ReenactorPro sponsors a quarterly journal, General Orders, for the exchange of information and ideas across the hobby in a formal way. General Orders will be available electronically to all members at no cost, and for those who like to hold real paper it can be delivered as a bound volume. Sponsoring members will receive the bound volume as part of their annual fee, while regular member may obtain a copy for a fee.
Why a journal?
We're part of a simple hobby, but the way we are organized is so complicated—dozens of small units geographically scattered, uncertain lines of influence, and few opportunities to interact and have discussions—that sharing information and ideas outside our small units is almost impossible. Discussion boards have limited space to develop an argument, and have formats that do not encourage useful give and take. General Orders will include Letters to the Editor allowing members to voice their observations about the posted articles.
What kinds of articles are we looking for?
We will be emphasizing presentation of facts and details about how the Army operated in WWII—resources that are not always easy to find, and about which many reenactors simply have no way to find out. For example, there are plenty of resources on quality and accuracy of reproduction uniforms and gear, but how does a reenactor find information on how to have a unit formation (an important part of daily life in the Army, then and now)? Knowledge of ground tactics is generally limited to the squad level; when we assemble for a major event, few of us know what to do.
Other examples for articles are:
—Discussions on how the Army fought, including details of doctrine, experience in the field, changes over the course of the war, and—especially—how these observations can be applied to the experience of reenacting and the quality of interpretation for the public.
—Army traditions, practices, and descriptions of daily life in the service that are missing in the hobby.
—How to do things: how to read a map, how to hold a formation, how to employ crew-served weapons at a tactical.
—How to improve events: helping the hobby move beyond "reenacting reenactments" and start "reenacting World War II."
How do I submit an article for publication?
Your first step is to think about a subject that is important to you on a subject in which you have some expertise. When you have an idea what you want to do, complete the Query Form.
Not everybody in the hobby is an experienced writer. Don't worry: if you have a good idea worth writing about and right for the journal, we will work with you to get the most out of the project. Meet the Staff
If the Editorial Board believes your article is suited for the journal, we will notify you asking for the full manuscript. You will be assigned an editor to polish the product, and once it is ready your article will go into the hopper for publication in the next issue.