Die Grundausbilding

My name is Larry Montgomery, Truppenführer of 1. Kompanie, 1. Zug. Last month, our unit had it's first "Grundausbildung" and "Unterführerschule". Here are some personal views for others in the unit who were not able to attend, but who are planning on attending in the future.

Bright and early it began, with an intensity and purpose which will serve our unit well in the future. The "Grundausbildung" or Basic Training began with an overview and history of our unit from the Obersturmbannführer. It was enlightening to hear how WW2 reenacting began, and how things were with our unit began in 1975. Each member back then only had original items to wear as there were few reproduction items available. I couldn't imagine wearing an original smock to the field, but that's all they had!

Anyway, the rest of the day was divided into "workshops" in which a member of our unit who is especially knowledgeable would give a presentation.  Some of these workshops included basic understandings of proper mannerisms while in and out of the field, the importance of the proper wear of our impression (i.e. not wearing it to and from events). There were many discussions regarding various aspects of authenticity-- Uniforms, (where Dennis Medley had many original items on display), Weapons (Thanks to Greg Montgomery) and other important ideas regarding ways to improve our impressions.

Each workshop lecturer has us rate him on the overall aspect and value of his presentation. On the rating paper there was room for comments. I have attended college courses which were not as well organized as this day was!

Lunch was provided by Untersturmführer Templer and the men of 1. Kompanie. Our favorite "Spänner" stew. Sauerkraut, potatoes, onions and two kinds of sausage in a wine or beer sauce. Absolutely terrific!

Later on, we had to go through the German manual of arms, and some good old fashioned marching (Links, Rechts, Links, Recht, Ein, Zvei, Drie, Vier....) I think by the end of the day, we were looking pretty sharp! Personally, I enjoy  marching, but for us old military men, it gets hard to do an about face in the other direction!

There was an awesome opportunity for those who wished to be checked out in an original vehicle could do so! There was a Kübelwagen and an Opel "Blitz" LKW there! With this fahrschein in your soldbuch, you could be called as a driver during a battle if one was needed!

Before the Grundausbildung ended, there was a Ritterkreutz awarded (the first one I have seen in 8 years!) and a Deutches Kreuz im Gold. Awe inspiring I must admit! We were awarded our certificates of completion, and then the Unterführerschule began.

This was a follow up to the Grundausbildung, and it stressed the ideas of leadership, and the importance of leadership by example. Many other topics relating to the position of NCO were covered.

 

My overall impression of the event was extremely positive. It was well organized and well thought out. The workshops presented obviously had much time and effort put into them. For those who did not attend, there will be others in the future, so keep an eye on the Unit newsletter as to times and places. remember that this is open to ALL members of the LAH, and the Unterführerschule is REQUIRED for anyone who wishes to be promoted above the rank of SS-Obergrenadier. If you are a Kandidat, then you will learn a lot, but no matter how long you have been in, I bet there will be some bit of info which will make you say, "Wow, I didn't know that!" These are the kind of events which makes it very clear to me that we have, by far, the highest caliber of men in our unit who are willing to make a difference to others in our unit, and to the hobby as well!

Meine Ehre Heißt Treue,

Uscha. Larry Mongomery

Truppenführer, 1,Komp. 1.Zug