8th GMC SOP
PREFACE
A SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) is a
set of instructions that state the desires of the commander in regard to the
conduct of routine and recurring operations, thereby reducing the amount of detail
in orders. SOPs are standing orders that establish the internal functions,
procedures of a unit, and its operating practices in garrison and tactical
environments.
This SOP should be used as a guide only. It
is neither all inclusive, nor oriented towards a particular location or event.
Members of the 8th GUARDS MECHANIZED CORPS (8th GMC), are encouraged to suggest
additions or changes to this SOP. Suggesting must be submitted to the Commander
8th GMC.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the 8th GMC is to allow people
interested in the study of the Red Army of WWII to participate in historical
reenactments, living history displays, preparations of historical publications
and other media, and other associated activities. The 8th GMC’s intent is to
preserve the knowledge and educate the public of the contribution of the people
of the Soviet Union to the defeat of nazi Germany in WWII as an ally of the
United States and Great Britian. This SOP is the guide for members of the 8th
GMC as to the basic functions of the 8th GMC as a historical organization.
All Members are required to possess a copy of
and understand this SOP.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER
1
Personnel
and Administration
1.1
Membership Requirements
1.2
The Boot
1.3
Uniforms and Authenticity
1.4
Rank, Awards, and Decorations
1.5
Formations and Personnel Accountability
CHAPTER
2
Security
2.1
Personal Equipment Security
2.2
Weapon Security
2.3
Vehicle Security
CHAPTER
3
Operations
3.1
Garrison Operations
3.2
Tactical Operations
CHAPTER
4
Supply
4.1 Unit
Supply
4.2
Lend Lease Policy
CHAPTER 1
Personnel and Administration
1.1 Membership Requirements
1.1.1 Individuals wishing to join the 8th GMC MUST
contact the Commander or Political Officer of the 8th GMC and be members of at
least one recognized Historical reenactment organization (HRO), such as the
WWII Historical Reenactment Society or the 20th Century Tactical Studies Group.
For persons who are presently not members of a parent HRO, the commander will
supply the appropriate registration forms and information on how to join a HRO
of their choice. Prospective members must be interviewed by the commander. The
commander is the only approving authority for membership in the 8th GMC.
1.1.2 Applications for parent HRO’s must have the
commander’s signature. Applications and dues will be submitted directly to the
parent HRO. There are no dues in the 8th GMC. Unit members who wish to be kept
informed of unit activities will subscribe to ‘RED BANNER’, the newsletter of
the 8th GMC. The subscription is $5.00 a year for four issues. Contact the
commander to subscribe.
1.1.3 Individuals must report their parent HRO and
membership card number to the commander. Individuals will not be allowed to
participate in unit functions without proof of valid membership in a parent
HRO.
1.2 The Boot
1.2.1
If a memeber is determined to be an enemy of the people for acts of theft,
safety violations, or other serious misconduct, that comrades’s membership will
be revolked.
1.2.2 When such misconduct has taken place, a
military concil consisting of the commander and the political officer and all
members present will be held. A majority vote of the military council will
determine if disciplinary action is necessary and what that action should be,
with the maximum punishment being expulsion from the 8th GMC. The decision of
the military council will be refered to the commander, who will be the final
authority for disciplinary action in the 8th GMC.
1.2.3
When a member has been expelled from the 8th GMC, a report of the
ex-member’s actions and the termination of membership will be submitted by the
commander to the president of the ex-member’s parent HRO, along with a
recommendation wether the ex-member should be allowed to participate in future
activities of the parent HRO.
1.3 Uniforms and Authenticity
1.3.1
The standard minimum uniform of the 8th GMC is the M35 or M43 tunic and
trousers, or reasonable facsimiles of said items; leather, canvas, or web waist
belt with roller buckle of WWII pattern; impregnated canvas or leather jack
boots or ankle boots with puttees; pilotka side cap; M40 steel helmet; ammo
pouch of the appropriate design for personal weapon; canteen with cover; rank
shoulder boards; and guards badge worn on the right breast.
1.3.2 Additional gear, although not required,
should be added to the basic minimum requirements, since we are portraying a
guards unit which would be generally better equipped historically, and for
reasons of common sense. A rain cape / Shelter half should be acquired to house
one’s self in camp and to keep dry in the rain. A mess kit and spoon for
messing in tactical environment is a must. No tin plates. A ruck sack or gas
mask bag is good in order to store all items not carried elsewhere. Members
should work to improve their impression, and should refer to photo histories to
varify items to be carried.
1.3.3 The standard firearm of the 8th GMC is the
M-44 Carbine. Other weapons may be used if it is associated with a member’s
position in the Table of Organization and Equipment.
1.3.4
Other weapons authorized are M91/30 of soviet design, no Finnish manufactured
rifles, Soviet WWII pattern automatic weapons, and any WWII soviet
semi-automatic rifles. Officers are authorized to carry a side-arm of Soviet
WWII issue only.
1.3.5
The unit authenticity officer (A.O.) is the Senior Sergeant. Questions of
authenticity or uniform should be directed to him. Other personnel may, at an
event, be designated as authenticity
officers. This position is only for that particular event.
1.3.6 The standards of authenticity will be
maintained from first formation ‘FALL IN’ (approx. 0630-0700) to last formation
‘DISMISSED’ (1700-1800). During those hours no non-period items will be seen in
the camp of in the tactical environment. These non-period items include but are
not limited to: digital watches, eyeglasses, soda cans, sleeping bags, cooking
gear, and anything else designated by the A.O.
1.4
Rank, Awards, and Decorations
1.4.1
Rank is determined by position in the Table of Organization and Equipment
(TO&E) and is determined by the commander, assisted by the political
officer and the Senior Sergeant with the mutual consent of the member. The
TO&E rank system is structured to ensure appointment of responsibility for
the leaders of crew sreved weapons and to facilitate a smooth flow of command.
1.4.2 The Guards Badge will be worn by all members
of the 8th GMC
1.4.3 There is no merit or point system for awards
and decorations in the 8th GMC.
1.4.4
Awards are broken into three categories, Military Orders, Valour Medals, and
Campaign Medals.
1.4.4.1
Military Orders include the Order of the Red Star, Order of the Patriotic War,
and Order of the Red Banner.
1.4.4.2
Valour Medals include the Medal for Combat Service and the Medal for Valour.
1.4.4.3
Campaign Medals include: For the Defense of
Leningrad. Established December 22, 1942.; For
the Defense of Moscow. Established May 1, 1944.;For
the Defense of Odessa. Established December 22, 1942.; For the Defense of Sevastopol. Established December 22,
1942. ;For the Defense of Stalingrad.
Established December 22, 1942. ; For the
Defense of Kiev. Established June 21, 1961.; For
the Defense of the Caucasus. Established May 1, 1944.; and For the Defense of the Soviet Polar Region. Established
December 5, 1944.
1.4.5 If an individual distinguishes themselves for contribution
to the membership in the form of physical labor or organizing an event,
bringing a significant number of recruits, etc., A member of the unit may bring
this forward to the unit membership and the military council. The recommender
will present to the council a summery of the contribution of the member being
recommended for an award. The commander will consult the LEGAAL CODE OF ORDRS
AND MEDALS OF THE USSR to determine if the act of that individual meets the
statutes of an award. The commander will nominate an award for the discussion
of the council. The council can either approve the award nomination or reject
the award nomination. If not approved, then the commander will select another
award for recommendation to the council. If approved, the council will vote and
the result will be announced to the commander. Upon approval of the commander
the member will be then presented with either a Military Order or a Valour
Medal.
1.4.6 Upon the approval of an award by the military council and
the commander, a collection will be taken from the members of the military
council to pay for the award.
1.4.7 Campaign Medals are worn at the discretion of the member. No
more than three campaign medals may be worn at one time. No campaign medal that
postdates an event ‘time-period’ may be worn.
1.4.8
Orders and Medals are authorized for wear by members of the 8th GMC at all
times, including combat. Medals and Orders that are lost by the bearer will be
replaced at the owner’s expense.
1.5 Formations and Personnel
Accountability
1.5.1
The Senior Sergeant is responsible for formations and personnel accountability
during battles and other activities attended by the 8th GMC
1.5.2
All leader maintain accountability of and responsibility for their assigned
personnel.
1.5.3
All leaders are expected to know the duties and responsibilities of the next
higher level member in the chain of command, and all those of their
subordinates.
1.5.4
At any event, in all situations, the senior member of the 8th GMC present will
take charge and lead all those present, and will assume the authority and
responsibility of the commander. Failure of a leader to comply with directive
will result in disciplinary action by the military council.
1.5.5
Event safety and ammunition inspections will be conducted either prior to, or
in conjunction with, event sponsors. The Senior Sergeant and the Political
Officer are responsible for conducting safety inspections.
1.5.6
Formations and inspections for events and battles will be announced by the
commander or political officer as necessary.
CHAPTER 2
Security
2.1 Personal Equipment
Security
2.1.1
The responsibility for security of equipment and personal items rests with the
individual. Incidents of theft within the 8th GMC will not be tolerated.
Individuals proven guilty of theft will
be expelled from the unit as described in CHAPTER 1, section 2,
paragraph 2.
2.1.2
For security of personal items, the 8th GMC strongly recommends that members
lock valuables in their personally owned vehicle.
2.1.3 The responsibility for weapons security rests with the individual.
2.1.4
Because a lost weapon at an event / battle could result in the responsible unit
being banned from future attendance, the 8th GMC will expell the member
responsible for a lost weapon. NO EXCUSES WILL BE TOLERATED.
2.1.5
Automatic weapons must comply with the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) and must have approved, required forms.
3.0 Vehicle Security
2.2.1
Common sense dictates that security of Private vehicles rests with the
individual.
2.2.2
Security of Tactical Vehicles rests with the owner. The 8th GMC strongly
recommends locks with chains and / or hatch locks.
2.2.3
At events the 8th GMC will lager all tactical vehicles together for added
security. If necessary guards will be posted (at the discression of the
military council and the commander).
CHAPTER 3
Operations
3.1 Garrison Operations
3.1.1
The Commander is responsible for 8th GMC at all times while at an event.
However, the political officer assisted by the senior sergeant will directly
supervise 8th GMC personnel while in garrison sites.
3.1.2
The personnel of the 8th GMC are expected to conduct themselves in a muture
responsible manner while at events. Any conduct that brings dishonor to the unit is subject to disciplinary action by
the military council.
3.1.3 During an event /
battle, if the 8th GMC is tasked with additional duties by the event sponsors,
the senior sergeant or his representative will control the duty roster. Exemptions from the duty roster are approved
only by the political officer. 3.2
Tactical Operations
3.2.1
tactical operations are controlled by the commander, assisted by the political
officer and sergeants. Squad and crew integrity will be maintained whenever
possible.
3.2.2
Members are required to have a basic knowledge or squad drill and basic
tactics, conducted in Russian, as well as the employment of their weapons as
outlined in the 8th GMC SOP.
3.2.3
All tactical operations will be conducted in accordance with the event host
HRO’s safety regulations.
3.2.4
All members are required to possess and understand the 8th GMC SOP
3.2.5
The tactics are based on ‘TANK AND MECHANIZED FORCES REGULATIONS OF THE RED ARMY,
1944’, ‘COMBAT REGULATIONS OF THE INFANTRY OF THE RED ARMY, 1940’, and ‘FIELD
REGULATIONS OF THE RED ARMY , 1944’.
3.2.6
Any situation or requirement for tactical operations not specifically covered
in the 8th GMC SOP will be referred to the above named regulations.
CHAPTER 4
Supply
4.1 Unit Supply
4.1.1
There is no unit supply system in the 8th GMC. All equipment and uniforms in
the 8th GMC are privately owned by the members of the 8th GMC.
4.2 Lend Lease Policy
4.2.1
The uniform and equipment requirements of the 8th GMC are very basic and
affordable. Persons wishing to join the unit should be able to fully equip
themselves immediately upon joining the 8th GMC.
4.2.2
Members who wish to lend a prospective member equipment is advised that the
unit will not become involved if a dispute arises.