The purpose of this unit is to portray the fighting men of the 25^th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. Our primary impression is  from 1968 to 1970. To honor this division, our authenticity in uniforms and equipment standards will be of the highest standard both in the field and in barracks. In the spirit of the "Tropical Lightning", our physical standards are high to ensure safety, endurance, and the proper Combat Infantryman image. These standards are not meant to deter prospective members, but to outline the expectations that we have of our membership. Only by creating and maintaining such high standards in uniform, equipment, and attitude can we respectfully represent the veterans of the 25^th Infantry Division

These Bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures are the standards by which the unit will conduct it in order to affect our stated purpose. All Bylaws and rules will be strictly upheld.

The 25^th ID requires that all of its members adhere to the requirements listed in Articles 1-3 of this document. Failure to adhere to any of these requirements is grounds for dismissal from the unit. In order to maintain the 25^th ID’s standards, a high level of devotion is expected from its membership. The 25^th ID must be the principle Vietnam Reenacting unit that the member is affiliated with. There is no "application" to the unit. Membership invites are extended to individuals based on the majority recommendation of the active membership. This is to ensure that each candidate is willing to contribute to the unit and maintain the camraderie of the group.

When a probationary member attains all of the requirements for Private First Class, they become a Member in Good Standing.  If a Member in Good Standing fails to attend 50% of the events for a reenacting season, they are automatically moved to Associate Membership. An Associate Member enjoys all of the privileges of the unit in the field and within the unit. The only difference between an Associate Member and a Member in Good Standing is voting privilege. Associate Members are not allowed to vote on unit business. If an Associate Member attends 50% of the next season’s events, they are automatically moved back to Member in Good Standing Status.

In the event that a majority (80%) of the membership feels that a treasury needs to be established, each member of the 25^th ID will be required to pay annual dues as deemed necessary. The purpose of dues is to provide a mechanism to purchase goods and equipment for unit activities. Among the priority items are: fuel, vehicle transportation costs, ammunition, specialized equipment, etc. Annual dues may be increased by obtaining a simple majority in a general membership vote.

The structure of the unit will be based on platoon strength with mechanized support. The number of active members and the assignment of squads will be loosely based on event attendance.

No individual will be permitted to hold or display rank earned in another unit. New members, regardless of previous affiliation with other groups, will enter the 25^th at the rank of Private. Exception will be made in the following circumstance only. If the CO  recommends that a new member come in with a standing rank, and the new member has completed equipment levels one through three, the officers and NCOs will vote to approve the new member’s rank.

Each individual shall be required, as stated in Article III, to bring all level one gear to each event. If levels two or three are required, it shall be the responsibility of the CO to notify all members of the unit two weeks in advance as to the prescribed additions/ substitutions.

One week prior to any event, the CO shall issue an order of the day to each squad leader. That order shall list all items required to be carried or worn by each individual in the field. The CO will communicate that order by issuing a copy of Article III to the Yahoo Groups Page with the appropriate items marked. It shall also be the CO’s final decision as to whether or not an individual can participate in the day’s events without having all items required by the list.

All clothing and equipment must be kept serviceable. All shirts, jackets and coats are required to have Division insignia on left shoulder and rank insignia on both arms if applicable. Hair is to be of a short, neat appearance. Tapered around the back and ears and off the collar. Facial hair must be neatly groomed and regulation standard. No established facial hair such as beards, handle bar mustaches, goatees, etc. If you wear glasses, you need to use a set of vintage frames or contacts for events.

Level 1: Basic Clothing and Equipment

Level 3: Optional Items For Your Impression

___Mattress, Pneumatic
___Carrier, Sleeping, M-1956 (spaghetti straps)
___Rucksack, Lightweight, M-1963 with Frame T62-1
___Rucksack, Tropical
___Gas Mask, M17, M17A1 or XM Series
___Personal Items such as foot powder, sun tan cream, toiletries, etc.
___Towel, OD
___Insect Repellant Bottle
___Period Weapons Cleaning Equipment
___PRC Radio with accessories
___Medic’s Bag with supplies
___Knife, Combat
___Marker Panel
___Strobes
___High Capacity Canteen
___Machete with period cover
___Wristwatch, Period, commercial or military
___Grenades, Smoke or Fragmentation (Frags inert)
___Any period items that add to your impression.

Approved Individual Weapons:

___M-16A1 / AR-15 Rifle Full Size *
    ___M7 Bayonet with M8A1 Scabbard (M-16 Rifle)
___M-14 Rifle (with correct optics for sniper use)**
    ___M6 Bayonet with M8A1 Scabbard (M-14 Rifle)
___Machinegun, M-60
___Launcher, Grenade, M-79
___Specialized Accessories / Pouches Per Weapon Requirement
___G.I. Cleaning Kit

Semi-automatic versions of above weapons are authorized for use.
*All troops are REQUIRED to have an M-16A1 or AR-15 with full buttstock and 20" barrel as their primary weapon.  It must be early configuration: early rear site, triangle handguards, bayonet lug, straight pistol grip, solid or early trap door buttstock, three prong flashider or full bird cage.
** The M14 is only for approved use as a sniper rifle. The 25th fielded snipers in Vietnam along side standard infantry platoons. One will be allowed in the field at a time and it must be equipped with one of the following scopes: ANPVS-2 or  ARTEL.
**All rifles are to be fitted with a "Hollywood" style Blank Firing Adapter (BFA). No GI blank adapters. "Hot" blanks should be used whenever possible.