HQ Company, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion (Reenacted) is always on the lookout for new recruits. What follows are the general rules and guidelines that the new recruit must follow. These are fairly straight forward and simple, but are in place to ensure that the unit maintains quality membership and quality impressions.

NEW MEMBERSHIP

All recruits will be sponsored by a unit member in good standing. This sponsor will assist the recruit in obtaining gear, learning the drill, learning unit history, etc. Recruits are encouraged to NOT purchase any gear until they have had the opportunity to attend at least one event. The unit has enough loaner gear for the recruit to borrow. This is done for three reasons. First, it gives the recruit a chance to see if he enjoys the hobby before spending a lot of money. Second, it gives the recruit an opportunity to "try-out" the unit and the members to see if 1CPB, HQ Coy. is the right group for him. Finally, it gives the members an opportunity to "try-out" the recruit to see if he is right for 1CPB,  HQ Coy.

MEMBERSHIP STATUS

Recruit Member: All new members come into the unit as a "recruit member". Recruit membership is a grace period that allows the new members to see if 1CPB is what they really want. This time also gives the recruit the opportunity to purchase their required kit. Recruit members may attend all meetings and events, but they are not allowed to take part in any official voting. Recruit members may not wear the jump wings on their Dennison Smocks or BD Blouse, nor are they allowed to wear the service chevrons.

Veteran Member: A recruit member who meets all of the membership requirements has the ability to become a "veteran member". The membership requirements that must be met are:

1) Must have dues paid to the 1CPB, HQ Coy.
2) Must have acquired, at minimum, all items listed on the Minimum Equipment List.
3) Must have been a "recruit member" for at least one (1) year..  
4) Must have attended a minimum of at least four events within the calendar year.

Veteran members are allowed to take part in any official voting. They may also wear the jump wings and service chevrons.

Charter Member: Charter members are those Veteran members who took part in the formation and organization of 1CPB, HQ Coy. Charter members are the only members allowed to wear the white service chevron.

REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership in 1CPB, HQ Coy. is a privilege, not a right. Any unit member who causes trouble or disgraces the unit may be voted out (without refund of dues) by a majority vote of Veteran members or the Board of Directors. It is expected that 1CPB be the members primary living history group. Members may participate in other units and living history activities as long as they do not conflict with 1CPB events. The board may waive this rule on a case by case basis but it is not common practice and will never allow a member to turn out as with a axis unit at an event which 1CPB will be attending.

SERVICE CHEVRONS

During the war, service chevrons were worn to denote years of service. They serve a similar purpose in this unit. After the first year as a Veteran member, that member may sew on one chevron. After each additional year of service, the member may sew on additional chevrons to a maximum of four chevrons. Charter members may sew on one additional chevron (silver) to denote his charter status, and is placed below the other chevrons (max five chevrons). The chevrons are to be worn on the right sleeve of the BD, the point of the lowest chevron to be 5 1/2 inches above the bottom of the sleeve or immediately above any trade badges.

RANK

1CPB, HQ Coy. is not a rank heavy unit. Rank will be worn when supported by an appropriate amount of Privates. Rank hungry individuals are not appreciated. Rank is given on a yearly basis and is determined by a vote of the Veteran Membership. Veteran members who have at least two (2) years of service (i.e.. two service chevrons) are eligible to hold rank. This time requirement is in place so that the prospective rank holder is aware of the responsibilities and duties that are expected from him.  

MEDALS AND MEDAL RIBBONS

We did not earn them so we do not wear them.  It is illegal in Canada to wear medals you did not earn.  If a member joins us who has earned medals or ribbons during the post war years they would not be historically correct so they are not allowed.

EXPECTATIONS

The following guidelines are in place to ensure that an accurate impression can be maintained. ALL members are expected to follow them

1) Haircuts and facial hair will be of typical WWII military style. Hair will be cut short, tapered in the rear. Sideburns will not extend beyond halfway down the ear. No beards or goatees. Moustaches must be neat, trimmed, and cannot extend past the corners of the mouth. If they do, they must be waxed.
2) Members must be fit and maintain a neat appearance at all times. WWII reenacting is a physically demanding hobby.
3) Wrist watches will be analog type with a military style band. Eyeglasses, when worn, will be in military or period style frames. These might be small details, but attention to the small details turns a good unit into an elite unit!

APPLICATION

If you feel you have what it takes to be a member of 1CPB, HQ Coy. and you live in the Eastern United States, we encourage you to send us an email. Only serious inquiries need apply.