[Brian McIlmoyle]

Farb, (reenactment)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Farb is a derogatory term used in the hobby of historical reenacting in reference to participants who are perceived to exhibit indifference to historical authenticity, either from a material-cultural standpoint or in action. It can also refer to the inauthentic materials used by those reenactors.

Also called "polyester soldiers,"[1] farbs are reenactors who spend relatively little of their time or money maintaining authenticity with regard to uniforms, accessories, objects or period behavior. The 'Good Enough' attitude is pervasive among farbs, although even casual observers may be able to point out flaws.

Farbiness is dependent upon context as well as expectations and is somewhat subjective. For example, while a "mainstream" reenactor might accept an object that looks right from a spectator perspective, a "progressive" or "hard core" reenactor might consider the object to be farby if it's not made in a historically accurate manner.
let me just say, I hate the term FARB.. I dislike how it used by some people as a sneering way to make themselves feel better about themselves. ( this applies to persons in the wider reenactment community online, not to anyone here or related to us)
Personally I'd prefer that we abolish the term within our communications between us and others.

As a reenactment unit, we have a commitment to achieve a high level of authenticity in our impressions.

We are trying as much as is practical and possible to step into the shoes of a member of our chosen unit. Both in the physical representation of our personal kit and equipment and in our behavior and mind set.

There are of course practical limits to this goal. Not everyone has the resources to step onto the filed in a fully fleshed out impression, They have to build it up over time. Others may have a differing motivation to their participation and be more concerned with the tactical elements of our activities vs the "living History" elements. We need to address all of these motivations.

Building up over time is the expected process. My expectation is from the time that a person expresses interest in joining the unit and they are ready to enter the field with a solid fieldable impression.. 6 months will elapse.. and they will have attended at least 3 events with a "work in progress" impression. Certainly some people will advance faster than this, but persons who advance slower, calls into question their motivations, and commitment to our goals.

During this time we as a unit will have assisted this person in gathering their gear, we may have even lent or donated to them some gear we no longer use. We must also instill in them that within the unit there is an expectation that people will strive towards the most authentic impression they can create, with the assurances that we are and remain an active "fighting" unit, not a showpiece.

As a guideline for all members, and prospective members let me lay out what is necessary to embark on becoming a unit member.

1, desire and engagement in our goals. We are NOT "airsofters" we are not defined by our chosen tools. This is a reenactment unit.

2. commitment to develop a field effective personal impression within 6 months of joining the unit as a recruit composed of .
period appropriate weapon- new recruits should not expect to serve as anything other than a rifleman at first an appropriate weapon is a K98 or a STG44.
Basic uniform - Dot44 HBT, Service shirt, belt/suspenders, low boots, Gaiters, equipment belt, Breadbag, Canteen, Steel helmet. ( you need none of this to join, but you need to start getting it right away)

3, commitment to acquire, Ammunition pouches, bayonet, Y-straps, Mess tin, Gas mask canister, and entrenching tool, Camouflage smock, and soft cap before they are promoted from "recruit" to Schütze

4. additional equipment, Assault pack, and pack bag, Oakleaf pattern Zeltbahn, Ezbit stove, Wool blanket, Gloves, Scarf,
Wool service uniform, for use in colder weather events.

5.Cold weather gear, insulated coat, fall side oakleaf pattern, pants, greatcoat, for participation in cold weather events ( we operate year round)

6.Camp impression items....if the member so chooses

The above is a long list, but it come together quickly, and keep in mind that many people take a couple of years to get down to the items in #5 above.

In all cases there are substantial consultation resources available within and associated with this unit, you should ask questions about items you intend to get and check regarding the quality of various suppliers so that you can know what to expect when you buy. Some suppliers are not concerned with quality or authenticity, and a lot of money can be wasted on items that you will end up wanting to replace. it's always better to save up and buy the good quality items first, they serve better and longer and make a better impression than poorer quality items. All purchases have to be tempered with your available resources. Getting it right is important, but getting into the field is just as important.

overall, we do this as a hobby, for fun and enjoyment, and in respect to those who wore the uniforms in life and death, it's an odd mix to be certain, but I have found this to be a very rewarding experience, and am honoured to serve as the unit Officer Commanding.
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Obersturmfuhrer Roland Krieger (reenactor Brian A Mcilmoyle)
Officer Commanding 1st Platoon
1st Company 20th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment
9th SS Panzer Division (Hohenstaufen)

Wenn die Zunge wie ein Schwert schneiden konnten die Toten wäre unendlich