Leaderboard

"Seriously guys, can't make it out today. Got a bad case of the DLT's"

Yep, that's me! I knew that if I flipped my legs back hard that it would make me look like I was jumping higher than I really was. One of the 'outtakes' makes me look a little... let's say, uncomfortable.

In Memoriam Detachment Leader Executive Officer Provost Marshall Deployment Office Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Hall of Fame Just For Laughs In the Media Celebration Trooping Imperial Attaché Program EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Advanced Tactics Awards EIB - The March To 1000 Merchandise & Branding Officer Merchandise Public Relations Follow FISD The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. Peter was the man behind the mask of Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, episode 3 of the prequels, and the New Trilogy. He fought his way back from being wheelchair-bound to stand tall and portray Chewbacca once more in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He also consulted on The Last Jedi in an attempt to teach his successor. He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth. But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film. The relationships that began then grew into the friends and family that he would love for decades to come. As the films released and became more well-known he had his eyes opened to the possibilities of what he could achieve with his role in the Star Wars universe. For more than 30 years Peter traveled all over the world spending time with his fans and friends. Peter developed lifelong friendships with the other cast members and his fans while on the convention circuit touching the lives of millions. As he realized over the years the impact he could have, he became heavily involved with the 501st legion, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish, and other non-profit organizations. To this end, he established the Peter Mayhew Foundation, supporting everything from individuals and families in crisis situations to food and supplies for children of Venezuela during their recent road to freedom. He not only provided funds but became personally involved with each individual, family and cause he supported. As he grew older he continued to “soldier on” as he put it and was completely in his element around his fans and supporters. He grew great strength from the energy of his family, friends and the fans he knew and loved. He is survived by his wife Angie and three children. His kindness, generosity and care will live on in the Peter Mayhew Foundation with Angie taking the helm as his voice. There will be a memorial service for friends and family held on June 29th and in early December in Los Angeles there will be a memorial for fans set up with his family in attendance, personal effects, and collection at EmpireConLA. For additional information, information on the memorials or to offer condolences email [email protected] Rather than gifts and flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the foundation so that they can continue his efforts to help the community. You can donate at http://petermayhewfoundation.org/make-a-donation.php Buckets Off Greetings Troopers, May has always been a Star Wars themed month; 5/01 day, May The Fourth, Revenge of the Fifth/Sixth. With many garrisons fielding a plentiful number of events this month, it's a very exciting time. Weddings, Hospital Visits, Movie Showings, Ball games, and more! Even more exciting news is coming up with the detachment this month; the first round of proposed CRL changes have been posted, and we're looking for feedback! You can see all the changes at this link: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/47176-2019-crl-change-list-anh-esb-rotj/ Be sure to check them out between all the trooping With Unquestioned Loyalty Sarah Bailey TK-20466 "Alay" Detachment Leader Hello present (and future) Troopers! After months of work, we are ready to roll out the new CRL updates for ANH Stunt, ANH Hero, ESB and ROTJ armor!! As of now, the effective date for the changes is June 1st. Those wishing to be "grandfathered" in at any level will need to have their submission in before May 31. After that date, all new applications for all levels will be required to adhere to the new guidelines. In order to reflect a more screen accurate/uniform appearance the majority of these updates/changes will apply only to those aiming Expert Infantry and Centurion levels, but there are several that apply to those seeking Basic 501st approval. We will also be tightening up some of the wording to make it less ambiguous and doing some serious editing to make it less confusing and more streamlined. As you may be aware, the CRLs are an ever-evolving thing. In order to avoid confusion we try to keep the updates to a minimum, but there comes a time when we have to move forward. One of the new features which will also be added is new models for the main photos. In addition to the front/back views, included will be side views of the armor and helmet showing the "ideal" look to strive for. If you are about to submit for approval at any level and have concerns about the changes, you are encouraged to contact a Command Staff/Extended Staff member (Imperial Attache). We will be more than happy to help you work out any issue you may have and assist you in resolving it. With Unquestioned Loyalty Joseph Pedigo TK-10863 "justjoseph63" Executive Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Steve Sheades TK-10466 "starsaber25" Provost Marshall Deployment Officers Greetings troopers! We're very excited to have just approved EIB #912, which means we are only 82 approvals away from EIB 1000. As a reminder, although it is by far the most popular costume, the ANH Stunt TK is not the only costume eligible for L2 and L3 approvals. Now that Anovos FOTKs are finally being shipped, we're looking forward to seeing more troopers applying for higher levels of approval with TFA and TLJ costumes. For those of you who are currently building your kits or who are planning on applying for EIB or Centurion soon, please keep a close eye on the upcoming CRL updates to be sure that your costumes are still meeting the requirements for higher levels. While we don't believe there are any drastic changes, we would hate to cause unnecessary confusion or upset because a trooper is building based on outdated information. As Joseph mentioned, the last day to submit under the old requirements is May 31. If there are any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for you all, and we're just a click away. -Sha Sha With Unquestioned Loyalty Sha Sha Chu TK-19233 "shashachu" Senior Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Daniel Melin TK-99665 "TheSwede" Senior Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Christine Lee TK-10401 "Cricket" Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Mike Souza TK-11463 "msouza" Deployment Officer The FISD is pleased to announce the addition of a new area in the Advanced Tactics forum dedicated to those ready to submit for basic 501st TK approval. This section will allow future Troopers the opportunity to submit photos of their completed build to be reviewed by the Staff, Imperial Attaches and others in preparation for forwarding it to their GML for approval. Any and all advice/suggestions given will be specific, constructive, helpful and respectful. Please note that this program will NOT take the place of your local GML, as Detachments are not chartered for costume approval and can not override a GMLs decision, but is instead a peer review program designed to help you look your best and offer guidance and positive feedback. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about your completed armor, weapons (if applicable), accessories, etc. and get accurate information from the experts here at the FISD.. the definitive home of TKs worldwide. For more information on this program, please visit the link here Don't forget to check out the new 3D section, and please contribute where you can, also see the link at the bottom for the new Contributor award details Contributor Awards Main forum title: 3D Parts and Technical Sub topics: 3D Printer owners Your place to discuss what printer/s you own, recommendations, tech talk and the like, It’s a place to learn something new 3D CAD Designers Home of talented 3D cad designers, show off your 3D renders, of FISD related costume parts and accessories. Offer help and advice on programs, or offer to commission a piece for a fellow member 3D File Depository A home for 3D file sharing, Troopers helping Troopers is what this section is all about; yes a single location to keep any 3D files offered up by our extremely generous membership. This will be a 501st member’s only section and rules will apply to any usage of the content. I will be looking for content to get these new sections started so If you are interested in helping drive these new forums, then please send me a PM and let’s get the threads and the filament flowing. 3D printer heads will understand that last comment Here is a link to the New FISD 3D Contributor program. Greetings Troopers! This month we welcome a long standing member of the FISD to The Stormtrooper Hall of Fame! She has contributed much to our community with build threads, supporting fellow troopers, and now with this epic photo! Please join me in honoring TK - 10401 Christine - many congratulations!!! With Unquestioned Loyalty Aaron Gibson TK-99725 "Pyrates" Curator Hall of Fame 501st in The Mandalorian The 501st Legion (nicknamed “Vader’s Fist”) was originally devoted to wearing only Stormtrooper suits from the original trilogy, but they’ve since opened their ranks to other types of costumes. Expect to see their armor on display in the show, which is a cool way to incorporate a dedicated fan community into this fictional world.. Here is what was revealed at the presentation: Jon Favreau: In the production meeting there were only so many Stormtrooper costumes they had. So we had to plan, has the 501st ever been on camera? I know they’ve been used by Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni: The thing I know about Star Wars fans is that in all honesty a lot of the costumes you guys made are even better than what we see onscreen. So I had no doubts that they would look great. And they act like Stormtroopers. They know what to do. Jon Favreau: What’s so funny is how surprised some of them look because they weren’t told what this was for. Dave: We told them it was some kind of function, like this. And then we realized everything we rolled out in front of them was like a test audience. And so when we rolled it out, we’d be like “Oh they like that.” Why should the new streaming service spend tons of money building all of those costumes when it can benefit from the devoted fandom who’s already done the work for them? The 501st has never been officially sponsored by Disney or Lucasfilm, but it’s cool to see Favreau recognizing their efforts and rewarding some of its members with what must have been a monumentally cool experience. First formed back in 1997, the 501st Legion has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and have granted the wishes of Make-A-Wish children around the world. Those who participated: Brandon Lauletta TK-12001 GGG Brent Wilkinson TK-25577 GGGBrian McMillian TK-76131 SCGBrian Payne TK-50976 SCGCarlos Fogelquist TK-5703 SCGCharlie Wilkes TK-76254 GGG Chris Elgura TK-87007 SCG Christaan Von Martin TK-4820 SCG Conrad Lujan TK-50106 SCG Jacko Luong TK-88808 SCGJacob Gonzales TK-86267 SCGJeff Leone TK-70701 SCGJeremi Aguas TK-20021 SCGJohn Portman TK-46540 SCGJoshua Eads TK-9740 SCGJustin Reed TK-61490 SCGKevin Fox TK-538 SCGKit Sovine TK-2384 SCGLori Sovine TK-6260 SCG Manuel Gomez Dekker TK-97253 SCGMarie Gwin TK-7608 CCG Mark Edwards TK-7328 SCG Matt Shipley TK-4202 SCG Michael Bender TK-6682 SCGOmar Perez TK-51955 SCGRene Mendez TK-74249 SCGRick Alpi TK-50311 SCGRicky Ledesma TK-85000 SCGRoger David TK-28602 SCGSam Newcomer TK-54548 SCGScott Diebold TK-61513 SCG Todd Masters TK-42077 SCGWilliam Glasgow TK-90277 SCG Well celebration is over again for another year, for those who like me could not attend here are a few of the photos. Roll on 2020 Want Your Troop to be Included? Just a reminder if you would like your troop added please post your troop report in the Field Training Exercises section here ****Those with troop logs please post a separate troop report as it is easier to link too**** April - May Starlight Week @ Zing Thursday Night More here By: Glen, TK85421, "gmrhodes13" Starlight Week @ Zing May 4th Saturday More here By: Glen, TK85421, "gmrhodes13" May 4th Quiz Night More here By: Glen, TK85421, "gmrhodes13" Rocky Bay Visit More here By: Glen, TK85421, "gmrhodes13" Starry Nights More here By: Glen, TK85421, "gmrhodes13" Clearwater Threshers Star Wars Night More here By: Mike, TK82666, "WhiteWalker" Cricket Troops the Atlanta Hunger Walk/Run 2019 More here By: Christine, TK10401, "Cricket" Serve proudly, ladies and gentlemen, and as Tim (Dark CMF) says: "Keep doing what it is that got you here"! Are you an approved TK that spends more time on the boards than the average Trooper? Do you enjoy using your knowledge to help out future and existing Troopers? If so, we would like to invite you to join the Imperial Attaché program! Members of the I.A. team are chosen to help out not only those here on the boards, but on a local level as well. Our aim is to have at least one in each and every Garrison, Squad and Outpost in the entire legion to be the eyes and ears of the FISD on a local level. A suggested level of EIB or above is preferred, as part of the duties include assisting those aiming for levels 2 and 3, but is not a requirement. Being active on the boards on a regular basis , welcoming new members and helping out where you can is, though. Some of the benefits: 1. Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, etc. 2. Having the Imperial Attaché title under your name. 3. Being a part of the team that welcomes new and prospective members of the FISD. 4. Being the "go-to" person in your Garrison, Squad or Outpost. 5. Exclusive access to the Attaché HQ area, Imperial Propaganda Machine (newsletter) and merchandise discussions. We are currently in need of Attaches in many units, especially International Garrisons/Squads and Outposts. For more information on this program, please head here and if you should have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at any time. (Pretzel) For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here NEW ATTACHES! Please join me in welcoming our newest Imperial Attaches! ---- Serve proudly, Gentlemen, and as Tim (Dark CMF) says: "Keep doing what it is that got you here"! IMPERIAL ATTACHE AWARD Imperial Attaché Award for those attaché's who have gone above and beyond [minimum 1 year of service] You can find a list of prior recipients here ATTACHE MERCHANDISE Attaché Patch NOW AVAILABLE For those of you on the Imperial Attaché staff, I am pleased to announce that the official I.A. patches will soon be available... again! Here are the details.. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! Patches will be limited to TWO per person, and will only be sold to those who are current FISD Imperial Attaches. These patches have been graciously DONATED to the FISD, so all you will need to do is cover the cost of shipping and PP fees, which will be $1.00 each for those in the U.S. and P.R. and $1.50 each for those outside the U.S. What a deal! You can find the thread here Attaché Ambassador Fellow Attaches! As we progress through the year it is vital to remember to always give accurate information to the new troopers of the FISD! A great topic to keep saved in your arsenal is the reference links. Check this out, and if you have any suggestions on which topics should be added, post up in that link. Keep on Helping your fellow troopers, and thank you for all you do to make FISD what it is today! With Unquestioned Loyalty Preston Christman TK-91488 "Pretzel" PRO Lead - Attaché Ambassador So what exactly are EIB (Expert Infantry Badge) and Centurion levels? These programs were designed for those who choose to take their armor above and beyond the minimum requirements for basic 501st Legion approval. It gives you the chance to show a level of dedication and pride that takes your armor closer to being as "screen accurate" as possible, without as much extra work as you may realize! It also works on giving a better look to the Legion as an entity, and you can bet others will take notice of your hard work. The 501st has a list of detailed requirements for Basic approval, (level 1), EIB, (level 2) and Centurion, (level 3) which can be found here in the Costume Reference Library, (CRL) http://databank.501st.com/databank/Costuming:FISD_CRL Here are a few of the questions people may be wondering about: 1. "I am a (tall/short/heavy/thin) Trooper. Can I still apply? Of course! These programs are open and encouraged for all sizes of TKs, as long as the costume is correct and meets the guidelines. There are many specific build tutorials to every option, as well as a vast network of fellow TKs on the FISD to help you out and offer suggestions. 2. "How much extra will I have to pay for extra items"? The cost is actually quite reasonable, considering the few extra supplies you will need, which are listed in the requirements area. While it may run you a little more to implement these additions to your costume, they will go a long way to improving accuracy. All needed items can be found for sale on this thread: https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/16-ongoing-sales-project-orders/ While blasters are not required for basic approval, for EIB and Centurion levels they are, and may need upgrades (also listed in the CRL). 3. "I haven't even got my kit yet, is it too early to start planning"? Actually, aiming for Centurion is easiest to do right out of the box. 4. "I have my basic TK approval, can I still get in these programs"? In a word... absolutely! 5. "Are there any "perks" to this extra work and cost"? Besides knowing that you have a great looking set of armor, the 501st and FISD believes you should be deservedly recognized for your achievement(s), and allows you to wear the appropriate embroidered "rocker" badge of rank (available for a very minimum cost) on your shirt, helmet bag, etc., as well as rank decals to put on your armor bin. You will also have access to select "challenge coin" runs, receive (free) a cool certificate for your new rank, and have your title posted below your name in your FISD signature. Plus, once you reach these levels, you will have the extra knowledge to help out those who are looking to apply as well. 6. "Is it hard to apply, and what happens then"? After basic approval, all you do is make sure your armor is up to the standards set forth in the CRL, post a thread with the required photos in the appropriate area (see below), and wait a bit for the D.O.s (Deployment Officers) to address it. (Hint: Studying other people's threads before you submit can be a GREAT help). These are also listed on the main page of the FISD site. While waiting for approval, you will get some comments from others who will offer suggestions and constructive advice to help you out. If you should need any changes, the DOs will let you know, so you can adjust accordingly. Don't be dismayed if you do need changes... it's all for your benefit! After you are approved for EIB, then you can submit for Centurion. EIB https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/19-request-expert-infantryman-status/ Centurion https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/72-request-centurion-status/ Just remember that the FISD is here to help you every step of the way with whatever other questions you may have, but if you can't seem to find what you are looking for in your research, just ask away here on the forum. This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy. FOR April - May the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate: Expert Infantry Badge Award: Fabio Delfino "Boba IT" TK 8084 EIB 909 Riva Li "Riva" TK 16769 EIB 910 Peter Lee "TK28228" TK 28228 EIB 911 Lindsey Turner "CoatHanger" TK 18131 EIB 912 GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here Centurion Badge Award: Wayne Winfield "TK32945 Waynocerous" TK 32945 Centurion 433 Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here If you see any of these Troopers around your Garrison or Squad, be sure to congratulate them! As many of you are aware, the FISD is currently in our March to 1000 program. Our goal is to reach the one thousand mark of Troopers who have earned their Expert Infantry Badge, and although we are well on our way to this goal and have just reached the 910 mark! The amount of approved submissions is increasing (over 80 this year alone) thanks to the dedication of those willing to go the "extra mile" toward screen accuracy. Here is a brief description of EIB as written by Paul (Daetrin), our founder: "Expert Infantryman status is not required for members of this detachment. It should be viewed as an optional set of requirements for those who wish to take the accuracy of their costumes to the next level, and be recognized accordingly. We're a costuming club - think of it as an award for costuming excellence and you get the picture. The requirements will not replace or supersede 501st standards, but only serve as an inspiration for the level of accuracy that can be achieved. The standards are meant to be high but achievable..." Besides the added pride you will have in your armor, those reaching this level can purchase exclusive EIB gear (patches, decals, coins etc.) and get a free certificate for your accomplishment. If you are interested or would like more information about the program head here that will help. You can also contact myself "Pretzel" or any Imperial Attaché, and we will be more than happy to assist you! With Unquestioned Loyalty Brien Edick TK-92892 "Harbinger" Merchandise & Branding Officer - PRO Twitter ****PLEASE NOTE**** Although I try to add any new merchandise to the monthly newsletter not all merchandise runs coincide with each issue, it is always best to keep a watchful eye on the forums and especially on the merchandise area for any new runs as I am not privy to when they may be posted, as such some runs may not be included. No New Merchandise - Lead Public Relations With Unquestioned Loyalty Preston Christman TK-91488 "Pretzel" PRO Lead - Attaché Ambassador Newsletter Always on the look out for member's stories or photos, you can contact me via PM @gmrhodes13 With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Facebook With Unquestioned Loyalty Daniel Lauber TK-55550 "Ripper_L" PRO Facebook - Editor at Large Instagram With Unquestioned Loyalty Preston Christman TK-91488 "Pretzel" PRO Lead - Attaché Ambassador With Unquestioned Loyalty Teresa Nuthall TK-41307 "Soulart" PRO Instagram Twitter With Unquestioned Loyalty Brien Edick TK-92892 "Harbinger" Merchandise & Branding Officer - PRO Twitter Facebook Group With Unquestioned Loyalty Tim Waychoff TK-51878 “Dark CMF” PRO Director Facebook Don't Forget We're on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor Facebook Group: 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisd501st On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department

If I'm not mistaken, it's @Cricket!!

The event was a hunger walk in Atlanta. There is a tradition with this event that they do a “jump” picture. It has been done for several years now. The placement of the blasters in the picture and the timing of the jump were not intentional. Although it made for an interesting picture. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I originally posted this in my Hero build thread, but I'm now reposting it here for more visibility: Hero Belt - Removable Holster w/ Snaps (HOWTO) As part of my effort to be able to avoid redundancy, I plan on swapping my holster between my hero and stunt belts. I would also like the option to swap out my E-11 holster for an SE-14R holster, or an imperial binder holder at some point in the future. I could just use the chicago screws I have been using, but I'm not a huge fan as 1.) they scratch up my kidney plate and 2.) they take time to remove and re-install. So, I present an alternative solution, using pop rivets and snaps to allow for easy removal while still staying screen accurate. Step 1: Using a 3/16" drill bit, manually drill out the center of a male snap fitting. I am using Tandy line 24 nickel plates snaps, but any snap of the correct size would probably do. Even though these snaps have a 3/16" center hole, it is just a tad too small to allow a similar sized pop rivet through the hole. Step 2: Place your snap on the inside of the belt (facing armor) and push a 3/16" aluminum pop rivet through the opposite side: (Thanks @Hoda!) Next, using a rivet gun, set the rivet inside the snap. Hold the snap and rivet tightly together as you start pulling the rivet through the gun - this ensures a nice snug fit with no gaps. The ball bearing may fall out, but the rivet should have deformed enough to hold the snap on tightly. You may need to use the snap setting tool to clean up/compress the interior if this happens. Step 3: Repeat four more times (or two, for a Stunt belt!). The end result should be something like this: Step 4: Mount female snaps to the holster as normal. The holster can now be snapped to the belt and removed as needed: I find the domed side is more resistant to scratching armor than the slotted heads of the chicago screws I was using previously. In may case, I'm re-using a holster I got second hand (came with the extra Anovos bits) so there were a few extra holes I didn't need. See my Stunt build thread for more details. So, there you have it. For any additional holsters, just repeat Step 4, making sure your holes line up with the snaps. I made a photocopy of one of the holster straps before installing the snaps so I can use it as a template down the road. If swapping between Stunt and Hero belts the uppermost snaps will sit behind the belt, un-used.

It reduces the amount of reflected light is inside the helmet, makes it a little easier to see and not be seen

I just noticed this Trooper in a group photo in @Pyrates Hall of Fame thread and it caught my eye... Not sure who it is, and I realize that they are jumping (not an easy feat, I'm sure) but it just struck me as odd, especially with the placement of the DLT-19s underneath. Strange, but cool at the same time.

It looks a little bit like some crazy Imperial scientist found a mortally wounded stormtrooper and decided the best way for them to continue to serve the Empire was through gratuitous gun-legs.

Ouch

Wow Cricket, that is some fit job to be able to bend those knees like that. I can bend to about a 90 degree angle, but beyond that I would probably crack something. Possibly something in my body!

I looked at the same websites you have. I finally went with RWA creations with Ross and he’s been brilliant. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks like there's a pretty big difference in color of your belt to the rest of the armor. There are some definite differences like the TKC, one considerably is the thigh ammo strip which is not curved on the lower end it's straight and also positioned above the lower thigh ridge not attached on the ridge. Your shoulder bells appear to be open quite a lot on the front you may want to reduce this gap by attaching the straps further forward on the shoulder straps. No large tabs on the shoulder bridges also but that's a higher level requirement. I think you will find it will really come down to what the LMO team believe is game related and what can be achieved in real life armor. Looking forward to the progress.

At least one member of our GML team has already seen it in person I shaved off a lot of plastic early this morning and this is the result: Still need to smooth down the cut edges with a sanding bit and trim down the size of the shoulder bells and biceps. Installation of the knee plate and thigh ammo strip will be next.

Congratulations on your EIB.

Congrats Fabio and welcome to EIB!

Congratulations! Welcome to EIB.

Congratulations trooper

Congrats!

Well done, Fabio. Excellent work. :-)

Congratulations Fabio welcome to EI

Greetings Fabio and welcome back! Thank you for your EIB application. Let’s get to the review! CRL and EIB Application Requirements: All required photos have been submitted. Thank you for taking the time to submit such great photos! Your armor contains all necessary elements to qualify you for EIB. The entire DO Team would like to congratulate and welcome you to Expert Infantry. Beautiful job on your build, sir! Other-Armor Fit/Assembly: It is always challenging to size down a full-sized kit, and you've really done a fantastic job of it! I would like to offer a few suggestions as to how you could do some fine-tuning to make this kit not only look better, but be more comfortable as well. Helmet: Lately Anovos has been assembling their helmets with the ear screws in a somewhat vertical alignment. The "ideal" ear placement is as seen below, where the screws line up with the rear angle of the top trap. While correcting this is only a suggestion, it is not a requirement on any level to fix. We thought we would point this out to you in case you felt like trying for a little more screen accuracy. Screen References: Arms: The cover strip on the front right forearm looks like it could use a little bit of trimming. Sharp hanging edges like that can cause an unexpected armor bite! (ow!) This can be quickly taken care of with a Dremel or a snip with some lexan scissors and a little sandpaper. Legs: We've noticed that your butt plate and thighs are very close. On your right side view of your kit, you can see the butt plate slipping under the back of your thigh. That could cause some super painful armor bites! A little trimming at the top of your thighs in the back should be able to easily fix this! Also it seems that your right thigh looks a bit big (as we noticed in the photo of the back of your armor). Taking in the right thigh just a little bit more will not only make the kit look better, but will be more comfortable as well! Screen Reference: Sniper Knee: You did a really clean job of trimming that sniper knee! While this won't prevent you from obtaining Centurion, we would like to suggest that you square off your sniper knee instead of curve. This would take just a few minutes to do with some sandpaper and really help improve the accuracy of your kit! Screen References: Back: It might be the photo angle, but the back plate looks like it is riding a bit too high on your frame. I understand about your height (I am not all that tall myself!), and some adjustments to the back plate to bring it down would really help you look your best! In the photo below, you can see yourself on the left, the screen captured trooper on the right. This makes it easier to see where ideally to get your back plate lined up on your frame. The OII Box should be centered somewhere around the middle of your back. If you move the back plate down a bit, you should be able to see how much of the bottom of the back plate you’ll need to trim so it doesn’t overlap the kidney (or you may choose to remove some of the bottom of the kidney, or remove a little bit of both to keep things in proportion). Which now brings me to the shoulder straps. The straps on the suits in the movie don't make contact with the OII box. You could either take a few bars off of them, create more of a bend in them, or move them lower on the chest so the straps no longer touch the box back there. Any of these options are super quick and easy to do! Your armor is in the photo on the left, screen suit on the right for comparison. Additional Screen References: Centurion Requirements: In this section we prepare you for Centurion. Because Centurion photos show more detail than EIB, items pertaining to Centurion might be seen there and not here. We try to point out all that we can from what we see but the final accuracy is the responsibility of the trooper. Helmet: Ear screws shall be slotted, flat topped, countersunk and painted white. The lower screws in your helmet will need to be changed out to a flat head style screw pictured below. (This is a common issue with Anovos Helmets) Reference Photo: Belt: The top of the ammo belt should sit at or just below the bottom of the central and vertical abdomen button panels. If you're aiming for Centurion (as I am certain you are!), you will need to move your belt up a bit as illustrated in the image below. You can do this with velcro, moving the snaps on the ab plate, or combination of both. Screen References: You may potentially run into a little trouble when you raise your belt. It looks like if you move your belt up, your belt will be interfering with your chest plate. You may want to consider raising your chest plate up in order to better accommodate belt placement. This can be done pretty easily by trimming your neck line deeper. The bottom shape of the Anovos chest has a deeper arc than the screen armor chest, which is why there is so little room for that belt to fit in the correct location on your frame. Again, this should be a really easy fix if you make a deeper cut at the neck and move the chest up. A good guideline is to look at how much of the vertical ridge detail is showing above the ab button box. This kind of spacing should allow you to bring your belt up to Centurion requirements. Screen Reference: Shoulders: There should be a minimal gap between the shoulder armor and the chest/back plates. The backs of the shoulder bells look perfect; great job on those! The front shoulders still have a bit of a gap that can be adjusted to bring those shoulder bells tighter in. The tops of the bells should touch the shoulder straps. To fix this, simply move the elastic strap that connects the bells to the shoulder strap. Screen Reference: Back Plate: Back plate shall have no, or minimal overlap of the kidney plate. Your back plate is overlapping a bit at the sides. Tightening up the strapping in those areas can help to eliminate that overlap. In addition, you may consider curving the sides of the back plate in with a gentle hot water bath. I had to do this for my own kits. It's an easy fix, and it makes a world of difference in how the bottom of the back plate and top of the kidney meet on the sides. Your photo is on the left, the screen capture is on the right for comparison. Additional Screen Reference: All in all, you've done an amazing job with your armor, and you should be very proud, trooper! Congrats again, and we look forward to seeing you at Centurion!