The focus of Crew 976 is that of a United States Army Coast Artillery unit in the months just prior to the beginning of World War Two. To maintain this theme, our basic Scout uniforms are patterned after the Army khaki uniform worn by those units in the warmer climates of the United States.

The basic khaki uniform, which is worn at meetings, special events, ceremonies, and for living histories. It consists of:

• khaki garrison cap with scarlet trim
• khaki shirt, long sleeve with two chest pockets with flaps
• khaki tie
• khaki trousers, with watch pocket
• khaki web belt
• brown boots, smooth leather, with leather or rubber composite soles
• leggings, light olive #7 shade

The components of the basic uniform are inexpensive, and can be purchased easily. The Shirt and Trousers are from Sears. They are the Sears "Roebucks" work uniform. The long sleeve shirt has the correct collar and pocket design, and the Trousers with the button top are of the correct pattern. When put side by side with original uniforms from WW2, these outfits are very close. The remaining items, the tie, cap, belt, and leggings, can either be purchased through the Crew Quartermaster, or from some of the Militaria dealers listed below. The scarlet trim can be added to a plain cap by the Crew Quartermaster. Also, the collar insignia and unit sleeve patch can be obtained from the Crew Quartermaster. On average, the total cost of the uniform should run about $75.

In addition to the basic, or Class C uniform, we also wear a Fatigue or Class D uniform. This is used during training and drill where the khaki uniform might get dirty. It consists of Denim trousers either from Sears Roebucks, or from Dickies. They are dark blue, with white stitching. The pants originally come with a hammer loop and ruler pocket, but these items are removed. In addition, a Crew 976 T-Shirt is worn with this uniform. To top the uniform off, and make it correct for Coast Artillery gun drills and living histories, a denim jacket is added, along with a denim "Daisy Mae" cap. The jackets are made individually, and cost about $55. The caps are from one of the venders below.

In addition to Coast Artillery activities, Crew 976 participates in World War Two living histories, and Combat Tacticals. A Tactical is essentially a war game between opponents from both sides. Reenactors dressed as GI's and Germans go into the woods, and, using the tactics and weapons of the day, fight for objectives using blank ammunition.

The uniforms and equipment for this activity is specific, and can be somewhat expensive to obtain. Crew Members who wish to participate in these activities, can use gear owned by the Crew for the first one or two tacticals, but are expected to begin obtaining their own gear as soon as possible. WW2 gear required for Combat includes:

• M1 steel helmet with liner (Viet-Nam era helmets are acceptable)
• GI shirt, either wool or HBT
• GI pants, either wool or HBT
• web belt and leggings (basic uniform items can be used)*
• brown boots (basic items can be used)*
• m1923 Cartridge Belt
• canteen with cover and cup
• first aid pouch

Other optional items may be added at the Members discretion. Consult with other Members or Advisors on what items may be appropriate.

Crew 976, although an Artillery unit, also uses Infantry weapons for special purposes. When we participate in living histories, memorial services, and Tactical events, Members use original WW2 weapons or reproductions, to fire blank rounds. The weapons for drill and ceremony are often provided by our sponsor, the National Armed Services and Law Enforcement Museum. Weapons for combat are sometimes provided by those Adult Members that have extras, and are willing to loan them out. There are certain rules, and expectations when working with these weapons. If you have a weapon of your own you wish to use, it must first be inspected by a competant gunsmith for safe operation. Additionally, minors must have written permission from their parent or legal guardian to use the weapon in crew activities. Only members 16 years and older may use weapons and blanks in combat events. No member under 18 may use a weapon un-supervised.

Weapons used by Crew 976 include:

• Model 1903 or 1903a3 Springfield Rifle
• M1 Garand Rifle
• M1 Carbine
• M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle
• M1919 Browning Machine Gun
• Thompson or M3 Submachine Gun
• M1911 Colt Pistol or 1917/1895 style Revolver