders with a water bottle and pouch for hydration. A cheap alternative to lots of pieces of webbing would be a canvas shoulder satchel, or musette bag, where you could stow all your kit for the day.
US Airborne:
M1 helmet - (See above)
Jacket & Trousers - M42/M43 jumps suits are great. Alternatively any tan/OG set would suffice but try not to mix colours. Try some post-war Dutch or Italian jackets with any old pair of OG combat trousers and you'll look the part.
Boots - Ideally some sort of high-leg boots with your trousers tucked in. Preferably brown. Again, Dutch post-war examples are cheap and relatively easy to find.
Webbing - (See above)
British Infantry
Battledress of any era, WWII, repro, Greek etc is great.
Brown overalls with British webbing
Headgear - helmet (Mk1, 2, 3 or 4), largish beret, side or peaked cap.
Please avoid peaked caps as they are reserved for organisers/designated officers
US and German WWII helmets are permissable but must be totally covered with Hessian and scrim camouflage and show none of their orginal shape.
Boots with canvas gaiters (of any nationality) are good
Post war woolly pulley and or brown wool or cotton shirts with breast patch pockets.
Plain green or brown trousers, modern cotton lightweights are fine.
You may use 37, 44, 58 US WWII or US Vietnam or any similar webbing.
British Airborne
The minimum requirement for playing British airborne is as follows:
Large maroon beret. Tip - try and buy this in a larger sizer than normal, 40s berets were very big and shapeless. Make sure you buy a maroon or cherry red beret and not a bright red one!
A Denison style smock either repro Denison (war pattern or 59 pattern is acceptable) 1950s Belgian Denison or Rhodesian/Portugese pattern jackets are also acceptable.
No DPM smocks, not even a DPM ‘para smock’ please
British officer and NCO insignia will be supplied by CiA as required.
What is not suitable
Modern Kit - Modern Webbing, assault vests, DPM or other modern camo patterns.
Plastic – where possible all items of kit should be made from canvas, wool, cotton, wood, leather or metal. Apart from bakelite there was very little plastic in the 1940’s and therefore we ask that this is followed. A plastic water bottle hidden in a canvas pouch would be OK, but things that are obviously anachronistic such as a large plastic box would not.
Fabrics – again, whilst we would not stop a player for wearing some modern fabrics, nylons, gortex, cordura and the like were not widely present in WWII, so we ask that people look to use wool or cotton clothing.
Radios – the use of PMRs is allowed only on an event-by-event basis. The game's rules will state who can use radios, normally their use is restricted.
Hi,
Would a black 3/4 length wool coat be ok for the Allies (greatcoat lookalike). I couldn't get hold of a brown/khaki one.
Becuse it's black, just wondered if it would llok similar to the axis colours?
PRIVATE TARPEY
Hmmm, yes, a bit too German I think. Might be worth trying to get a khaki one. I doubt it will be cold enough during the day to play in a greatcoat anyway....
Cheers,
What do you put in your Musette pack HS? 
Everything!
