The german fallschirmjager had uniforms and equipment that were very unique and issued to them only. Later in the war, due to limited time to receive proper uniforms and equipment, production issues, and the fact that many FJ's did not get jump training, many fallschirmjagers were issued with some items that were available to everyone. FJR 6 however was the last fully jump qualified regiment just before D-Day and most of its FJ's were equipped with the proper uniforms and equipment, so in our group we require those items. Below is the list of required equipment items and places to buy said items.
For authenticity purposes and a little unit cohesion it is expected that new members buy only from the listed places next to each item. Unfortunately there is no "one-stop-shop" for all the items we require, so please give attention to the lists and the notes under certain items.
if any items you are trying to order are out of stock, contact the unit commander for further direction.
!! note about camouflage !!
Something to learn, the Luftwaffe had their own form of camouflage that we today call the "Splinter B" pattern. It is similar to the Heer (army) "Splinter A" pattern but has clear differences. While "Splinter A" has more elongated shapes and smoother edges, the Luftwaffe's "Splinter B" pattern has tighter more "Blocky" shapes with sharper, more jagged edges. Note the differences in the pic below. ALL of the Fallschirmjagers splinter camo jump smocks, ammo bandoleers, and helmet covers were made of the "Splinter B" camo. "SPLINTER A" JUMP SMOCKS, ammo bandoleers, and fj helmet covers DID NOT EXIST !! Learn the difference so you can tell which is which, study this difference. The only "Splinter A" item that the Fallschirmjager used was the zeltbahn (tent).
!!! note- there were other types of jump smocks used, such as the "type 2 step in" versions and the "type 3 tan and water camo" (also called "sumpf" or sumpftarn" camo) version. Since we are a new and currently smaller group, we will not be using any of those versions. The "type 3 splinter B" jump smock was the most commonly used one from mid to late war, so that is the only one we will allow at this time, and again, please only buy this from the 2 specified places above. if you choose to buy from spearhead, pay attention to the "type" you are buying. he sells a "type 2 splinter B step in" version, which did exist, but was very rare. do not buy this version !!! also, if ordering from spearhead on ebay, pay attention to the length of the smock you order. it should measure from the collar to the knee cap. when ordering from panther store, they take your measurement from head to toe and will calculate what the correct length needs to be themselves. trust them, they are very good at this. mine turned out perfect. !! warning !! there is an actual website called spearhead. this website is a fraud, do not order from it !! only order from the ebay link above. the ebay seller (kleiderkasse) does have a website called www.godarsinc.com but it is probably best to order from him on ebay.
note- the helmet liners that come in all reproduction fj helmets are junk. they are made very poorly and cause the helmet to sit way to high on the head. contact the unit commander to find out what to do about this problem. guys with bigger heads may want to order the size large helmet from asmc. also, we are going for a basic look, so all helmets need to be painted in the proper dark field grey color. helmets with camo paint jobs are not allowed at this time. there are other options for helmets, such as nets, chicken wire, bailing wire, helmet covers, ect. contact the unit commander for more info on these extra options.
note- these are not the normal y straps that were issued to regular troops. these are the type that were mainly issued to fallschirmjager and are almost always labled as fallschirmjager y straps. they do not have the extra straps on the front for connecting to an "a frame" or tornister pack and also lack the d-rings on the back.
note- get 3 of these. They were used to connect the front hooks of the y straps to the equipment belt, and sometimes used to connect the canteen to the equipment belt. they are very useful and help to keep your gear together.
note- there were other bandoleers made in solid colors, like blue for example or a greyish field green color, but it is difficult to find ones that are of good quality. so for now, beginners can just get one of the ones listed above. if you would really like one of the other colored ones, just contact the unit commander for info on where to find them. !! warning !! there is an actual website called spearhead. this website is a fraud, do not order from it !! only order from the ebay link above. the ebay seller (kleiderkasse) does have a website called www.godarsinc.com but it is probably best to order from him on ebay.
note- Both the Luftwaffe blue and the regular m40 breadbags were used by the fallschirmjager mid to late war. they got whatever was handed to them at issuance. whichever one you would like to use is up to you, but it is preferred to get the blue one. the blue one just helps us to stand out more as Luftwaffe troops.
note- an original mess kit is preferred and can be found on ebay or sometimes 1944 militaria gets them in. pay attention to the hooks the wire handle attaches to, the height of the top portion, and the loops for the strap. the ones in the pics are all correct. if you can't find an original, hessen antique has some post war ones that are very close and will work. please contact the unit commander before buying a post war mess kit to verify it will be ok to use.