- Partisans / Volkssturm -
We realize that there are a large number of airsoft players who are curious to try WW2 airsoft, but are unsure if they are ready to make the financial/time commitment necessary to become full members of the MOA and put together an outstanding Wehrmacht or Red Army soldier impression. Fortunately for these beginning players, both sides in the conflict made extensive use of Partisans – armed civilians who served in coordination with the regular troops. In any town or city with a reasonably-sized secondhand clothing store, it is a relatively simple thing to assemble a convincing Partisan impression IF A PLAYER KNOWS WHAT TO LOOK FOR. This page is here to help.
What is a partisan?
Partisans were bands of armed fighters that operated on the eastern front of WWII. They were made up of both civilians and military personell and ranged from small bands of fighters to entire armies. Due to the political turmoil of the time, these groups fought for both sides, against both sides, or even switched back and forth. Some units, such as the German Volkssturm, were hastily created by the governments from civilian populations out of desperation. As such, these units wore a combination of civilian and military equipment.
- Uniform Requirements -
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Since partisans were so diverse, they wore no exact type of uniform or equipment. The following list should help get a good "partisan" look for anyone on a budget. All items listed should easily be available at a local thrift shop.
Head: Paperboy or greek fisherman caps are best. Vintage style fedoras are ok too. Avoid the modern fedoras with the tiny brim.
Torso:
Any old suitcoat should do. Try to stick to earthen tones and avoid materials with a sheen. Pair with an old collared shirt in a white or off-white color.
Pants:
Any earthen tone dress pant is ok. The more rugged the material the better. Avoid really thin materials or fabric with a sheen. Pair with suspenders or rugged leather belt.
Equipment:
Any plain leather belt will do. Avoid shiny flashy dress belts. Think rugged, solid leather and tarnished metal. The more rugged the better. This will go about your waist over the suit to hold any ammo pouches and equipment you may have.
Footwear:
Any plain leather shoe or boot will work. The more beaten and worn the better. Pair with basic wool, or durable long socks.
Military Gear:
Any period military gear is acceptable as part of your impression. These can be either issued, or captured military items. If you are building an impression but don't yet have it completed, filling in the blanks and going as a partisan is a great way to go.
Weapon:
We understand that many going as partisans do not have a period WWII weapon. Therefore, modern weapons are acceptable ONLY if they have any and all attachments (flashlights, grenade launchers, lasers, etc.) removed. If possible, the barrel should be wrapped in burlap to hide the appearance of a modern gun. Each event will have different rules on what modern guns will be able to do, but usually they are limited to semi-auto only.
Disclaimer:
Partisan impressions are a means of allowing those who want to try WWII airsoft a way to do so if they do not have an impression. It is not a way to go to every event while not having to buy a WWII impression! Actual members are still expected to work towards getting an official WWII uniform. For information on these uniforms, please see the "Axis" and "Soviet" pages.
