The 76th Independent Battalion (part 7) by Tristan

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

The 76th Independent Battalion (part 7)

POSTED BY: TRISTAN
UPDATED: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 03:53
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Saturday, December 16, 2006 10:21 PM

Greetings! This is the discussion thread for the newly-formed 76th Independent Battalion. We are planning on marching in the DragonCon parade as a Battalion of Independent soldiers.
Last threads:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25915
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25856
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25714
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25575
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25503
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25393

And our new website (thanks, BWTP!):
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

We have a patch!

I'll see if I can get all of the relevant data in this first post...

The question of our history has been brought up and discussed in past threads. Just so everyone is on the same page, I will quote BabyWithThePower:

Quote:
And, just to make sure that there is no confusion as to the base history of our unit. We are a new unit, yes, but that's okay because the 76th will have been formed at the beginning of hostilities. Not as a bolstering force to the units engaged on Hera. If we are to grow together as a unit, we'll have had to fought in the trenches with one another. I know this is all ficticious, but it adds to the fun, and I want to make sure we're all on the same page.

This was my original intention, but as he posted it so well, I used his words.

Also, to prevent any single post from being taken as a new rule for the 76th, BWTP or myself will post the new "rule". That way, there will be no confusion. We will have discussions on subjects, but when the decision has been made, we will officially post it. I hope that will clear up any confusion. For the most part, everything in the first post of each of these threads are the rules so far.

We have agreed that it is important to be at least somewhat uniform in appearance...vests, coat or smock, helmet, and weapon will be the same for each trooper...at least close in pants, shirts, and boots. There are two basic uniforms that we can see, and have broken them down as follows:

Type A...basically use Mal as a model. The major item of this uniform is the long coat.

Type B....use Zoe as a model. The vest is worn over a smock-type tunic, and the mail sleeves are visible.

Both types of uniform can be worn by anyone. The Type A uniform is not reserved for the officers and the Type B uniform is not reserved for the Enlisted.

Here are other photos from the series that we are basing the costumes from:

A similar pair of pants that most of the soldiers seem to have worn can be found here:
http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=CM83&type=store&catego
ry=3930
Another alternative has been found by Quandom and is located here:
http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg14.htm
BoomerGoodheart found yet another alternative here:
http://jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_4&products_id=461
Any of the above pants will work. It will be necessary to add a dark brown stripe down the sides.

Vest:
Tristan is designing one now:

I have decided to go with the simple three-line pattern to make the vest more generic as well as quicker and easier to construct.
These should be available for purchase beginning in February. For those that want the pattern and a cloth swatch to match, email me and I will get those to you in February as well.

Overcoat and "smock".
Tristan is currently working on a pattern for both the overcoat and for the smock worn under the vest for those opting for the mail sleeves.

This is the final pattern for the Type A coat. I will be experimenting with at least one other type of cloth to get the right "look" and feel of the final coat. To those who decide to make their own using this pattern, SLIGHT variations in color are allowable. If you want a copy of the pattern when I am ready to release it, please email me. I will also include a swatch of the fabrics I have used. There is not a commercially available version of this coat anywhere, but it is the pattern the 76th will be using. I will make coats for those that want them, and offer the pattern to those that either want to make one themselves, or know someone that can. I have not yet fixed a price, but they will be $100.00 or less. I did not start this with the idea of making money, but of making a good-looking, solid army of Independents...so the coats will be as close to "at-cost" as I can keep them

Mail Sleeves:
Artcat is testing out these directions http://upstagereview.org/CostumesArticles/Chainmail.pdf and will be making chainmail sleeves on a limited basis, possibly making a make your own sleeves kit available if there is enough interest.
An update from ArtCat on the sleeves:

Quote:
Nearly done knitting chainmail sleeve #2,
leatherworking pals are working on buckle design which will make the chainmail sleeves more true to the show, also more adjustable!
I have round 2 of dye ready to roll as soon as Sleeve 2 is knitted completely
Found Silver colored mylar at Texas Art Supply :)
oh and coworker gave me their clothing iron actually, two of them.... sooo fun with heat, glue and shiny stuff will probably ensue after Saturdays Big Houston BC holiday Shindig.

Helmet/Head Covering:
BabyWithThePower has found an inexpensive Russian helmet that looks very good:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/LEG140-1717-1818.html
They are currently back in stock, so feel free to order one.
BrownCoat1 is also looking at a local surplus store for US helmets. If they can be found in quantity and at a good price, we may have a vote coming up soon.
The idea has also been suggested that the "Specialists" (snipers, demolitionists, etc) wear either soft caps or scarves,head-wraps rather than helmets. This is an acceptable alternative. If you have a question about whether or not to wear a helmet, contact either myself (Tristan) or BabyWithThePower.

Boots:
Not really a problem. Mid-calf or knee high boots. Shades of brown would be good.
BabyWithThePower has this to say regarding boots:

Quote:
As for the boots, wear them around the house if need be, just wear them. Also, get yourself a pair of wool socks. You can get ‘boot socks’ at any Army/Navy Surplus for a buck or two. If you wear gym socks you will likely blister. Keep that in mind. I found a couple of cool boots for those interested.
This is the pair I’m getting:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=277974

And some others:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=306854
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=315859&pn=5
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=277975
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=286747

Scarf:
It has also been decided to use blue scarves for the comissioned officers, green for the non-comissioned officers, and red for the enlisted. As far as the type of cloth, try for something lightweight, possibly a crepe material.

Belts, ammo packs, backpacks, etc:
Look around. A brown belt isn't hard to come by, and holsters are relatively easy to find. SAXON has a large number of holsters available.
saxon1014@hotmail.com for more info.
Tristan may also be creating a leather shoulder-bag for those that are interested. More on that as it develops.
LostThought found a link to some canvas shoulder bags that can be used as ammo bags:
http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD
&Store_Code=MSS&Product_Code=088167&Category_Code=23

Patches can be found here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/resp06h7/
AND
www.OutToTheBlack.com will have fully embroidered Independent patches. The star is a navy blue, which is the color in the Firefly Companion book.
We are awaiting a "report" from Sister on the quality of these patches. If it is good, then we will go with the Blue Star patch.
We have decided to wear the Independent patch on our right shoulder, and the 76th patch on the left shoulder. The Independent patch will be worn as Mal wore it, with the star point down, as seen in this screen cap from the pilot episode:

There has been some debate about this; that this was not the "intended" way it was to be worn...but, as this IS the way Mal wore it, we have decided that is the way we will wear it. There will be no deviation from this on the uniforms of the 76th Battalion.

Gloves: Up to the individual

Weapons:
This is the one area in which we have agreed to stick to a certain type of rifle. The main weapon of the Independents was the H&K G36K. I am aware that quite a number of you have alternate weapons, but as we are seeking uniformity, we will only accept weapons from the G36 family.
Airsoft and airsoft-clones can be found for $20-$50, either from airsplat.com or ebay.

This picture shows two versions; the top one is made by CYMA and is called the CM.021, the bottom one is made by Double Eagle ans is called the M41. A detailed breakdown of both weapons is available in this thread:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25575

BrownCoat1 found a more correct version on airsplat, but the price is a bit higher:

This one is more "screen-accurate".

Either weapon is alright, but for the sake of uniformity, let's stick with the G36 look. By this I mean let's not have anyone running around with an AK-47 or M16.

Sidearms were also discussed, and it has been decided to leave that to the discretion of the individual. I'll let BrownCoat1 sum it up for us:

Quote:
I find no reason to believe that an Independent army, formed by volunteers from border planets would be all that different. It could be that Mal's pistol was an individual weapon Mal either brought with him, was issued, or found on a dead soldier. I would think it highly likely that other browncoats carried personal weapons as well. I think we should try to stay unified to a point on uniform and long arms, but that if individuals want to add sidearms, knives, etc, it should be okay. It would give us that frontier, individual feel of the browncoats. Unified for a purpose, but still individuals.

So, the choice of sidearms is left up to the individual. Please let the CO or XO take a look at what you have chosen, though.

As for Demolitions, Nicodemus is currently working on several projects.
ArtCat and LostThought are also (at last posting...is this still happening?) working on casting grenades.

DocJubal, our newest Sergeant and the "go-to" for help and advice with modifying weapons, also has some good advice concerning firearms at the D*C march...and any Con in general:

Quote:
A gentle reminder here, fellow volunteers. Atlanta is an extraordinarily constume-friendly environment. (In Baltimore, the police would never let the parade happen, because of all the prop firearms; it's all but killed costuming at the Games Workshop tournament weekends there. In the NW, many of the ConComs, such as OryCon, are "weapons free" cons, and that's all she wrote.) Still; it'd be kindly not to give the DragonCon staff, or the Atlanta PD, fits. If you're kitbashing a sniper rifle, LMG, ATR, *make sure the business end has an orange barrel plug* for the parade. I think it'd be OK to make it removable for photo-ops later on, but make sure you HAVE one. Demolition teams are probably better served with satchel charges and the like than plastic "pineapple" grenade props hanging on a harness -- though one or two, discreetly tucked in a pocket for photo ops, probably does no harm.

BoomerGoodheart will be making lanyards for sale to the 76th, with "76th Independent Battalion" on one side and "We Will Hold the Line" on the other. (Thank you for those!)

We have discussed a Battalion flag, and have decided that for at least the first march, we should not have one. We will be marching with the SEBC at DragonCon. Fans of all types under one banner.

For those interested in marching with us, but unable to secure a weapon, I will be bringing several extra with me. I will also (hopefully) have extra coats, smocks, and vests with me at D*C.

RiverIsMyGoddess, our Medic (beer and cookies) is thinking about making a homebrew for the 76th. The discussion as to what type is still up in the air, I think.

We are still discussing the placement of rank on the uniforms. I think we have decided on the subdued pin-type rank. They will be easy to place on the Type A uniform, but we are still bouncing around ideas on the Type B. It has been suggested to place the ranking on the shoulder along with the patch (I think that's what was meant). This is still open for discussion.
We will be wearing the US Army ranks, but upside down, per BWTP.

We are also accepting design proposals for a T-shirt for the 76th. FireFlyGal has given me the email address of someone who can probably make up shirts for us. Please post design proposals on this thread so we can all look and vote.

Thanks to FlatTop for the shiny recruitment banner you now see in several people's sig lines. I believe he has offered to let anyone in the 76th use it...so please do!

WickedWren of the SouthEast BrownCoats, the group we will be marching with at DragonCon, has offered to take recruitment flyers to several Cons they will be attending over the next month. Thanks go to BoomerGoodheart for designing and forwarding this flyer. Recruitment is in full swing all over the place!

There is still an ongoing recruitment effort for the 76th, so if you know of anyone that would be interested, let them know about us! The link on our website is not working at the moment (we still have to create an application), but feel free to email either myself (Tristan) or BabyWithThePower.

DocJubal is now the "official historian" of the 76th. As there have benn many questions as to the formation and role of the 76th in the grand scheme of things, we decided it would be prudent to have ONE version of events, that way there is not the possibility of confusing or conflicting storylines. We ask everyone that has ideas about the history of 76th, that you not just post it on the threads. If you do have something you would like to add, contact DocJubal.

Still looking for more stuff I have missed...
If anyone sees anything I missed, please let me know.

Thank you to everyone involved so far! The 76th is growing thanks to all of you!

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

Sign up NOW! http://fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25704
More Information: http://76thbaattalion.homestead.com/index.html

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Saturday, December 16, 2006 10:41 PM

TRISTAN

DocJubal has stepped up to the plate and has become not only the person to talk to about a weapon question, but the author of the 76th's history.
Enclosed is the official "History of the 76th Independent Battalion":

Unification was not delayed by the brilliance of the Independent High Command, nor by possession of superior weapons and fleets, nor by materiel superiority on the part of the Independent faction. The War lasted five long years because of the almost incomprehensible devotion of the average volunteer to the Independent cause. Perhaps the clearest example of that devotion was the number of volunteer companies and battalions raised against Unification. These volunteer formations were often more effective than the planetary defense militias of the varied Independent world governments...

Yet another example was the 76th Independent Battalion. Raised on Dyton by a well-to-do merchant in dry goods, the 76th swiftly filled its ranks, and were deployed almost immediately. They soon earned their reputation as a determined, fearless unit, winning victories in the face of overwhelming odds...

A shortage of transport kept the 76th from being redeployed to New Kashmir, one of the few major campaigns that the 76th did not fight in. They were not so lucky at Du-Khang...

Details are frustratingly scant. What is known is that an Alliance light cruiser, the Warspite, overhauled and boarded the bulk freighter (Leaves of Autumn) that the survivors of the 76th were embarked on. In a sharp, savage ambush, the 76th drove off the Alliance customs and inspection detachment. The 76th then fought a boarding action of their own, subduing the crew and taking Warspite captive. A prize crew brought Warspite into orbit around Beaumonde, and the Independent Fleets’ Council paid a generous prize bounty to both the crew of the freighter and the 76th. With this prize money, and the renown gained in this exploit, the battalion was able to resupply, renew itself, and recruit with excellent personnel. Refreshed and back at strength, the 76th was summoned to the defense of Hera, arriving shortly before the Alliance became impenetrable...

The 76th lived up to their gallant reputation in Serenity Valley. They were one of only a few units to “hold the line” with the 57th “Overlanders”, well after their generals had given up...

Alliance losses in the last days of the battle, after the generals’ capitulation, were shocking. High Marshal Kurtz, surveying the carnage after the end of hostilities, remarked bitterly that “if this was the fruit of victory, may I never see defeat”. It is ominous – but not surprising, given such devotion – that rumours persist of an Independent resistance movement, which hopes to rise again...

Sergeants and Seraphim: The Reunification War
Marshal Bao Gu (ret)
Alliance War College, School Of Strategic Understanding

Thank you, Doc, for creating something that sends chills down my spine!

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

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More Information: http://76thbaattalion.homestead.com/index.html

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:28 AM

NICODEMUS

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:

Thank you, Doc, for creating something that sends chills down my spine!

I'd like to second that. Well done indeed.

Is it open for anyone to write excerpts of "The tales of the 76th"? While I've avoided writing any fanfic so far (so as not to offend any purists/shippers), I feel this is an area I might be able to write something decent.

**************
Demolitions specialist for the 76th Independent Battalion.
From blowing open locked fridges, to destroying Alliance gun emplacements, it's all fun for me.
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/Index.html

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 2:19 AM

SISTER

Good morning...and WOW...we have a coat..now a backstory!! Wow....
The order for the patches (with the blue star) has been confirmed by OutToTheBlack, so hopefully I'll be able to report positively on that soon.

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 3:02 AM

MAGDALENA

"No power in the 'verse can stop me!"

May I 2nd that Wow! I have printed a copy out and I am going to study it until I know it as well as I know myownself... well - I am going to know it well!

I love that an idea was floated and we browncoats are so very ready to 'run with it'... I really wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who is putting time and effort into making this happen - you don't know how much I am looking forward to coming to the USA and meeting my commrades in the flesh...

Thank you so much Tristan for the hours you've already put into it - and to BabywiththePower for the awesome website! DocJubal you have such imagination and knowlege - thank you too!

*sigh* how many more days until D*C?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I can put one foot in front of the other - I'm Magdalena, & I'm marching with the 76th" http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 5:38 AM

FOLLOWMAL

I know I'm not involved with this, but may I please interject quickly that you all are awesome and shiny!

OMG.. I'm so impressed with what you guys are doing, and the backstory? Simply perfect!

Tristan and all, your idea and your actions make all of us Browncoats proud!

You all are going to make history!!

Go to www.goodworkspresents.org to find out how to honor the Captain!

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 6:41 AM

TRISTAN

Morning, all!

From the last thread, Browncoat1, thank you for that...I am still trying to find the right cloth for the look and flow of the coat. I should have that nailed down in a week or so!

Nico, DocJubal is the "historian", but if you would like to contact him directly, I am sure you can talk to him about that. It would seem mor organized if one person handles our history, that way there is not the possibility of confusing or conflicting storylines.
The only thing we ask of everyone is that if you do think about writing about the 76th, that you not just post it on the threads. If you do have something you would like to add, contact DocJubal.

Sister, thank you for the update. We are looking forward to the "report".

Magda, thank you, too. Everyone involved in this is giving it their all, and that is truly shiny! Not that much longer, and we will be marching together!

FollowMal, thank you for that! And why are you not involved? You don't have to be marching to be a member of the 76th, you know...we take everyone! If you are interested in joining, please feel free to do so. We'd love to have you as part of our Battalion!

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

Sign up NOW! http://fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25704
More Information: http://76thbaattalion.homestead.com/index.html

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:41 AM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Every day something new pops up on these threads. I'm so damn proud. *wiping tear*

BoomerGoodheart
Renegade Military Supplier
"I love my Captain."
www.myspace.com/boomergoodheart

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 9:53 AM

BABYWITHTHEPOWER

Same here. I'm pleased to announce the site has over 600 views. More than I expected in such a short time.

Also, I created a dedicated board for us. That's not to say discussion can't continue here, but it's much easier keeping things organized on proboards than it is here (once you use it for awhile, you'll understand), and it'll be a place to organize for our members who are not on FFF.net (there are currenty 4). I'd like you guys to check it out and tell me what you think (when you get time, as it's not imperative). Only the basic layout is present at the moment, but I'm putting the 'suggestions' board open to everyone, so you can post items there if you'd like. The URL is here:
http://76thbattalion.proboards59.com/index.cgi

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be in my bunk.
XO of the 76th Battalion http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/babywiththepower

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 9:56 AM

DOCJUBAL

Y'all so very kind. *smiles* I hope everyone who reads of our history will take as much pleasure from it as you have.

In other news... I have two M41K2 airsoft models coming after the holidays. The long body (33"), six-hole model. I think I'll tart up one as an LMG, and one as a SL8/SL9 sniper variant. Would people like pictures and "how-to" advice as the projects progress?

And if so, would you like a thread here? On the new 76th board? Both?

--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy

SGT, 76th Independent Battalion

Ever marched with the Independents?
Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 10:15 AM

FOLLOWMAL

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:
Morning, all!

FollowMal, thank you for that! And why are you not involved? You don't have to be marching to be a member of the 76th, you know...we take everyone! If you are interested in joining, please feel free to do so. We'd love to have you as part of our Battalion!

Thank you Tristan! I will catch up on the threads and join in. I won't be able to march, but perhaps I will be able to help spread the word of the battalion and it's destiny at D*C* thru the BSC and contribute some coin to the needs somewhere.

Go to www.goodworkspresents.org to find out how to honor the Captain!

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 10:22 AM

ARTCAT81

Sir reporting back in, survived my shindig, now I am gonna go sleep some more and hit teh ground running again tomorrow

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 10:59 AM

TRISTAN

Boomer, I know how you feel!

BWTP, thanks for the message board. It looks very shiny!

DocJubal, thanks for the update on the weapons. You can either post the "how-to" on the main 76th threads, or start your own with something like "Weapons of the 76th" as the title. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

FollowMal, we would be honored to have you! When you are ready to sign up, go to the Roll Call thread and enter the required info.

ArtCat, thank you for reporting in.
I hope the Shindig went well, and that you get lots of rest! We will talk to you again Monday!

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:25 PM

DOCJUBAL

Quote:
Originally posted by Tristan:

... You can either post the "how-to" on the main 76th threads, or start your own with something like "Weapons of the 76th" as the title. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with! ...

Awright then. Here's a start (discussing all the G36 variations, with recommendations on which type for which specialty):

http://fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=26000

Next: Sidearms of the Independents.

--------------------
"Jubal 'Doc' Harris" // Bill Ernoehazy

SGT, 76th Independent Battalion

Ever marched with the Independents?
Wanna?
Sign up and info here:
http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:43 PM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Ben's gonna work on the lanyard later tonight. I'll send a pic to Tristan to put up, as I'm pic-posting impaired.

Joined the message board. Thanks for all the hard work, BWTP!

BoomerGoodheart
Renegade Military Supplier
"I love my Captain."
www.myspace.com/boomergoodheart

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:17 PM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

good afternoon soldiers.

Tristan - I like the coat, and can't wait to see a finished model.

DocJubal - I absolutely love the history, it sounds great.

Quote:
Originally posted by magdalena:
Hi all... Just letting you know I'm alive and well and so very excited about marching in the innaugural 76th parade!

Do you guys realise that in years to come our kids will be marching and saying to one another... "So, how did you get to be part of the 76th?" ... "Oh my Dad actually marched with them in 'o6... you?" "Wow! I saw the series on super speed lazer disc a while back and I joined up right away - so, your Dad was actually one of the originals... they're as amazing as the BDHs themselves...!!!"

or maybe "yeah - my Dad actually knows Tristan himself... "

At least that's how good it is in my mind!

What an amazing thought Magda, thank you for sharing it. 255 more days.

~jimi

SFC Alexander, Medic for the 76th Indepentent Army Battalion http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html
Ever marched with the Independents? Wanna?
Sign up and info here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=11&t=25704

'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 3:31 PM

FIREFLYGAL

Why did thi sfall off the top posts? Not on MY watch, bump.

I aim to misbehave!

Firefly items:
For lapel pins and badge holder lanyards
e-mail FireflyGal1@hotmail.com
www.outtotheblack.com
www.cafepress.com/fillies
www.cafepress.com/mssquarepeg.com
www.cafepress.com/mrsquarepeg.com

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 4:17 PM

TRISTAN

Evening, all!

Don't forget to sign up on the new message board BWTP created for us:
http://76thbattalion.proboards59.com/index.cgi

We will still be active here, but as time goes by, more will be posted on that board.

Boomer, I'm looking forward to the lanyard photos. Thanks again to you and the hubby!

RIMG, thank you. After the holidays calm down, I'll be able to put together a proper coat with alternate cloth.

Thanks for the bump, FFG!

To let y'all know, I have not been able to leave the vest closure issue alone. I have not been able to see how they kept them closed other than the coat, straps, etc...except Tracey, who did not have his closed. So, I have been toying around with the idea of "hidden" ways to keep them closed, and I think I have settled on velcro. I want the look to be neat-ish, and I think having the vests meet in front will go along way towards that. Again, I should have some photos of the closed vest up when I get around to them.

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 5:32 PM

GRIZWALD

I joined up over the weekend, but I probably won't actually get to march with the unit.

Can I be a medic?

ETA: Oops, I see you already have a medic.

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 5:40 PM

TRISTAN

Grizwald! Welcome to the 76th! We're glad yo joined...and if you can't march at D*C, there will (hopefully) be many other chances!

Let me get back to you on the Medic thing.

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Sunday, December 17, 2006 5:42 PM

BABYWITHTHEPOWER

Nothin' sayin' we can't have two. The only thing that will really reflect the job specialty is the costume. I haven't posted anything on the site (nor do I plan to) denoting anyone as a medic, sniper, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Monday, December 18, 2006 1:05 AM

MAGDALENA

"No power in the 'verse can stop me!"

Woo Hoo!! I signed up... I belong to the new board - which looks wonderful by the way BWTP!!

It is so sweet to be a part of all of this!!

Hey RIMG

!! I am so happy to see you in the new thread!! 255 days - that is even better than I thought!!

Did you get my email?

Hey Tristan

(ooops - sorry is it OK to kiss your commanding officer?) - the coat is so very lovely - I want one just for the heck of it!! Would a Zoe coat be OK though...?

...to march in I mean...

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Monday, December 18, 2006 1:29 AM

VERSEEXPLORER

I signed up, too.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 2:03 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

mornin soldiers.

As we grow we are definitely going to need more'n one medic, but that decision is above my pay grade. Just voicing my opinion.

Magda - 255 days and you get your hugs, and I am writing you back as I type this.

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 2:18 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

Great history Doc. Thanks for doing it for us. Great work. Can't wait to see more added to it. Here's hoping some shiny fan fic (properly approved of course) comes of it.

I second that the more medics the better.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 3:16 AM

FIREFLYGAL

May I make a suggestion? All medics must carry homemade chocolate chip cookies...

Oooooo, I'm feelin' a bit woozie.....

I aim to misbehave!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 3:30 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

* rushes over, fanning FFG as he helps to lower her to the ground, his hand then flying to a belt pouch to retrieve a rejuvinating cookie.

Here you go, sweetie. I hope it helps :)

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 4:23 AM

TRISTAN

Morning, 76th!

We had a few more recruits over the weekend...we are still growing!

I also think it would be a good idea to have more medics. So be it. Now, I'm not saying we should have as many medics as we have other MOS', but two or three would not be a bad idea. That way, the beer and cookies will be spread out a bit more.

Give me a little bit of today, and I will make an official postng on the Medic issue.

Morning, Magda. Kissing the commanding officer while performing official duties is frowned upon. However, there will be a lot of down time, so...

As far as marching, I would like to stick to one coat design. After the march, feel free to wear another coat...as long as the patches for the 76th are on it.

Morning, VE! I am glad to see you here.

BrownCoat1, morning to you, too!

FireflyGal, homemade chocolate chip cookies and homemade beer...I think that is going to make up the kit of the medic. Good job, eh?

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Monday, December 18, 2006 5:52 AM

FIREFLYGAL

Quote:
Originally posted by RiverIsMyGoddess:
* rushes over, fanning FFG as he helps to lower her to the ground, his hand then flying to a belt pouch to retrieve a rejuvinating cookie.

Here you go, sweetie. I hope it helps :)

*Ahhhh, munches on homemade chocolate chip cookie and starts to stand up. *

Thanks River, just what the doctor ordered ;)

I aim to misbehave!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 5:57 AM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Can I offer my Spice Ball cookies to the medics? My brother is addicted to 'em.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 6:04 AM

ARTCAT81

Chainmail knitting will be finished today assuming I dont go crazy and fall asleep(yay for lunchbreaks)

I am redyeing the finished knitting tonight (if the rain stops long enough for me to do so outside.. for some reason I am not trusted with messy things in the house... O:)

that means as soon as the "mail" dries I can do the metallic highlights (ooo I get to play with adhesives and head :) man I am easy to amuse)

my leatherworkign bestest buddy is standing by to experiment with buckles as soon as I hand over the "mail" and he has another leatherworking buddy standing by as well.

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse

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Monday, December 18, 2006 6:08 AM

TRISTAN

Morning, Boomer! Spice balls, eh? Hmm...they might go good with the beer!

ArtCat, thank you for the update. We are all looking forward to the photos!
Whatever you do don't go crazy and fall asleep...all manner of things could go wrong...you may end up knitting that lovely hair into the sleeves....

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Monday, December 18, 2006 6:15 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

If there are chocolate chip cookies, shouldn't there be a big glass of cold milk to wash it down? I mean really, who eats cookies without milk. That seem right to you?

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Monday, December 18, 2006 6:25 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

Milk, eh? You do make a good point.

One of the beers is made with lactose as a sweetener, which is in milk. Does that work?

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 6:40 AM

ARTCAT81

Nah more than likely if I fall asleep, my darling coworkers will think up some evil prank.. I work for a construction company so the possibilities are endless

Browncoats are the shiniest folks in the 'verse

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:03 AM

TRISTAN

RIMG, did you receive my email? Just curious, as it has some pertinent info regarding the 76th. If not, I'll resend it.
Beer-milk...hmm...BrownCoat1, the best thing I can suggest is Guinness...it goes good with chocolate.

ArtCat...be sure to lock your door, then!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:07 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

If you sent it to gmail, I will get it when I get home, as the feds don't let me check it here. Also, someone mentioned spice ball cookies, which I would love to carry, as well as others that people think of.

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:12 AM

TRISTAN

Ah. Hmm. Is there a way to get an email to you while at work, RIMG?

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:13 AM

VERSEEXPLORER

RIMG, I did purchase a Browncoat bag from one of the veders that went to Flan B. I could help carry some of the medical supplies.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:18 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

VE, that sounds great (and I am uber jealous that I didn't go to Flanthatwas).

Tristan, you can e-mail me at
james dot spettel at robins dot af dot mil
I am at that address M-F 0600-1430 EST.

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:23 AM

TRISTAN

Thank you, RIMG. Will do.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 7:49 AM

CANTER

Hi guys.

Checking in.

Again.

Tristan, I love the coat. I compared it with Mal's pictures and I think you've basically nailed it. I'm waiting very patiently for the pattern. Really, I am.

I'll be staying with my parents till 10 January, and will get some tips from my mom in the meanwhile. I've got my own sewing machine so it should not be too hard to build one myself, once I have a pattern.

I checked out the board. Apparantly I need some sort of verification code before I can log on. I'm still waiting. I requested a re-send, but it still haven't arrived. I'll try logging in again tomorrow. But it looks really nice.

DocJubal, I really like the history....I'm actually pouting a bit now, since I was working on a bit of backhistory myself, and now you've pre-empted me. Just shows you, great minds think alike!

And all: If we're doing t-shirts, I think it would be great if we could settle on a slogan and a "name" and/or a "nickname".

Like Mal's "Overlanders" with the nickname "Balls and Bayonette Brigade"

(I was also informed that the difference between a battalion and a regiment was that a regiment would more likely be made up of volunteers, and only mobilised during times of war, and that a battalion would more likely form part of a standing army. Would the 76th then not rather be a regiment?)

My research shows that in the past British regiments were initially named after their commanding officers, but that this practice fell away during the 1700's when the numbering system took its place. In SA, during the Anglo Boer war, the old regiments still used the system of referring to the commanding officers.

The nicknames are however a descriptive name, for example, we have reference to, the "Cape Town Higlanders" (mounted soldiers from scottish descent), or something that is earned through combat, and the way the regiment would conduct themselves. For example:the Cape Town Highlander's regimental nickname was "the Ladies from Hell", after their heroic exploits during the Second World War..

The British 45th Regiment became known as "the Old Stubborns" for basically the same reason, but a different war.

The Queen's Lanciers are nicknamed "the Death and Glory boys", due to the picture on their caps, and their motto of "Death and Glory"

The 11th Hussars are nicknamed "the Cherry Pickers", due to an incident during the Peninsular War, in which the 11th Hussars were attacked while raiding an orchard at San Martin de Trebejo in Spain.

And so it goes on and on....

Can I suggest then that we really flesh out the history of the regiment/battalion and then get stuck on a slogan/name/nickname.

Or am I taking this too far?
Well, that's me for the night. Should probably go home sometime. Damn! This think is addictive!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:09 AM

TRISTAN

76th! I am proud to announce the "formation" of the Medical Corps for the 76th. RiverIsMyGoddess, as SFC, will be the Officer in Charge of this (with help/advice/"whatcha need" from the CO and XO).
He has some good ideas for gear, so those of you interested in being medics feel free to contact him!
RIMG, feel free to contact me at any time if there are any questions.

Canter, morning!
Thank you for that. The pattern for this coat is mostly finalized, but I don't think I'll be ready to mass-produce copies of it before the middle of January. There are a few spots I am trying to streamline to make it a bit quicker and easier to make. I will post a general notice when I am ready to start sending them out. I would prefer to do this by snail mail and not electronically.

As for the slogan/mascot...in thinking about it, I like the idea of a short slogan, but I think the patch ought to stand in lieu of any mascot. I do not remember seeing anything of this type in the series, and while we are varying in some areas, I am not sure a mascot is the way to go just yet.
BWTP has taken it upon himself to work out a slogan for the 76th. When he has come up with a few, he will post them and we will vote.
As far as fleshing out the history, DocJubal is doing that now...or I think he is. (I will be posting something official about his being the 76th's historian in the first post of this thread to avoid confusion).
Canter, thank you for the examples. Those will really help!

You're not taking it too far, don't worry...maybe a bit far for so early in the game, but your enthusiasm is very addictive!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:09 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

Quote:
Originally posted by RiverIsMyGoddess:
Milk, eh? You do make a good point.

One of the beers is made with lactose as a sweetener, which is in milk. Does that work?

Works for me.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:31 AM

TRISTAN

Lactose as a sweetener...I had never heard of that. I am dying to taste one, though!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:34 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

After I make the trial batch I will have to distribute some of them for sampling. It will be sweetened by a mixture of lactose and molasses (hopefully).

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:36 AM

TRISTAN

RIMG, I have the perfect place to have the sampling...my Maidenhead bar! Let me know...we may be able to have a mini-shindig there.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:53 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS

Mini-shindig sounds great, and I would be willing to make the drive (and even pick up some folks along the way). If I start the beer in January it should be ready by the same day of March, which is how it looks like it is going to be. You pick a time that is good for you, I don't have any family or work obligations in that time frame.

~jimi
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'cause the Roman Gods up to that point were crap. Jeff, the god of biscuits, and Simon, the god of hair-dos.

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Monday, December 18, 2006 8:57 AM

TRISTAN

Sounds good, RIMG. As the time gets closer, we can make arrangements then!

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Monday, December 18, 2006 9:54 AM

TRISTAN

I have just been perusing our message board off-site, and have come up with a ruling regarding peace-tying knives. (thanks to both Boomer and BrownCoat1 for the info)
When at a Con that requires peace-tying weapons, members of the 76th will use zip-ties (they come in black) to secure their edged weapons into their sheaths. This will prevent the possibility of all sorts of unpleasantness from occuring.

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