Basic uniform requirements
The following is a list of the absolute minimum items
needed to portray a rifleman in the 4ID. 
New recruits don't have to get everything at once,
as many members have spare gear to use for loaner purposes. 
However, we do request that they have the basics 
by their second year.
 
Basic Uniform


Wool Shirt and Trousers
or
HBT uniform
Boots (either low quarter or double buckle)
Leggings (with low Quarter boots)
Jeep cap or HBT cap
Army service waistbelt
M1 Helmet with correct chinstrap and liner
  
Basic Gear

 
Canteen, cup and Cover, WWII style, either original
or approved reproduction
M36 Suspenders
10 pocket, preferably Khaki
Carlisle bandage pouch (with bandage)
Mess Kit and utensils
E-Tool (Preferably T-handle, but folding 
accepted if correct design, and cover)

The above covers all the gear necessary (except weapon)
to portray a common GI in WWII. 
 
Secondary uniform requirements
The following are secondary uniform items.  While not required,
it is recommended that the recruit acquire at least a jacket
within their first two years of becoming a member of the 4th ID. 
M41 field jacket;
or M43 field jacket and M43 field trousers;
or Wool Overcoat

 
Secondary Gear
All secondary gear is optional, but makes a better impression.
While not every item is needed, picking and choosing will help
you portray a common soldier better. 
M1910 or M1928 Haversack with meat can and E-tool
Musette Bag (Typically an officers kit, but some soldiers did carry them)
Sleeping Bag and cover
Wool Blanket
Pup Tent (MUST be WWII era, with proper tent poles and stakes)
M3 Fighting Knife and scabbard
GI Sweater
Mackinaw Poncho
Bayonet and scabbard
Weapons
M1 Garand - The staple of Infantry Weapons
or 
M1 Carbine - Used by Officers and Weapon Crews, 
these weapons are acceptable as Infantry weapons
or
M1903 Springfield - Common early war weapon, 
but continued in use throughout the war. 
or 
Browning Automatic Rifle or B.A.R. - Light infantry 
support weapon, every squad had a B.A.R. 
Other weapons, such as the grease gun, or Thompson?
Check with the officer in charge.

The idea of this list to help the new recruit understand what is 
required of him. Purchasing every item on this list will not make or
break an impression. It depends on the presentation. Nothing will destroy
an impression faster, then having something anachronistic in your kit. 
Drinking a pop from a modern can, wearing your hair shoulder length, 
eating chips from a bag, all these things will destroy an impression
much faster then not having all the gear. The basic gear listed above
is all that is needed to have an excellent impression, that and a little
study is all you really need.
  Also, feel free to ask about any items listed. We would be more then
happy to assist a new recruit in gathering his equipment, including 
what stuff to shy away from. We know what we like to see, so if there 
is a question, ask!!