[Matt]

Ok guys here's my two pence worth...
I'm interested in all military history be it the Vikings and later the Romans but my main interest is the US military.three of my four trucks are WW2 US (the forth being the Canadian built Dodge) and I also collect US militaria.I have about sixty US uniforms,most of which have a known history.that said I would NEVER even consider wearing a uniform. why? because I am not entiteled to. if I had served in the military that would,in my view,be fine.but I didn't.

However that is not to say that I totally disagree with re-enactment.when it is done "right" it can be a very good tool for educating the public about what our troops(and 'theirs') went through.BUT when it is done wrong it can do nothing but harm.for instance I have seen a at a number of shows and collectors fairs one or two people who will wander around dressed in military style gear carring a de-act weapon plus a fighting knife etc.these people are not trying to represent anything as their kit is a mish mash of countrys and eras.in my mind (looking at it as a bystander) these people are "wannabes" rather than serious re-enactors and there is a difference.asa with anything there will always be the weirdos ready to jump on the wagon and use it for their own gratifcation.

The only other point wich as a collector makes me un-easy about re-enactors is somtimes they will use or wera kit that really should be preserved for what it is rather than used.
This is MY view.
Matt.