Colorado Military Historical Group

Battle of the Bulge 2020

Camp Guernsey, Wyoming.

 

Rules and Regulations Governing the Conduct of Soldiers during the Event.

 

1. The Point.

What we are doing is trying to recreate the events and emotional impacts on soldiers of the battles called The Bulge. In order to accomplish this those that take part must realize this (although it is a simulation) is not a game. You will not win or lose. You will not bring ever lasting glory to your ‘side’. This is a Scripted Tactical Event where you take the part of a real soldier and experience as close as possible the things they experienced.

 

General Conduct.

1. In attending, you agree to act in a manner congruent to achieve a successful event for all present. This means, although we are all volunteers, you follow the general code of conduct and respect military traditions and the chain of command.

2. Interpretation and enforcement of the Code of Conduct is at the sole discretion of event officials.

3. Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in ejection from the event. 5. The following standards have been established for all attendees with respect to conduct:

   • Attendees are entitled to enjoy the event and living history experience free from disruptive or inconsiderate behaviors or unruly actions

   • Attendees must not interfere with the event staff in any manner

   • Attendees must obey all barriers and safety lines.

   • Attendees shall refrain from using abusive language or obscene gestures

   • Attendees are prohibited from wearing clothing/patches/headgear that is deemed offensive or abusive in nature.

   • Attendees may not engage in fighting or other behavior deemed detrimental to the experience of other attendees and those who engage in any of these actions will immediately be ejected from Camp Guernsey property and any other property under event control.

   • Attendees are encouraged to report inappropriate behavior to staff or law enforcement.

   • Attendees shall comply with requests from event staff regarding event operational and emergency procedures

   • Attendees may not engage in unauthorized commercial activity while on event property.

   • Two way radio communications such as Amateur Radio, commercial and GMRS/FRS must adhere to all FCC rules and regulations.

   • The following items are prohibited to attendees on event property:

     • Weapons, including firearms are not permitted except those approved by event officials for use by registered re-enactors, event staff or approved vendors

     • Any animals/pets except service animals and approved re-enactment animals.

     • Drones or model aircraft, except with explicit written permission of event staff.

     • Motorized vehicles except those approved by event staff.

     • Live ammunition, bombs or other types of ordinance vi. Hazardous materials (paint, fuels, and aerosols) except those approved by event staff.

     • Signs, posters, or garments deemed offensive or with derogatory characterization directed toward any person or group.

4. The following additional standards have been established for all reenactors with respect to conduct:

   • Impressions are restricted to the ETO (England, France, Belgium, Germany) from Dec 15 1944 to January 25, 1944.

   • Reenactors will adhere to events, safety and appearance guidelines

   • Reenactors must be registered, and present upon request of any event staff their registration credentials.

   • Upon arrival, reenactors must check in and be directed to their camp site. No reenactors are permitted to participate or stay on site unless they are registered and have checked in and obtained an event pass.

   • Reenactors may not drive vehicles (except for loading and unloading) in undesignated areas, such as the lawns and tennis court areas.

   • Open camp fires are not permitted. Camp fires can be built in designated locations only. Contact event headquarters for locations.

   • Leave the park as you found it. Police your trash and personal goods.

   • Tentage and camp equipment must represent items in use in the European Theater of Operations during WWII.

   • Modern vehicles must be parked in the participant parking. No modern vehicle parking is permitted on site during the event weekend.

   • Reenactors wishing to bring period vehicles to the event must register the vehicle and PASS a safety inspection. Valid vehicle passes, issued by event safety inspectors must be displayed at all times while driving on the park grounds.

   • Non-period looking photography or video equipment must be hidden, disguised or hidden from view at all times.

   • Reenactors are responsible for maintaining professionalism and authenticity.

   • Reenactors are responsible for having obtained or engaged in proper weapons training

   • Reenactors are ultimately responsible for their personal conduct and behavior and, if a unit commander, of the conduct and behavior of their personnel, in regard to interaction with not only the event staff but other reenactors and the public. Reenactors are expected to be professional at all times and extend military courtesy to all members attending the event on both sides.

   • Reenactors represent both their unit and living history community and are expected to exercise the utmost professionalism at all times, both at the event and pre/post event. Improper and intolerant behavior will not be tolerated and will result in ejection from the event.

   • All weapons and ammunition are the responsibility of all reenactors. No weapon or ammunition should be left unattended, even for a second. Ammunition should be stored in a safe place and free of climatic and/or environmental conditions that could result in theft, detonation or discharge. Ammo should be labeled by owner and unit identification.

 

Restricted Acts

1. Under NO circumstances in any PUBLIC event shall any person or organization be allowed to re-enact, conduct, or participate in the execution, murder, rape, torture, or brutal abusive acts against any participant; nor shall allow the shooting of prisoners, wounded, civilians, and captured partisans.

2. During a PUBLIC event, if there is a dispute concerning an action not specifically listed is appropriate or not, it shall be the Event Organizer(s) or Event Host(s) responsibility to determine whether the action shall be allowed, and shall convey their decision to all participants before allowing the action. Units or individuals who do not wish to participate may then excuse themselves from the action or event.

3. At closed NON-PUBLIC events, these actions may be permitted with approval of the event organizer, who should announce them well in advance. These actions, however, will always be in accordance with the safety regulations. However, the portrayal of rape, torture, or blatant abuse of any participant will not be allowed or supported at any event. 

4. Political Agenda restrictions Real life promotions or displays of Neo-Nazism, Communism, or hostile political or racial sympathies will not be tolerated. All political symbols, displays, and discussions, will remain within the confines of accurately depicting WWII military history, with respect, courtesy, and restraint. Politically sensitive impressions, portraying real-life political personage or famous military figures shall not be undertaken without the express permission of the event host or coordinator. When allowed, such impressions will be done with respect, courtesy, and restraint.

5. Event host(s) or coordinator(s) will notify in advance to the Signatory groups of the allowance of such approvals. Political symbols that were incorporated into actual military uniforms, weapons, and equipment (red star, swastika, SS runes, skull insignia) are recognized by the Signatories as historically accurate military symbols and fully acceptable for those impressions.

6. Treatment of Rank Individuals shall not be required to render military salute to anyone of another Signatory unit based on impression or representation of rank. Signatories are allowed to acknowledge rank or render salute voluntarily if they choose to do so. This section in no way restricts how a Signatory treats rank within its own unit. XII Alcohol and Controlled Substances These are covered in the Safety Regulations

 

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING VIOLATIONS

1. Any violation of conduct, whether related to safety, authenticity, or another field of concern, will be referred for disciplinary action within individual units, and self-policing is strongly encouraged. Serious violations will be resolved through the agreed procedures of this section. All criminal activities will be referred to local law enforcement.

2. Serious violations which require disciplinary action will be brought to the attention of the unit commander of the individual suspected of said violations, and (2) the event organizer(s) or the host unit(s) commander.

3. These leaders will discuss the situation at hand. Wronged parties, if any, may give testimony to the unit leaders if they desire to.

4. If the unit commander of an accused individual agrees that the party is guilty, the leadership of that unit will determine what disciplinary action is in order. That decision will then be relayed to the event coordinator, the leadership of the other units, and any wronged parties.

5. If the event coordinator or the wronged parties are dissatisfied with the resultant disciplinary action, a further review of the situation may be conducted. The wronged parties, the accused, their respective leadership and the leadership of hosting event are involved in said deliberation. Ultimate and final authority to discipline individuals, however, remains with the unit commander of the accused individual.

6. If the situation allows, it is permissible and sometimes advisable to delay the resolution of a given dispute or disciplinary action until after the event is ended. The leadership involved will then resolve the situation as soon as may be practicable after the conclusion of the event.

7. In extreme situations, the event coordinator/host may eject an offending individual or unit from the event. This action will never be undertaken without first exhausting the defined procedures outlined in sections a) through f). In such extreme circumstances, it is preferred that units self-discipline, and offending parties be ejected from the event by the leadership in their own units.

 

Procedures for Handling Criminal Activities

1. Criminal activity perpetrated by any individual will be referred to local law enforcement. Regardless of what action law enforcement takes toward any person(s), the Safety Officer, Unit Commander, or the Event Host may still take action to investigate and resolve the situation as outlined in Section XVIII.

1. If law enforcement officials become involved in a situation, all Signatories will aid law enforcement as cooperative and truthful witnesses.

 

SAFETY

A. Safety Changes

1. The Safety Regulations may be changed as required for the member’s safety by the Staff without a vote of the membership; however, such changes must be published immediately in CMHG Newsletter and voted on in the next Bylaw amendment year.

B. Safety Officers

1. Any group that sponsors an event, skirmish, battle, or public demonstration, must appoint an Allied Safety Officer and an Axis Safety Officer for that event. These may be permanent annual positions. The Chairman of the Safety Committee must be notified of these appointments at least 30 days before the event. The XO shall serve as the overall Event Safety Officer.

C. Safety Authority

1. In the case of any disagreement between parties involved in a safety dispute, the Safety Officer shall have final authority to settle the matter. Anyone who refuses to accept a Safety Officer ruling will immediately be removed from the Battle Field. This individual is also subject to a hearing by the Staff after review of the Safety Officer’s Report to determine whether further disciplinary action for The Colorado Military Historical Group is warranted. The Safety Officer’s Report must include the names of all witnesses to the incident and must be turned in within seven (7) days of the occurrence. Expulsion from an event for a serious safety violation is final, there is no appeal at the event.

 

PARTICIPATION

A. Participants

1. Each battle participant must be a member of a recognized unit or unit forming. A unit forming must attach themselves to a unit willing to vouch for their safe conduct. Guests are permitted at local skirmishes and are the responsibility of the unit to which they are attached. All Event participants shall have signed a liability release prior to the commencement of that Event.

 

2. Required Weapons Safety Course: All members must have completed an accredited weapon safety course such as but not limited to the following before they can handle a weapon at a Tactical event (public or private):

a) Hunter Safety Course

 b) National Rifle Association (NRA), Boy Scouts of America (BSA) or other accredited weapon safety course including Conceal Carry

c) Military training (Active, Reserve, or National Guard DD 214 or equivalent document)

 

B. Youths (Minors)

1. CMHG Family members as outlined in the CMHG By-Laws, paragraph 2.1.2 who are 14 to 15 years old may participate in Battles, Skirmishes, or Tactical Demonstrations but the General Member sponsor (parent/legal guardian) must be present at the event and have positive control of their youth. No minors 14-15 years old will be allowed to handle any firearms or explosive devices. They may participate as ammo bearers for crew served weapons, medics, or aid and litter teams.

2. Youth who are 14 to 17 years old and not family members as outlined in the CMHG By-Laws, paragraph 2.1.2 cannot join the CMHG until they are 18 years old per paragraph 2.1.1. These youths may participate in unit training, public displays and skirmishes at the discretion of the unit sponsoring them. Additionally, a designated unit representative who is an active, participating, adult age member in good standing, must be willing to sign a notarized Power of Attorney from the minor’s parent or legal guardian, allowing them temporary guardianship during an event. This member will assume full responsibility of the minor during an event.

 

3. Youth (Minors) and Weapons

a) CMHG Family members who are 16-17 years old may carry weapons but they must have a valid Hunter Safety card or a valid weapons safety course card/certificate from the military, National Rifle Association (NRA), or Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The General Member sponsor (parent/legal guardian) must be present at the event and have positive control of their youth.

b) Youths who are 16-17 years and not CMHG family members as outlined in CMHG By-Laws paragraph 2.1.2, may not carry weapons even if they meet the qualifications of paragraph 2.2.3 sub para 1. c) The only exception to #2 above, is during a CMHG hosted event with outside units invited/ attending. A minor, 16-17 years old, whose parent/ legal guardian is a member of the invited/attending unit and that parent/ legal guardian is physically present at the event, may allow their youth to carry a weapon if the youth meets the pre-requisites of paragraph 2.4.1 above in regards to firearm training, and the parent/ legal guardian being physically present at the event and having positive control of their youth.

 

GENERAL SAFETY PRIOR TO EVENT

A. Safety Briefing and Inspection Safety Regulations Colorado Military Historical Group

1. All participants of any Battle must attend a safety briefing and inspection prior to the Battle. Any individual that does not personally attend the safety briefing and inspection shall not participate in the Battle scenario. If anyone attempts to participate without attending the safety briefing and inspection they will be escorted off the field by a member(s) of their unit or whomever the Safety Officer delegates. The Safety Officer and individual’s Group’s leadership will decide if further disciplinary action is needed.

 

B. Ammunition Inspection

1. The Host Organization(s) Safety Officer(s) is (are) responsible for the conduct of the safety briefing and inspection. At the briefing all ammunition will be inspected by the participants under the direct “one on one” supervision of the Safety Officer and his/her designated representatives. There will be no “spot check” of one or two ammunition pouches or magazines. Every pouch, bandoleer, box, and canister will be inspected and verified. It is recommended that participants bring their ammunition in clear plastic bags for the inspection. The inspection will be held early enough for participants to load their magazines, pouches, and bandoleers prior to the Battle Event.

 

C. Safety Card

1. Once an individual has been inspected they will be given a safety card indicating they have been inspected for safety and authenticity (see attachment 1). Participants must keep this card on their person at all times during the event. If asked to produce the safety card and they cannot, the individual will be removed from battle until it can be determined if they were present at the safety brief and inspection. If they were not present, they shall be removed from the event.

 

WEAPON SAFETY

A. Loading Weapons.

1. No weapons or magazines will be loaded prior to the Safety Briefing. Magazines may be loaded after the briefing when ordered to do so by unit leadership. No weapon will be loaded or a magazine inserted until arrival in the Battle area. All weapons will be unloaded, magazines removed, and cleared before boarding any vehicle leaving the Battle area, whether during or after the Battle.

 

B. Live Ammunition Restrictions

1. No live ammunition is permitted at any Event. The only standing exception is Peace Officers who are required to carry weapons at all times. Peace Officers that are carrying live rounds will not be permitted to participate in any tactical event. They may assist in guarding camps or crowd control during the tactical event. Violation of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal from an event without right to appeal.

 

C. Automatic Weapons and Destructive Devices Safety Regulations

1. Anyone using an automatic weapon or destructive device must carry the registration papers with him in the field.

 

D. Alcohol and Firearms

1. No alcohol shall be carried in the field or consumed the morning of or during a tactical event. Once the event is declared complete, typically at the end of the day, legal age members may consume alcohol in the camp area during the proscribed times (approx. 1800 to 2200 hrs). No alcohol will be consumed after 2200hrs local time prior to the next day’s event. All local, state, and federal ordinances/laws shall be followed. Any participant that is likely to need to handle weapons, pyrotechnics, or operate a vehicle during the Off Time shall not consume alcohol. Except for legal prescriptions, no controlled substances (drugs) are allowed at any event. Any participant who is suspected of being under the influence during the event SHALL BE reported to the Event Host (and organizational commander). If the suspicion is founded the Event Host, a sworn Law Enforcement Officer, SHALL conduct a Field Sobriety Test. If the attendee fails this test, they will be considered UNDER THE INFLUENCE and be barred from participation. Any member who is under the influence SHALL BE subject to dismissal from the event and potentially face other reprimands from the unit and/or Colorado Military Historical Group leadership. No one in this condition will be allowed to drive; local authorities may be called if necessary.

 

a. Field Sobriety Test Standards:

​

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

Yes No Are you wearing glasses or contacts?

I’m going to check your eyes. Stand with your feet together, with your hands by your side. Look at the stimulus and follow the stimulus with your eyes only. Do not move your head. Keep looking at the stimulus until told the test is over. Hold stimulus approx. 12–15” in front of face

CHECK FOR                         Yes No

Equal Pupil Size                

Resting Nystagmus

Equal Tracking

CLUES                                                                                                   Left Right

Lack of Smooth Pursuit 2 seconds out; 2 seconds back

Distinct and Sustained Nystagmus @ Maximum Deviation

(Hold minimum of 4 seconds)

Onset of Nystagmus Prior to 45 degrees

 

 

Vertical Nystagmus                                         Yes No

 (Hold for approx. 4 seconds)

 

Walk and Turn

INSTRUCTIONS STAGE

Place your left foot on a line (real or imaginary), and put your right heel against the toe of your left foot. Place your arms down at your sides. Maintain this position until I have completed the instructions. Do not start to walk until told to do so.

Do you understand?                                       Yes No

WALKING STAGE

When I tell you to start, take nine heel-to-toe steps on the line, turn, and take nine heel-to-toe steps down the line. (demonstrate min 3 steps)

When you turn, keep the front (lead) foot on the line, and turn by taking a series of small steps with the other foot. (demonstrate)

While you are walking, keep your arms at your sides, watch your feet at all times, and count your steps out loud. Once you start walking, don't stop until you have completed the test.

Do you understand the instructions?                       Yes No

CLUES

Cannot keep balance while listening to instructions

Starts too soon

Stops while walking

Does not touch heel to toe

Steps off the line

Uses arms for balance

Improper turn

Incorrect number of steps

 

One Leg Stand

INSTRUCTIONS STAGE

Stand with your feet together and your arms down at the sides. (demonstrate)

Do not start to perform the test until I tell you to do so.

Do you understand the instructions so far?                           Yes No

Balancing and Counting Stage

When I tell you to start, raise either leg with the foot approximately six inches off the ground, keeping your foot parallel to the ground. (demonstrate)

Keep both legs straight and your arms at your side. While holding that position, count out loud in the following manner: “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three,” and so on until told to stop.

Keep your arms at your sides at all times and keep watching the raised foot.

Do you understand?

Yes No

 Cannot perform test (test stopped for suspect’s safety)

 

 

Bayonets Restrictions

1. Unsheathed blades of any type are prohibited. Photo sessions, for eating or utility purposes are exceptions. Unsheathed blades at static displays are conditionally allowed with the specific authorization of a Safety Officer. Bayonets may not be attached to a weapon even if it is still in its scabbard.

 

Hand to Hand Combat Restrictions

1. All hand-to-hand combat is prohibited. Exceptions may be at public events under controlled guidance and properly coordinated and rehearsed beforehand. When authorized, all effected individuals must indicate that they are willing to participate, and due care shall be taken by those individuals involved to assure that no injury or damage to property takes place. It shall be the full responsibility of the willing individuals to bear the full liability for any ill consequence that arises by such activity. In all hand to hand combat, rubber/soft knives or other rubber/soft implements are permitted. Steel knives, entrenching tools, spades, helmets, other hard implements and similar are not permitted.

 

Shotgun Restrictions

1. Shotguns are prohibited at tactical events. They may be displayed at public events.

H. Weapon Pointing

10 Meter Restriction

1. No weapon should be fired directly at another person if closer than 10 meters (33 feet). Inside 33’, fire up in the air. Outside the 33’ zone, never aim a weapon precisely at another person. Side-slip your aim slightly to one side or shoot slightly high.

2. Never shoot at the ground.

3. If individuals find themselves closer than 10 meters (33 feet) the first person that identifies an “enemy” shall call out “Safety Kill”. The person declaring a Safety Kill must fire his weapon in the air to show he had the ability to make a “kill”. The Hosting Organization will determine the specific rules of engagement after a Safety Kill is called.

 

Blank Ammunition, Projectiles and Hand Grenade Restrictions

1. No Canadian military .30-06 blanks that have been resized to 8mm Mauser and star crimped are permitted unless the weapon has a blank adapter attached.

2. All wood bullet blanks are prohibited unless the weapon has a blank adapter or shredder attached.

3. The use of Israeli NATO caliber purple wood bullet blanks are permitted in bolt action rifles.

4. Charges for mortar rounds are limited to 200 grains propellant and 30 grains bursting, or less, of either black powder or Pyrodex P.

a) No flash powder will be used in any grenades, mortar shells, etc. b) Do not use sand or kitty litter in grenades or mortar shells. Baking soda or dry powdered cereal is recommended, flour is allowed. Contact fuzzes are prohibited.

5. All vertically fired projectiles, mortars and rifle grenades, must have an approved soft warhead and weigh no more than 12 ounces. Contact fuzzes are prohibited.

6. No horizontally fired projectiles (those fired at less than a 45 degree angle) are permitted at public Events unless under the authorization and/or supervision of a Safety Officer and for demonstration purposes only.

a) All vertically fired projectiles, mortars and rifle grenades at private tactical events must have an approved “soft” warhead and weigh no more than 12 ounces. Horizontally fired weapons will never be fired directly at a target, or in a manner inconsistent with safe use.

b) Vertically fired weapons (mortars) may be fired in the general direction of a target, but not in a manner inconsistent with safe use. c) All projectiles must be approved by the Safety Officers before use.

7. No steel, glass, stone or otherwise “hard” objects are permitted to be thrown or launched.

8. All hand thrown grenades shall be relatively soft and weigh no more than 16 ounces. All satchel charges shall be soft and weigh no more than 3 lbs. and charges.

9. No grenade, exploding or not, will be thrown back at the enemy. No bursting charged pyrotechnic item is to be picked up while burning.

10. All participants of any simulated combat scenario [Battle] where horizontally fired, vertically fired, or thrown projectiles are likely to be used must wear appropriate, authentic helmets. This rule does not apply when Battle is not imminent or for crew members serving in covered or armored vehicles.

 

Pyrotechnics

1. Pyrotechnics are conditionally allowed but must be approved by the Safety Officers before use and do not create an unacceptable fire hazard. Flares, smoke and popping grenade and mortar charges are considered to be pyrotechnic items along with any other burning, popping or smoking objects or devices. Due to fire hazards some of all of these may commonly be restricted on an Event by Event basis. One should always understand the acceptability of pyrotechnics in their various forms at each event before deploying. Parachute flares are prohibited entirely.

2. Smoke Restrictions a) Smoke may be used by either side if allowed on site, for example, smoke cannot be used on Fort Carson without prior approval. Color selection is at the discretion of the Unit commanders with the exception of red, which is prohibited. Red smoke should only be used for real-world emergencies. No smoke device shall be thrown into buildings or vehicles. 3. Military grade or issue artillery or grenade simulators are prohibited except at spectator battles under proper supervision of a qualified Safety Officer.

 

VEHICLE SAFETY

A. Any motor vehicle used at an Event must be driven by a licensed driver and be covered by auto liability insurance with proof of insurance available upon request.

B. When in operation, a vehicle shall have a person, designated “in charge of” and “responsible for” that vehicle [Vehicle Commander]. In the case of armored vehicles, this person must be someone other than the driver.

C. The Vehicle Commander has complete authority over the use and disposition of his vehicle.

D. When in operation off road, a vehicle must, in addition to the driver, have at least one

(1) attached other person either in or within close proximity (immediately outside) that vehicle.

E. When in operation, the driver shall not engage in individual combat in any way, such as, firing a weapon, throwing a grenade, ducking, or reacting to fire, etc… For the purposes of this provision, the driver must be stopped, with the vehicle rendered immobile, (Example: out of gear and park brake set or, engine off and in gear with park break set) before the vehicle can be considered not in operation.

F. The Vehicle Commander shall have, and maintain, full and unobstructed visual contact with the ground to be traveled. He must clearly and unquestionably see that there is no person or property at risk in the path of the vehicle before and while the vehicle moves. If he cannot clearly see, he shall designate a ground guide to verify the nonexistence of any person or property within the intended path of the vehicle before he authorizes the driver to move the vehicle. (Example: Moving a vehicle during an engagement where there is potentially concealment spots or moving through tall grass or brush piles where it is possible that someone may be concealed the Vehicle Commander shall appoint a ground guide. Conversely, moving a distance from Point A to point B over open terrain with short or no grass, where there is no chance someone may be concealed the Vehicle Commander may choose to move the vehicle without a ground guide.) This is a regulation of spirit. In short: The vehicle Commander must guarantee the safe movement of the vehicle. If he cannot, he must appoint one or more ground guides or not move the vehicle. The Host Organization’s Safety Officer may intervene and interject his judgment on the use of ground guides at any time. G. Any vehicle driven in a camp or around civilian by-standers shall have a front and rear ground guide.

H. All vehicles used at an event must have a working fire extinguisher and modern first aid kit.

I. Other than the assigned crew of a vehicle no one may approach a vehicle in operation to within 10 feet without the authorization of that Vehicle Commanders. Once within the 10 foot zone an individual is under the authority of the Vehicle Commander and must await authorization of the Vehicle Commander for any individuals change in condition. In other words, he must be authorized to approach, enter, exit, mount, dismount, etc…

J. No ignitable devices shall be thrown into or fired at any motor vehicle. Hand grenades, satchel charges, or other reproduction, period correct explosives may be thrown into or at a vehicle if they are made of “soft” or pliable material, and have no ignitable material inside. Do not attack a vehicle from the direction that it is moving. Remember: One must stay at least 10’ away from any vehicle that is in operation. If it is moving, it may be closing on you as you attack.

K. Use three points of contact when climbing on top of vehicles (tanks, armored cars, etc.) Be cognizant of pinch points, holes, openings hooks and other potentially hazardous features in your environment. Take special care to contain loose articles on your body and gear such as bayonets shovels etc… Loose items will invariably find their way into cracks and areas where they shouldn’t be. A loose bayonet stuck in a rail will leave you dangling from the side of a truck or halftrack.

L. It is prohibited to enter, exit, mount or dismount while holding a weapon. Weapons shall be passed to another person who is in a position to safely care for the weapon while entry, exit, mount or dismount takes place.

M. While riding in period vehicles, in transit during a Battle or a Tactical move, weapons may be loaded but shall be made safe, without a round in the chamber and maintained in a safe direction (down). In combat situations, with the prior authorization of the Vehicle Commander, the firing of blanks from a vehicle is allowed with the following restrictions: the muzzle of the weapon must always be outside the vehicle before a round is chambered, made ready to fire, or fired. At the cessation of combat, the weapon must be returned to an empty chamber, safe condition.

N. If the public is allowed to climb on an armored vehicle or large wheeled vehicle, there must be a minimum of two crewmembers present- one on the vehicle and one on the ground assisting the public. The Host Organization will determine if vehicles are allowed to be accessed by the public.

 

EVENTS

A. Battle 1. A Battle is any tactical event where Colorado Military Historical Group authenticity standards are enforced and maximum participation by members of the CMHG is encouraged. Other recognized organizations may be invited to attend.

B. Skirmishes

1. A Skirmish is a local tactical event to allow participation of guests and potential recruits, and can be used as a training and recruiting tool.

C. Major non-CMHG Sponsored Events 1. A Major non-Colorado Military Historical Group sponsored event is a major event listed in The Colorado Military Historical Group calendar, consisting of multiple reenactment groups, sponsored by a nationally recognized reenactment group and typically, but not always, involving public attendance.

​

 Casualty Play

1. If the event organizers wish to allow medics to treat casualties, designated unit medics will carry a standard 52 card deck in a first aid pouch on the front of their belt. The deck will be shuffled before each day’s fighting.

2. When a Soldier takes a hit, they have the choice of both taking a kill and dropping out of the fight per that day’s rules, or calling for a medic.

3. Upon arrival to the casualty, the medic will draw a card from one side of the deck. If the medic draws a face card, a 10, or an Ace, the casualty takes the kill and drops out of the fight per that day’s rules. If the card drawn is a 2-9, the casualty may return to the fight immediately.

4. If a casualty who is returned to the fight takes another hit that “life,” he must take the kill and drop out of the fight. However, he may call for a medic on subsequent lives. 5. After the medic draws a casualty card, he returns it to the opposite side of where he drew the card.

 

Urban Battles.

1. Any battle involving the occupancy of a building shall be under the control of one (1) Safety Officer per building who has the authority to stop all activity if required. This may be reduced to one (1) safety officer per two (2) or three (3) buildings if the situation permits.

2. When engaged in house to house fighting or around large rock formations, never stick your weapon around the corner or in a window and fire without first looking to see that no one is close enough to be hurt by the muzzle blast. One shall never fire blind! Remember the 10 meter, 33 feet rule.

3. Do not throw or launch smoke or any pyrotechnic device into or on top of a building or other friable structure.

4. Participants must have hearing protection when fighting in buildings. Indiscreet foam or “clay” type ear plugs are preferred.

O. Camp Safety

1. Do not build fires unless authorized by the Safety Officer. Use fire pits already built around the camp if available. If a pit does not exist, one must be built. Fire extinguishers or other effective means to extinguish the fire must be present and fireguards posted at night in tents using stoves.

2. If fires are authorized, burn only trash that is safe to burn. Separate aluminum and plastic from all other trash. Designate a trash collection point.

3. Weapon testing will be done only in the area designated for that purpose by the Host Organization(s). No shooting will be done in the camp area or a 15-meter radius around the camp at any time. No shooting will be allowed after sundown unless it is a designated tactical night event.

4. Reminder, Do not load magazines until after the safety inspection. No loaded magazines in weapons or rounds in chambers or internal magazines while in camp. This also applies to transportation in a vehicle en route to or from the Battle area.

5. Tactical vehicles parked in or near a camp will have a minimum of one chock block. Armored vehicles shall have two chock blocks.