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 The Kingdom of Ealdormere
Scout’s Handbook
Section I | Section II | Section III | Section IV | Section V | Appendices
SECTION 3
Equipment Requirements | Supplementary Requirements | “Extras” Kit
Equipment Requirements for Scouting
Level 1 | Level 2 | Helm Diagrams
Level 1 Protection Requirements
For level 1 protection, a scout is only required to wear a helm that meets the minimum scout helm requirements listed below. There is a lot of confusion on what a scout helm should be. Marshals need to be familiar with the scout helm requirements to be able to check them better. (If you are a Heavy Weapons Marshal unsure of the Scout standards, consult a local or regional Scout Marshal or another Deputy who authorizes scouts to check helms. They are just more familiar with the standards.)
- The minimum materials standard will be a sole-leather skullcap reinforced with metal, or a metal skullcap of at least 18 gauge. The helm is to be padded to protect the head of the scout. In addition this helm must have a flap or flaps extending down over the back and sides of the neck, or camail made of stiffened and padded leather or its equivalent. A chinstrap must be used.
- Face protection is to consist of no less than three (3) metal bars of at least one-quarter (¼) inch (6 mm) diameter. One of the three bars must be set at right angles to the other two. Freon tank helms are allowed for scouts as long as they are cut or shaped in such manner as to provide adequate protection as stated above. (See diagrams below for examples.)
- A fighting helm may be used to scout in, however its use is strongly discouraged. Wearing a fighting helm only increases the chance of a scout being mistaken for a fighter and hit. The main thing to remember is that a scout helm is not meant or built to be hit repeatedly. It is to take a chance, one-shot blow.
- In case of a disagreement over a helm, the decision of the inspecting marshal may be reviewed by either the Knight Marshal or the Kingdom Marshal for Scouts. Their decision will be final.
- Any non-standard helm may be passed only by the Knight Marshal or Kingdom Marshal of Scouts. Examples of these helms are modified hockey helms, baseball helms, riot helms, and so forth. It is strongly suggested that one avoid these helms and try to use a more standard design.
Level 2 Protection Requirements
Level 2 protection is required in a combat archery environment. To be in a combat archery environment the following are mandatory:
- Upgraded scout helm — In addition to minimum scout helmet rules mentioned above, face protection is to consist of no less than 5 metal bars of at least 3/16” in diameter. Two (2) of the 5 bars must be horizontal, and set at right angles to the other 3 vertical bars. In addition, a 1” by ½” rabbit cage wire, or screen of a comparable strength and mesh, must be secured to the outside of the bars. The grill must have no opening wide enough to pass a one-inch dowel through. The test will be to see if the screen holds true and doesn't collapse into the inside of the grill.
- The minimum bar diameter for a scout helm to be used in a combat archery environment is 3/16 of an inch (4.8 mm). The scout helm minimum bar diameter will remain ¼ inch (6 mm), as only three bars are required.
- Kidney protection — The kidney area must be protected using rigid material over adequate padding (the “hard-over-soft” standard). Mandatory protection is not required for the short ribs and lower spine.
- Groin protection — Groin protection must be used. For males, a standard athletic protective cup or equivalent is to be worn. For females, some equivalent kind of “hard-over-soft” protection is required.
- Gorget/Neck protection — Gorgets must be constructed so as to distribute the force of a blow to the neck in such a way that damage to the neck is prevented. The same standards for a gorget worn by a fighter apply to a scout. The gorget worn with the scout helm must provide the necessary protection to the neck.
- Soft elbow and kneepads — The elbows and knees must be protected with soft elbow and kneepads, or greater protection if desired.
- Olive drab non-combatant tabard — Scouts must wear an olive drab tabard with an eight-inch white diamond on the front and back centred between the belt line and neck. This enables a scout to be seen as a scout more easily.
Scout Helm Diagrams
Scout Helms: Freon Tank Type (Level 1)
Scout Helm: Non-Freon Tank Type (Level 1)
Scout Helm: Freon Tank Type (Level 2)
Scout Helm: Non-Freon Tank Type (Level 2)
Supplementary (Optional) Recommendations
- It is strongly recommended that non-contact helms be designed to avoid resemblance to a standard heavy combat helm.
- Sleeves covering the entire arm and made of sturdy material (denim, trigger cloth, light leather, etc.) are recommended.
- Pants covering the entire leg and made of sturdy material (denim, trigger cloth, light leather, etc.) are recommended.
- Sturdy boots that support the ankle and soles that give good traction are strongly recommended.
- Protection of resilient material for the elbows is strongly recommended.
- Additional protection of rigid material for knees and elbows is strongly recommended.
A Suggested Scout “Extras” Kit
(From the East Kingdom Scout Handbook)
- Lightweight work/rancher’s gloves. Not hockey gloves or gauntlets!
- If you wear glasses, use a head strap, or invest in a pair of combat glasses or contact lenses.
- A canteen or water skin of at least 1-quart capacity. You may water fighters during battle, when appropriate and when it can be done safely.
- Compass
- Map of area
- If you require medications such as Inhalers or Epi Pens (for bee stings) etc. Make certain to have these things with you.
Avoid bright colors, loose, flowing garments, kilts, dresses, shiny jewellery, etc.; anything that might catch on something, or give away your position. Also avoid camouflage clothing (modern woodland, tiger stripe, Rhodesian, etc). It doesn’t work that well anyway, if you know what to look for. Instead, wear close (but not tight) fitting tunic and pants of lightweight, breathable cloth (cotton, poly/cotton, linen, etc.) Colors should be subdued tones of green, brown, tan, gray, and black. The cloth should have a flat finish rather than a glossy or shiny one. Avoid bright metal buttons, belt buckles or colorful favors and unit insignia. Leave the glitz to the fighters.
Your primary job, as a scout, is to gather and relay information. This means go out, look around, and report on what you’ve seen. You may also be called upon to carry messages from one unit to another.
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