The 76th Independent Battalion (part 10) by Tristan

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

The 76th Independent Battalion (part 10)

POSTED BY: TRISTAN
UPDATED: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 17:00
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Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:34 AM

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.

Something to consider...we are NOT the entire marching presence of DragonCon...we represent a group of fans that have decided to get together, dress alike, and stick to rules and regulations we have created. You do NOT need to join us in order to march at DragonCon. Also, if you can't or won't stick to the rules and regulations, then the 76th may not be the right group for you.
The XO said it better than I did, so I'll use his words here:
Bottom line folks, we said in the beginning that we could not, and would not, please everyone. If you don't like the guidelines that are in place, don't join. March in the parade under the SEBC in whatever costume you want, but if you want to be a part of the 76th, you will follow the guidelines in place. That's the deal. Shiny?

A few updates.
A lot has been added to the uniform section...helmets, soft headcovers, the smock/undertunic, etc.

Last threads:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=26166
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=26049
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=25988
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

And a dedicated message board (signup is required)
http://76thbattalion.proboards59.com/index.cgi

We have a patch!

The question of our history has been brought up and discussed in past threads. To end any debate and possible confusion, we now have one person tasked with the history of the 76th. DocJubal is now the "official historian" of the 76th. 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.

Quote:
Originally posted by DocJubal:
Iff'n anyone wants to write a detailed history of their character, drop me a line: dedoc@mac.com. I'll do my best to help float it right in line with the loose, roomy history of the Battalion that I've envisioned.

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.

This "uniform" consists of the following:
*Pants with brown stripes up the sides of the legs--links to acceptable choices will be listed later in the thread.
*An undershirt. You can wear just about anything brown or black, preferably long-sleeved, button-ups are acceptable, it does not need to have a collar
*The red vest that I have designed. I will offer these for sale or I will offer the pattern to those that would like to make their own. This pattern should not be modified except to make it fit you or the person you are making it for. There is a specific color and fabric that will be used...SLIGHT variations are allowable, but I will send fabric swatches with each pattern.
*Boots. These will be discussed later in the thread.
*The "smock" that is worn underneath the red vest. As the war progressed, these undertunics became worn and torn. Seeing as we are a newly-formed unit, I designed the smock as if it is new.
*Mail sleeves. ArtCat is making a set to be used as a model, and she has offered to make these for us, and has also linked the site where she got the pattern. This will be discussed later in the thread.
*Scarf--these will also be discussed later in the thread
*Helmet or head-covering depending upon your "job" within the 76th.

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.

I have removed the "Other photos from the series" line here. If anyone would rather I put it back, let me know.

Pants-- A similar pair 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
In searching for a female "version" of these pants on wwwmerc.com, this is the link I was given: http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=CM83&type=store&catego
ry=4140
This is an acceptable alternative for the female recruits. It appears to be the same product as the male, though.
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.
A "female version" of the pants from the first thread can be found here:
http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=CM83&type=store&catego
ry=4140
Although they are probably the same as the male version.

Vest:
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".
In order to acheive a level of uniformity, I have designed both an overcoat and a "smock". These are NOT commercially available anywhere, but are based on several different patterns. The only place to get these is through the 76th, either by ordering them from me or by getting the pattern from me.

Overcoat--This is the final pattern for the Type A 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.

Undertunic/Smock
This is the final pattern for the Type B smock/undertunic. 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 anywhere, but it is the pattern the 76th will be using. I will make these for members 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 $75.00 or less...as close to "at-cost" as I can keep them.

This is what it looks like with everything else in place:

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.

For the 76th Members, a complete description and more pictures of the sleeves can be found here:
http://76thbattalion.proboards59.com/index.cgi?board=uniform&action=di
splay&thread=1166804211

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.
Roon located a source for US helmets:
http://armynavyplus.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Store/c-Surplus.html?L+sc
store+ktrr6920ffee41ee+1166637956
Both of these helmets are close enough in resemblance to be used, so either one is acceptable for the 76th.
BrownCoat1 has a local supplier of US-style helmets. Contact him for further info.
Soft headgear
The XO located some good-looking "flydanas"/skullcaps for the Snipers and Demos to wear. Also, these headcoverings can be worn by the remainder of the recruits UNDER the helmet during the march and as the primary headcovering during the rest of the Con. We still ask that you wear your helmets for the parade.
The link to purchase the soft headcovers is http://www.sparklingearth.com/products.asp?category=100005
As there are a wide variety of choices on the site, we have tried to make it easy. The following headcovers are approved for use by the 76th:

Desert Skull Cap-Red--Item#202:202-1032 (for the Enlisted personnel)

Desert Skull Cap-Navy--Item#202:202-1034 (for the officers, commissioned and non-commissioned)

Desert Skull Cap-Black Air Flow--Item#202:202-2007 (for the Snipers and Demos)

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

Nightsky (posting on the Proboard) came across this link: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/411,72195_Double-H-Gore-Tex-Lacer-B
oots-Waterproof-For-Men.html
BWTP has also come across a link for slip-on style boots. Most of the boots contained in here are acceptable...if you have a question, please do not hesitate to ask. Remember to think brown!
http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/Category.cgi?category=7100&type=store

Scarf:
UPDATED--The 76th will be getting rid of the green scarves for the Non-commissioned officers. They will now be wearing the blue scarves of the commissioned officers. (This will be done so we have less to deal with costume-wise and it will be easier to match the soft headcover that has been made available)
It has also been decided to use blue scarves for the comissioned officers and red for the enlisted. As far as the type of cloth, try for something lightweight, possibly a crepe material. Try to match as closely as possible the colors in the 76th patch for the blue and the vests for the red.

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:
www.OutToTheBlack.com carries the patch that we will be using. The star is a navy blue, which is the color in the Firefly Companion book.
Thank you again to Sister for getting these patches into my hands so we could see what they looked like up close and personal.

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.

Rank Insignia
We have decided on the subdued sew-on rank patches. They will be easy to place on the Type A uniform, but we are still bouncing around ideas on the Type B. We will be wearing the US Army ranks, but upside down, per BWTP.
Here are some links to purchasing these ranks:

Quote:
If you order from here, these are the one's with rank equivelant:

E-2 = PVT
E-3 = PFC
CPL = Corporal (I know oyu know this, I'm posting all)
E-5 = SGT
E-6 = SSG
E-7 = SFC
1SG = First Sergeant

1LT = Lieutenant Going with 1LT rather than 2LT.
The rest are self explainitory.

Officers:
http://www.1800nametape.com/army-off.htm#DESERT
Enlisted:
http://www.1800nametape.com/army-enl.htm#DESERT

If you are unsure of your rank, check the main website, or email myself of BWTP.

As for Demolitions, Nicodemus is currently working on several projects.
ArtCat and LostThought are also 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.

DocJubal has also started a Weapons thread for help, advice, photos, modifications, etc:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=26000

BoomerGoodheart and her husband have made 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!) Check these out!

You can get these directly from Boomer, or contact them through their website: http://www.legendaryleatherworks.com

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.

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!

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

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Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:37 AM

TRISTAN

editing in process...there are two that posted...curses!

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

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Wednesday, January 3, 2007 9:24 AM

KAELE

Not to beat a dead horse, but I just wanted to add a few things in here from the last thread.

Quote:
Additionally, if you don't have / can't afford (either for reasons of finances or laws banning them in your home town/country), things like the weapons can be borrowed from others who will be bringing extras.

I completely agree with this going to cost a pretty Alliance credit, but my thoughts are this:

If I don't, for one reason or another, manage to get all my necessary pieces of the uniform together for D*C, I may march anyway, just behind the group. I may not march and just stand by the sidelines and take pictures.

I knew what the requirements were when I joined up. In a Marching Band, there are NO variations allowed in the uniform except in make of instrument. If I am not able to march with the unit at D*C, it doesn't mean I NEVER will. I can finish my uniform at a later date and march with the unit the next time around. It could be at D*C or another convention I attend. I'm still a member and am working on my uniform. I'm contributing to the group and doing my share.

I like the idea of having a group akin to the 501st. They're very visible and their cohesiveness makes for an attractive whole. Some sacrifices have to be made to get that uniformity, but I don't think the Officers are asking us to do anything unreasonable. Just enough to make us look like a UNIT, not like a ragtag bunch of vets at the end of the war. Dirt and grime look authentic but not so nice on the parade ground. Since we're going for a more Drill and Ceremony look, it just makes sense to me.

~Kaele
PA Browncoats, Delaware Valley Brigade
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/PA_browncoats/

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Wednesday, January 3, 2007 9:37 AM

KELKHIL

The Smock is cool Tristan...er Sir, yeah that's what I ment. Hehehe.

Kelkhil

The Shirtless Forsaken

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Wednesday, January 3, 2007 9:41 AM

TRISTAN

Thank you for that, Kaele.

And thank you, too, Kelkhil.

Something else for possible recruits to remember...no, you can't be Mal, Zoe, Tracey, or any specific character from the series. We are a different unit than the 57th, and as such are developing our own characters. One of the things we have over on the Proboard is an area for your own personal "history" and fanfics based around the 76th (moderated by DocJubal).

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

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Wednesday, January 3, 2007 10:29 PM

NAUGHTYMAN

Hello Col. Tristan,

Nice to see the new tunic.It looks great!!!
I'm glad to see that you're continuing discussions about the 76th on this board.Unfortunately I am unable to use the proboard,it won't let me log in because it insists that I am already logged in.I don't know if there is anything I can do about this.If you have any ideas please advise.

Pvt. Jones

"Come a day there won't be room for naughty men like us to slip about at all"

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Thursday, January 4, 2007 3:56 AM

TRISTAN

NaughtyMan, contact BabyWithThePower....he has a bit more saavy than do I when it comes to the Proboard...
I'll look at it and see if I can figure anything out, though.

______________________________________
Commanding Officer of the 76th Independent Battalion

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Thursday, January 4, 2007 7:29 AM