5.G.R. Rules | Kaiser Krieg

The Rules of 5th Foot Guard Regiment Reenacted

No part of this manual, except for illustrations and photographs which were obtained through public domain, may be reproduced in any form without written permission in advance from the 5GR Living History Association, LLC.

Inquiries regarding permission for use of the material in this manual should be addressed to:

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Forward

This manual has been designed to aid the serious re-enactor with information which will enhance his individual impression and the impression of the entire unit in the field and in garrison. This manual has been created through many hours of research into the Garde Corps and 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuβ history and organization combined with practical experience from various sources within the current re-enactment community. Predicated on this research and experience, it establishes a policy on which to base your impression. Information in this manual is effective upon publication and is subject to changes affected by the Kompagnieführer or his designated representative.

5GR has established an Authenticity Committee to ensure that all current guidelines and regulations are followed in accordance with this manual. Additionally, the Committee may establish provisional policies which may be implemented between updated versions of this Handbuch. The Committee reserves the right to research and resolve any discrepancies due to conflict with historical or photographic evidence. If an individual believes something is historically inaccurate and can verify the inaccuracy with documented evidence, he should bring this to the attention of the Authenticity Committee for review and, if necessary, revision of current policy.

Due to the actual differences between the 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuβ combat formation of the Great War and a German re-enactment unit of today, the Authenticity Committee has modified or simplified some procedures to meet re-enactment standards but still retain the highest degree of authenticity.

The goals of authenticity and uniformity cannot be achieved without a clear and concise list of objectives. The goal of the unit leadership is to better serve the GWA and the World War I re-enactment hobby in the years to come by authentically preserving living history and providing the postwar generations a look into the past to see what history may have been like. This current edition of the 5GRHandbuch is presented to achieve these goals.

5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuβ is a member of the Great War Association (GWA).

Safety Regulations

Due to the unique nature of our hobby, there is the potential for 5GR members to be injured at an event. Keeping this in mind, 5GR has established a comprehensive list of policies to minimize the possibility of injury and protect participants while in the field or in garrison.

Every member of 5GR is a Safety Officer. It is mandatory upon all members to prohibit or stop any unsafe acts and report safety violations to the highest-ranking man at the event.

All Event and 5GR regulations MUST be followed.

The highest-ranking 5GR man at any event is responsible for the safety of all 5GR participants. He will not place, or allow 5GR men to be placed, in any position in which safety is compromised.

At 5GR safety inspections during inspection:

Approximately 30 minutes will be given every morning for this inspection.
Every Gefreiter will inspect his squad or Trupp of men for live ammunition. He will inspect ALL ammo by having each individual remove and place the ammo in front of their feet on a hand towel.
A NCO will personally inspect NCO and Gefreiter alike, and then the Gardist. After inspection, he will report to the Unit Commander.
In some cases, the event Safety Officer(s) will inspect the unit. If this happens, each Ranking NCO will accompany the inspectors through the ranks.
The Unit Commander will inspect the Ranking NCO. A NCO will inspect the Unit Commander.
If any live ammunition is found within the ranks, it should immediately be turned over to the proper authorities for disposal. The man found with the live ammunition is also to be brought to the CP Commander for disciplinary action.
After the safety inspection, the Gefreiter will make sure all men reload their stripper clips and pouches. He will make sure no one chambers a round at that time.
ONLY load when the verbal command is given: “Laden und sichern!” (Load and lock!) when the unit reaches the field.

Safety in the Field:

If the ‘umpires’ are present on the field, all 5GR members will abide by their rules.
Remove muzzle cover from rifle before loading.
Weapons will have rounds chambered until by the Unit Commander.
Do mount your bayonet unless you have a SPARE rubber Bayonet.
Keep the muzzle of your weapon away from other peoples’ heads when preparing to fire. In the heat of the action, one may forget who is on their left or right.
If a person is injured during a scenario, yell out Then stop all action until the individual has received treatment and/or has been removed from the area.
People with medical conditions should notify their NCO. For safety’s sake, the person should also carry a medical identification tag to alert first aid people.
Do not drink water from untreated water sources such as streams, ponds, sewage, etc.…
The water can and will make you as sick, or worse.
If a grass fire occurs, stop the scenario immediately and out the fire before resuming.

REMINDER: FIRES CAN SPREAD VERY QUICKLY, SO BE ALERT!!!
Before leaving the field, make sure your chamber and magazine is clear (empty).
Make sure that when not in use, the rifle is either in tripod formation, slinged on your shoulder, or on a rifle rack.

Camp Safety:

Keep campfires and the cooking area away from the tenting areas. Campfires should be placed in the fire pits and surrounded by stone or earth. Clear all weeds and grass from the fire pit area.
Beware of kerosene lanterns and candles in and around tents.
Don’t smoke inside the tent. This may sound silly, but the fabric that the tents are made from is highly flammable.
Don’t smoke around hay if the unit is using it in the camp area. Hay is flammable.
Before nightfall, remove all obstructions in the camp area, such as rocks, tree limbs, loose equipment, etc.
Don’t even think of bringing illegal drugs! Enough said.
Campfires will not be started unless approved by the property owner. Fires will be limited to approved areas and will not be left unattended. All fires must be COMPLETELY extinguished.
Allow spacing between tents for personnel movement around tent pegs and support ropes.

Alcoholic Drinks:

Alcoholic beverages are allowed (in period containers) in camp.
After combat and when (if at public event) the public goes home with commander’s permission, you will be allowed to consume the beverage.
If you are under the age of 21, you are not allowed to drink any alcohol.
If you start to get drunk, you will be cut off for the rest of the evening.
Before anyone drinks anything, all blanks, smoke bombs, and signal flares will be checked in with the quarter master.

Warm Weather Safety:

Wear your Cotton undershirts.
carry extra water. Make sure you drink the water. If you are NOT sweating and your urine isn’t clear, you need to drink more water. Be careful not to get heatstroke - do NOT overexert yourself. Furthermore, you should NOT be drinking soft drinks, or other beverages with caffeine, because it dehydrates you!
Rest frequently in the shade and loosen your clothing.
Carry only necessary (basic kit) equipment. Don’t overload yourself with extra, non-essential items.
Apply Sno seal on all footwear in case of rain to aid in keeping your feet dry.
Eat light while in the field.

Cold Weather Safety:

Wear your wool uniform(s).
Wear several layers of clothing, but make sure not to overdo it. Too much clothing will result in sweating and the cooling of your body.
Carry extra gloves and socks.
If you have extra uniform parts, you should bring them.
Carry a scarf and at least scarf to cover your face and ears.
Apply oil and grease additionally to sno-seal to all footwear in case of snow, to aid in keeping your feet dry.
The NCOs will keep a close eye on all Gardist for signs of hypothermia.
Know the warning signals for the onset of hypothermia.
Complete an accurate weather assessment prior to camping.

All Gardist MUST not be allowed to wander off from their commanding NCOs - unless explicit permission is given.

Pyro:

The only pyrotechnic devices permitted by the 5GR members are signal flares and smoke bombs used under the direction of a Gefreiter or NCO. Airsoft mines are permitted only by the commanding staff’s discretion. Our members use fireworks such as cherry bombs, M80s, bottle rockets, etc.
All vertically fired projectiles must be to GWA standard.
All pyrotechnics must be approved by the event’s safety officers.

Medical:

Personnel with medical conditions should alert the highest ranking5GR man and Sanitäter in attendance. These personnel should also wear a medical identification tag to alert medical personnel while being treated.
Do not drink water from local streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.
Always have water.
Always be prepared for cold or warm weather. Check the weather forecast.

Dangerous Situations:

To prevent concussion injury, weapons will not be discharged above or behind the heads of personnel in positions to the firer’s front.
No live ammunition is to be brought to a re-enactment event. Violation of this rule may result in dismissal of the offender from 5GR.
If you see someone – from 5GR or from another unit – engaged in a serious violation of unit or event rules, such as using dangerous or inappropriate pyro devices, using drugs, etc.… report it immediately!

Refusal to obey Safety Regulations may result in punitive action or dismissal from the unit.

REPORTING TO AN EVENT

All 5GR members will adhere to the following instructions in order for the Senior ranking man in attendance to quickly assess unit strength and assets.

Reporting Procedures:

Always register with the sponsoring organization first and pay the gate fee. This is usually done at the entrance (or Friday at the GWA) to the facility or at an area designated for registration. Ensure you check prior to the event where 5GR will be camped at.
Report immediately to the 5GR camp and present yourself to your Gefreiter, Unteroffizier, or in their absence, the highest-ranking man. He will show you to your area, give instructions on the weekend’s activities and inform you of your assignments and duties.
Ensure you sign in at the ‘check in desk’. This is an individual responsibility. Individuals who forget, or are unable, to sign in prior to the end of the event need to contact their Unteroffizier. Corrections to check in must be made within 30 days from the event date. No corrections will be accepted after 30 days.
Be sure to pay your unit event due ($35) at sign in at the event - all dues goes to the 5GR trench line and shed maintenance.
Wearing of the uniform is MANDATORY on site. Civilian clothes are authorized to be worn while loading and unloading vehicles; otherwise, the appropriate 5GR uniform is to be worn. The Feldgendarmerie will initiate disciplinary action for uniform violations and report it to your Unteroffizier.
Unload vehicles in the designated area as expeditiously as possible and remove the vehicle from the area. Do not leave your vehicle or other non-period equipment in the area while you visit Kamerads, solicit vendors, or perform other non-duty related functions.
Ensure that you set up your zeltbahn accordingly and securely. Make sure set up is approved by a ranking NCO.

DO NOT leave the 5GR Unit area without the approval of the Unteroffizier, or Zugführer or Senior ranking man in attendance. We need to keep track of EVERYONE!

MEMBERSHIP DUES

All membership dues are due between the month leading up and the actual event weekend of each event. No one will be permitted to participate or receive any credit for any event if his dues are not received by the unit before the date of the event.

The following policy is in effect:

Dues are due for each event starting the month prior and up to the actual event. This gives the unit members a wide window window in order to pay their dues.
Once the dues payment is received, the Unit Treasurer will issue a membership card on site. It is imperative that the membership card be kept on you the member at all times, next to the trench pass. Any failure to produce your membership card indicates you have not paid your dues (whether you have or not). Personnel without a membership card and no record of paying current due at an event must either pay for membership on the spot or leave the event.

REMEMBER - IT IS NOT FAIR IF YOU DON'T PAY WHEN EVERYONE ELSE DOES.
All 5GR leaders, Gefreiter and NCO alike, will have their dues paid no later than the end of the event. Failure to pay your dues by this deadline will indicate your desire to forfeit your leadership position and return to the rank of Gardist. Exceptions and/or grace periods must be approved by both the Treasurer and the Kompagnieführer.
Events attended by men with delinquent dues will not receive credit or be grandfathered. Do not mail in your dues the day prior to an event and expect to receive credit. Individuals who pay at the event will receive credit for that event.
Any member who does not have their dues paid on time, but pays after the event will have to pay a $10 tardy fee.
Membership may be paid for in advance. This allows you to pay for as many years of membership as your finances allow. Since membership cards are changed on a yearly basis, a new card may be issued each year.
If a member who has paid in advance quits the unit or decides to leave on his own accord, the balance of his membership dues is refundable within a 60 day period.
To reduce the financial burden on families who have more than one membership member, father and sons or grandfathers and grand kids will receive a family discount on their dues. The guardian will pay the full dues amount while the son pays half of the amount. For instance, the annual dues are $35, the guardian will pay $35, and the son/grandson will pay one half of that amount ($17.50) for a total of $52.50 for both members. Any additional family junior family member will also cost $17.50.
- This policy applies as long as the son resides in the guardian’s household. Once the son moves from the household or reaches age 25, he will pay the full dues amount.
If dues are not received by the due date(s), it will be assumed that the member is no longer interested in participating as a member of 5GR and his files will be transferred to the pending discharge file. He will also be removed from the unit discussion forum. If the member does not renew by the end of that calendar year, he will be dropped from the roles, his records destroyed, and he must re-apply as a new recruit the following year.
- Should the delinquent member desire to remain in 5GR but failed to submit his dues and tardy fee by December 31st, he will be required to explain his case through his chain-of-command for determination. If accepted, their file will be retained and reinstated.
Requests for leave of absence will be carried up to four years on the inactive roles. After four years, litzen will be revoked and rules for rejoining will be applicable.
Dues for deployed members of the US military personnel are waived during the period of deployment with no loss of rank, awards, or tenure. This policy is in effect to reduce the financial burden on deploying members, minimize additional requirements during their pre- deployment and deployment phases and just as importantly, show some measure of appreciation for their service and hardship on our behalf.
The Kompagnieführer may authorize “Honorary Membership” for previous or current unit members who have contributed immeasurably to 5GR throughout the years. Honorary members are exempt from paying dues and are entitled to all privileges of regular membership. They will be permitted their own special membership card too.

Membership due alternatives - In case you wish to do credit instead of case:

Anyone may do an exchange of goods or a service so long that must benefit the unit as a whole. But it would apply up to 2 dues (one year) worth at a time. Some acceptable ideas are as follows:
- Labor - must be discussed and pre-approved.
- Donation of loaner gear items, blank ammunition, camp furniture, etc.
- Recruiting two members (both recruits must attend at least 2 events minimum)
- Distinguished meritable service to the unit.
- Becoming the official Kompagnie Cook (one position open)

Membership exemption award:

For one event, a single unit member may not have to pay the due but only if they prove that they have gone above and beyond for the unit. Few ideas being:

Performing drill flawlessly.
Complete impression that s approved.
Assists in production grenades or mortar rounds for the unit.
Provides communal food.
Clean personal area in camp.

Etc.

Remember, you are applicable once a year for this and it is only for one member per event. So prove you're the best suited for the reward!

Membership Dues Pays the Following:

The Unit storage facilities.
The Unit Loaner Gear.
Trench maintenance - Most importantly!!!

Individual Responsibilities - Enlisted Men

The following is the expectations of every Gardist within 5. Garde-Regiment without exception.

Ensure your Litzen is sewn on properly (machine sewn) to 5GR standard.
Keep your uniform, equipment and weapons in good condition, good working order and looking sharp.
- All leather items cleaned, maintained, GREASED, and conditioned before and after each event.
- All leather items must be dyed black unless specified other wise.
- Wool uniform cleaned and repaired if needed.
- Boots cleaned, sno sealed, and maintained.
- Weapons cleaned, oiled, and at peak operational condition.
  
  ANY MAINTENANCE NOT DONE WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE DONE BEFORE GOING TO THE FIELD!
HAVE A HAIR CUT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE!!! NO HAIR CUT = NO PLAY TIME!
All members will arrive to the event with their kits pre-assembled. That means all items on the belt.
Everyone is expected to march to formation on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, anyone does not make it to formation on time (barring a medical excuse) will not be permitted to partake in the fighting for the day. This means:
- If you sleep in and miss it, you are not fighting for the day.
- If you do not have your belt assembled in time for formation, you cannot play for the day and asked 'why weren't you prepared?'
- However, if you are unable due to medical reasons, you are exempted.
No beards unless it can fit into a Gas Mask and be sealed.
Report to the senior NCO upon arrival at each event.
Assist with camp set up and breaking camp.
Ensure all garbage is cleaned up before leaving.
You are responsible for your own food.
Always check in and out with the senior NCO at each event. If you must leave the event early for personal reasons, you notify your immediate superior.
Be responsible for knowing the basic manual of arms and basic commands in German.
Be responsible for policing your own area at any event.
Ensure you sign in (Attendance Roster) for event credit.
Not to leave your assigned position unless expressed permission is granted.
Pay your membership dues.

Individual Responsibilities –NCO Personnel

The Gefreiter thru Unteroffizier is an extension of the commander’s command. The NCO’s job is to make sure all the specifics are looked after and is the go between Commander and Gardist.
There is one Unteroffizier for every Korporalschaft (16 man team) or specialized Abteilung (detachment).
Each Gefreiter is in charge of the well-being of their Gruppe (8-man squad) or Trupp (4-man troop).
The Gefreiter is responsible for making sure everyone in his Gruppe has a ride to their destination.
The Unteroffizier with 8. Kompagnieführer’s approval, may choose a second in command. Furthermore, he may also assign a gruppe cook.
If in battle, the Unteroffizier (with prior permission) may split off with his gruppe from the main battle group.
The Unteroffizier is responsible for making sure everyone is following the rules and enforcing the rules. Set the example.
Unteroffizier is responsible for reporting to the 8. Kompagnieführer, regardless of his rank, for assignment of duties. Duties may include assisting the senior NCO or officer.
NCOs will be prepared to assist with the issuance of awards or other administrative functions during formations. Additionally, be prepared to conduct formations and move the troops as necessary.
Initiate 5GR membership sign in if this has not already been initiated. Ensure the sign in is forwarded to the Kompagnieführer at the close of the event. Always have an accurate headcount of attending personnel.
Remind, collect, and turn in all membership dues to unit treasurer.
The highest-ranking NCO is in command of the unit at an event if the Kompagnieführer isn’t present.

Additional responsibilities are as follows:

Gefreiters:

Ensure everyone in their Gruppe or Trupp has hair cuts - no exceptions.
Ensure everyone is caught up on drill.
Everyone has maintained their uniform, equipment, and weapon.
Standards kept up.
Ensure everyone is prepared for the environment.
Ensure muzzle discipline and all safety is ensured. Violations must be reported and violator removed from the fire line.
Head count for their Grupper/Trupp before their event.
Everyone has packed up food, accordingly.
Everyone has kept up with their dues.
Report any issues to the Unteroffizier.
Ensure the camp is maintained, organized, and minimal farbism.

Unteroffizier:

Ensure everyone in their Korporalschaft or specialized Abteilung is taken care of properly.
Standards are kept in line.
After action reports turned into the Kompagnieführer within 30 days after the event.
Administer punishment for rule violation or disorderly conduct.
Ensure proper discipline within the unit.
If administering a special task, please do it efficiently.
Ensure safety within the unit.
Administering surprise safety inspections.
Administering surprise authenticity inspections.

Kompagnieführer - Responsibilities

Kompagnieführer is responsible for locating, registering, and generalizing the plans for an event.
It is the Kompagnieführer's job to inform all NCO 3-2 months in advance before an event, the NCOs in turn will inform all Gardist immediately.
Attend safety and scenario meetings as conducted by event organizers.
Take charge of all 5GR Members and assume responsibility for their actions and behavior.
Set the highest standards of authenticity and conformance to the policies in this Handbuch.
Ensure subordinates are performing their duties and resolve all personnel issues unsuccessfully resolved at lower levels of the chain-of-command.
Coordinate with supported units and act as the liaison between other unit commanders, event organizers and umpires.
The structure of the unit will be dictated by the size and effectiveness of the unit and will emulate the organizational and command structure that was used by the Imperial German Army.
The Kompagnieführer may assign a unteroffizier to be designated to be responsible for either logistics, administrative, or communication between 5GR and the event coordinators or staff.
The Kompagnieführer will do a finalized vote on a new recruit’s membership.
Officers have the power to allow a Gardist to get a promotion, but only upon commander’s approval.
If there is someone that is with a higher rank than the 8. Kompagnieführer , and is NOT a unit member, he may only act as the “Ceremonial” Officer on parades, living history, demonstrations, etc. Otherwise, he holds no authority over the members of the 5GR, and all advice will be noted.
- Exception: GWA Kompagnie commanders will be obeyed.
Only the Unit Commander (or NCO) on site of an event can give the order to load weapons. If for any reason an officer is not on site, the highest rank will be permitted to give the order.
If Kompagnieführer gives out an order, it needs to be followed. He is the voice of the Kaiser after all.
The Kompagnieführer has the power to remove a Gefreiter/NCO from power if the Gefreiter/NCO has failed to perform his duties or has violated the rules.
The Kompagnieführer may remove any member of the unit that attempts or suspected of a coup along with any and all potential conspirators. Without warning.
- The individual attempting the coup may request a meeting with the Kompagnieführer and senior staff of 5GR without fear of repercussion in order to resolve their case peacefully. Failure to do so within one week's time upon request will be dealt with swiftly with assumption the conspirator has no interest in a resolution.
The Kompagnieführer may award a member if deemed appropriate.
The Kompagnieführer has the power to remove an award if they do not reflect its merit.
If a NCO that fails to do his duty, is corrupt, or has violated the rules, the NCO will be removed from power, title removed, and (possibly) removed from the unit all together. The Kompagnieführer will file the report himself on the case. The removal can be done by either unit commander or unanimous unit vote.

Rules of Succession

The rules of succession for leadership ( Das Kompagnieführer ), the following must be followed:

Kompagnieführer Hiatus:

The Kompagnieführer is able to take a Hiatus under the following circumstances:

The Kompagnieführer hasn't missed a minimum of 4 events consecutively.
The Kompagnieführer assigns a Unteroffizier of his choice for one single event.

Kompagnieführer Retirement:

If the Kompagnieführer decide he is to retire, he must give at least a year and a half (3 events) notice.
The Kompagnieführer will up to 3 Unteroffiziers (max) to be appraised and mentored to become the new Kompagnieführer. Only one of the 3 may become the official successor. The other two Unteroffiziers must accept the final choice - any rejection of the final choice will result in the offender demoted to Gefreiter.
The fourth event the candidate must run the unit without the current Kompagnieführer being involved. Upon completion, the current Kompagnieführer will resign with the honorary title of Feldwebel and the new Kompagnieführer will be promoted to Kompagnieführer with rank..
The former Kompagnieführer make continue to act as a advisor for the new leader.

In case of medical issues - refer to either Hiatus or Retirement depending on the situation.

Death of the Kompagnieführer:

All Unteroffiziers and above NCO ranks are eligible to become Kompagnieführer if the former passes away. UNLESS the deceased leader's family makes contact and provide details on a successor.
If a successor isn't chosen, a unit wide vote must happen - only due paying members may vote.
Each NCO must state their case as to why they are best eligible for leadership - maximum 3 minute speech.
Whomever wins the vote will be under unit probation for 2 years (4 events) to prove themselves a competent leader. A gefreiter or enlisted man may propose a vote of no confidence if he and three other members proposes such a motion.
Losing Unteroffiziers will retain their rank without fear of backlash.
The new Kompagnieführer will have 6 months once voted in to pay a price determined by the deceased family's choice to procure all items owned by the previous (now dead) Kompagnieführer. If they refuse to pay the sum, the items will be sold off via auction.
- Once the new Kompagnieführer agrees and completes purchase of the deceased's unit items, they will be gifted with a completed list of all resources for whole sale, log in info for the website, social media, etc. Along with trade secrets for recruitment and contacts to help keep the unit products in order.
Good luck with leading the group forward!

Attempted Coup:

Don't attempt this.
The Kompagnieführer has all the contacts and control. Attempt a coup and you will be wiped out.
The person wanting to do a coup is entitled to one consultation to plea his case before the Kompagnieführer and support staff with hopes of a resolution. To their digression though.
Anyone Gefreiter and under, regardless of how much of a arrogant know it all you may be, is not applicable to leadership.
If a coup happens, the person must understand they risk losing 75% of resource assets and possibly 50% minimum of the unit.
Don't do it. Seriously.