First Special Service Force
Living History Association - Edmonton
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FAQ
Who can join the unit?
UNIT MEMBERSHIP
Anyone! We do ask that you are ready to follow the lifestyle and rank structure put forth by our unit. Physically in shape is definently an asset to you, if you wish to portray a soldier within out unit. One thing we do ask is to be willing to abide by our haircut and facial hair regulations.
Our annual fees are $50.00 CAD per year. All members are required to supply all their own uniform, equipment and weapons. We do have rental and loaner items available until the member can purchase their own. These are supplied by our Quartermaster on a first come first serve basis.
What is the cost to join?
We do as that you can make at least one training day per month. While we are based in Edmonton, training days will be made available in Calgary for our members in Southern Alberta. If you cannot make a training day per month, it's not the end of the world and you can make up time at a later date.
How much of a time commitment is necessary?
How old do you have to be?
We do as that you can make at least one training day per month. While we are based in Edmonton, training days will be made available in Calgary for our members in Southern Alberta. If you cannot make a training day per month, it's not the end of the world and you can make up time at a later date.
What are the physical requirements?
There are no physical requirements for any event. Members come in a variety of shapes, ages, sizes and phsyical abilities. We will advise if certain events are phsyically demanding but will not bar a member for attending based upon any phsyical ability. The only case when physical ability may preclude certain members from attending will be in the case of another event organizer in which the unit is assisting places a restriction upon those attending based purely upon authenticity of appearance.
We have a variety of roles represented in the FSSFLHA. You do not have to join as a combat infantryman. If you have a passion, guaranteed we have a role that you can fill within our ranks. Currently the roles we have represented are as follows:
+Medical Corps: US Army Medical Corps, Red Cross (US and Germany), Combat Medics
+Signal Corps: Field Communications, Adjutant Corps, Intelligence
+War Correspondant: Field Reporters
+Supply: Quartermaster and Supply Corps
What fields of service are represented in the FSSF LHA?
The FSSF LHA was organized as a Not for Profit Society in December 2011
How long has the FSSF LHA been around?
We have received resounding approval from veterans at every event. One of our first events since the creation of the unit actual FSSF veterans approached us and thanked us for what we do and thanking us for keeping their memory alive. Veterans have viewed the FSSF LHA as a part of their legacy and a tool for the honor and duty they have fought with great sacrifice to preserve. These veterans view the FSSF LHA as a necessary part of educating the public on the sacrifices that they made.
How do veterans feel about the FSSF LHA?
What restrictions are placed upon membership?
Members as well as volunteers must sign and follow the Code of Conduct for the duration of all events and membership period. Members cannot at any time orientate themselves with radical extremeist or racist groups. Members must maintain a quality level of discipline and conduct at all times.
Unit elections are held following a nomination among all members every May 31st. New board members and officers shall be announced the following day. Voting procedures and further information can be found in the FSSF LHA Bylaws.
When are unit elections?
We realize that everyone has busy lives. As a group of volunteers and cilivians life can many times get in the way and not everyone can attend every event. Members are only required to FSSF LHA sanctioned attend one event per calendar year to maintain active membership. Only those aspiring to hold higher ranks or those holding those ranks are required to attend additional events. However, we do allow members to make up events by aiding the FSSF LHA in a variety of tasks that are available. See a staff officer for details.
What are the minimum qualifications for maintaining membership?
Do I need any military background or prior experience?
No. Our members come from all walks of life. We have members who are current and former military service members but also members who have absolutely no military background or experience. All we require is a love for history and an appreciation of the sacrifice of veterans. The FSSF LHA will ensure that you receive the training necessary to orient you with the knowledge necessary to become a well rounded re-enactor.
The FSSF LHA offers a wide variety of training. The courses offered are to enhance the individual's ability in the unit and on the field as well as overall knowledge and performance capabilities. Some training courses offered are as follows:
+Weapons Certification
+Marksmanship
+Scouting
+Parade Drill
+Honor Guard Drill
+Field Infantry Tactics
+Field Reconnaisance
+Combat Medicine
+Reenactment Protrayal
+1940's Etiquate
+1940's Language and Vernacular
+Personal Impression
+Squad Tactics
+Communications and Signals
+Vehicle Identification
+Field Safety Officer
+Leadership
+1940's Culture
+Swing Dance (External Instruction)
+Special Operations Tactics
+Basic Military Proceedure
+Map Orienteering
What training do you offer?
Promotions are awarded on a as required basis as well as upon merit, commitment and knowledge. For any member to become eligible to receive a promotion they must first be in good standing within the unit. This means no disciplinary action having taken place within the past four months. Additionally they must have paid their dues in full.Furthermore members must have met the attendance requirement for that rank in order to be considered. Members may check with the staff officers for their attendance records. Members must also have a good standing, and demonstrated, knowledge of the time period, drill, procedure and equipment.Lastly a member must be recommended for promotion by a FSSF LHA Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), Senior NCO or officer. Upon completion of all these, the Commanding Officer (CO) shall determine, by suggestion and recommendation of the staff officers and NCOs, if the member should be promoted. Once an available spot for the selected rank is available the CO shall promote the member to that rank.
How do I get promoted?
