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The only thing I can think of is laziness or they are just not smart enough to go through the whole process. I practically build the whole kit for them, take them to buy the elastic and show them links to buy boots, gloves, neckseals,, holster and canvas belt. I just think our society wants you to do everything for them or they won't even try it themselves.

I just want to point out something that has always been the case with how higher level approvals take place. If you read the information it tells you, not only word and images but to use additional references when looking to apply for higher levels. They are steps toward more accuracy and a standardised look (no gaffers tape, cracked and damaged areas) that's prop replication. This has worked well and been accepted for many many years by almost all that have applied, it has only been a few who have stepped away from it or pushed back so they are the exception and not the norm. Most of this occurs at centurion not so much EI, but it makes sense to recommend a change if they intend to apply for centurion. CRL review will be ongoing this year, and more changes will be made to the CRL's so the standards can be kept high. EI and Centurion are purely optional, no one is forced to make the step, it's something that either interests or excites you, or it doesn't. Everyone that has passed those levels is proud, they did what it took to get there, and we owe it to every single one of them to keep consistency and that high standard. We are 501st, we are known for quality, I for one believe in that, and have no intention on letting it slip. We will be having more Polls, and membership voting on amendments, so I think you will find this year, an expansion on what is already in our CRLs for Centurion, maybe a little on EI too, but we wont really know until we start to review each CRL. Having things mandated and in writing in the CRL should certainly take any resistance out of the equation form that direction, making the minority an even smaller group, and aiding in reducing pressure on the Deployment office. Easier for all process is the way forward.

E-11 Suppliers Been a while since we've had an updated list, no doubt there are other suppliers so feel free to post any info Troopercoola https://www.facebook.com/Troopercoola JMC E-11 kit casted from sterling parts. Fieldmarshall - Aluminium http://www.warmachinepaintball.com/online-store-replicas/ http://blasterfactory.com/e-11-blaster-kits/ Praetorian Blasters / NPW Nola Propworks - Rubber NEW WEBSITE https://praetorianblasters.com/ SDS Rubber Imperial Warfighters - Rubber (NOT CURRENTLY TAKING ORDERS 20-6-2023) https://www.facebook.com/Imperial-Warfighters-280604068972001 RS Props - Rubber https://www.rspropmasters.com/store/sandtrooper/sandtrooper-blasters/blaster-e-11-new-hope/ Shear Tech - Rubber https://www.facebook.com/sheartech Praetorian Blasters - Rubber Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1742840523/e-11-blaster-classic-version-rubber Imperial Supply Drop - Rubber https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/52035-rubber-e11-blaster-run-x5/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/Imperial-supply-drop-112852407999265 Quest Designs - Resin https://www.questdesigncanada.com/ Imperial Arms - 3D Print https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/702800849/e-11-max-edition-v4-star-wars-custom?variation0=1096533255 TK-14082’s - 3D Print https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/51047-tk-14082s-3d-printed-e-11-kits-and-completed-blasters/ WILSON PRECISION 360 KITS - 3D print https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/52766-v20-3d-printed-e-11-blasters-anh-wfree-shipping-3-kits-to-choose-from/

The 501st Nomination period has ended. Please join me in congratulating Andrew Franke @Sly11 as the FISDs Detachment Leader for another term! Congrats Andrew!!

The orginal brackets/elastic from RS can be a little loose, adding some more tighter strapping behind the ab/chest should help. Notice the strapping in this image I like to use adjusters between the chest and ab so it can be adjusted if needed. Looks like the chest to backplate are held as far as they can go, you could remove the shoulder straps (depending on what glue was used) and bring them further backwards. The ridges/tabs on the front can vary depending on armor so only having 2 or 3 smaller tab with the larger tab should be enough. Rough image but you should get the idea, you may need to bend the front straps slightly, some use a hot water bath, I use a heat gun but I've had a lot of practice You are pretty stuck with the positions of the rest of the armor on you, very hard to make it extend unless you add loose strapping but then you will have gaps between the armor pieces. I would adjust the chest/ab first and see how everything is looking then

I agree most of the guys don't feel a need to go further as their armor is better than they would have put it together, once i helped them put it together. I Work with a wide range of ages, and from folks from California all the way from Chicago, I actually had somebody fly down so I could help him with his armor. Granted he also came down on vacation to visit some relatives but for three days we worked on his armor and then he left and went back home after a week in Arizona. I had a guy drive down from northern California for three days with his teenage soon, helped him with his armor then he left I told him to submit his EIB application and he never did and he was a older guy. Had a guy come down from his army deployment and helped him do his armor and told him to submit his EIB and he was 20 something and he never put in his application for EIB. So I feel it doesn't matter their age, like Luca said it is more than likely no incentive their armor is lv3 once I help them complete and they don't feel they need to win any awards even though it would be a shoe in or very easy to adjust.

I'd appreciate that Luca! This forum as you see it now is vastly different than how it started. The best part is we can change it over time to meet the needs of the users. I fully agree about IG & TikTok. FYI that there is a contingent that is very loyal to FB (I know, I know). We also are up on Discord too. FWIW, I can agree that older people can be boring. I work with scouts a lot (ages 12-18) and they are never the problem, it's their parents that drive me nuts. Such sticks in the mud :-p

Glad I could be of help! I'll make sure to talk with some fellow younglings about this, see how we could get more interest in this forum and the higher levels. First thing though? Get on social media -- like Instagram or even TikTok, if you want to be adventurous. Interact with the people on there, share interesting information about the FISD, about EIB and Centurion. That'll probably be the easiest step and the best way to get the younger generation involved. If this means more DPROs or Attachés that might be something worth thinking about Oh -- and avoiding such statements as "younger people are entitled" may help to get the younger people past "older people are so boring, so there's no need to interact with them on the FISD"

And, if I have to say it, also shows how sometimes us older folks can make the mistake of generalizations and conforming to our biases vs. actually talking to our audience. Usually we get older we get wiser, but sometimes we fool ourselves that we are wiser than we are.

This is a perfect reminder about outreach and engagement, and some great advice. Thanks so much

So, I'm not Centurion (yet), but I thought I should chime in with my own observations as an 18-year old that frequently interacts with the U30 folks that I've met so far. And I can't really support this thesis. I've talked for hours with others my age or a bit older and whether they had a commission build, an old armor from another member or a self built armor, they were enthusiastic about improving their armor. "You can show me how to do this padding? Awesome!", "Could you help me fix this alignment?", "What do you think about reducing this gap?"... Today alone I had three talks with four others -- one 17yo aspiring 501st member, a 20yo that I'm helping get his armor approved, one 27yo TK and another who ordered his kit as we were speaking...! All of them interested in the higher levels, in taking their armor a step further. None of them active in this forum. Same thing with a Centurion TK (26yo, I believe) that I know. So why are they not applying/active? Certainly not entitlement or laziness. After all, I've spend hours working with them on armor or talking about it. You know, I actually asked them why they weren't active on here. This forum simply isn't very interesting to them. Okay, so there's been memes now that they certainly enjoy when I share them on Instagram, but aside from that this forum offers few things that they couldn't find out locally, or via talking to people on Instagram, in person or the local forum. They refer to this forum if they need to know something but otherwise don't interact with it, not posting a welcome post, because why write one if you're never gonna interact with them again? Therefore they don't get the link talking about lvl 2 and 3. I've actually had a few be surprised at it -- and then not research it themselves but work with me and other Garrison members on improving those details. Actually applying for lvl 2/3 wouldn't offer them anything that they don't already have though, aside from a certificate, so they're just happy with their improved armor. And what's the solution? Honestly? Reach out to the younger generation and get us interested. The FISD Instagram account is quite inactive, the forum doesn't offer many opportunities to interact in a way that they can't already in their garrison and lvl 2/3 have no incentive aside from better accuracy (which one can achieve without applying for them). Just my two cents as an 18yo

TK 82510, requesting 501st access! Thank you and may the force be with you, always. 501st profile link: https://www.501st.com/members/displaymember.php?userID=28958&costumeID=360

Hi Austin. You need to add a link to your 501st membership profile, have a look at others posts

I've had multiple that have submitted for EIB, received what felt like insurmountable criticism and not return. It's not the DO team's fault persay, and in fact, they have done a great job reaching out to folks to try to touch base, but it's another problem inherent with the system. Convincing people to submit for criticism is one thing, convincing them to change the armor they worked so hard on, and were approved with... especially, previously when some of the asks were not noted in the CRL... has been a challenge. I often help prep my mentees' threads even, sending them all of the photos we took and the template to fill out... still doesn't happen sometimes. You can lead a horse to water, but... Like with the coins mentioned, one idea would be to have EIB and Centurion patches/rockers always available for purchase once earned, kinda like the coins. It's a little more immediate gratification for going through the wringer, though someone would have to be in charge of this (I'd volunteer). And/or some type of patch or coin for armorers, like with Attache's to help motivate people. Since EIB photos are next to impossible to take alone, I think having active and motivated armorers is key - it's usually best to have someone else who KNOWS the CRLs and requirements expected (an ARMORER) to be the one who adjusts/checks you and takes your photos (it's why you see my fence in submissions somewhat frequently). It's been slow for in person mentoring due to COVID, but things are starting to turn around so it's a great time to revisit these programs, imo. If we have more Armorers, even moreso than Attaches, we should see more EIB and Centurion submissions follow.

As the resident expert regarding relationships, with exactly zero experience, I'd suggest you communicate and win an ally in your quest for ultimate nerd-y-ness

My build thread deserved to be updated with my Blaster thread. Power Cylinders: I finally get to troop with the new blaster and armor upgrades tomorrow. Am excite.

What's his number? We'll never know... script v english v German I'm actually kind of curious if other languages got any more IDs for this guy.

Ahhh, the joys of having a one-room-apartment please don't fall down the stairs, please don't fall down the stairs, please-

The simple times, before the FISD, before the obsessive need to know all the differences in armor

No I believe Chris told me he will be casting the grips in plastic just like the real thing, they will be accurate enough to put on a real Sterling! Also the front cover on the Hengstler Counter with the window was originally made of plastic which Chris will also reproduce in plastic. Other than those pieces it will be all metal. This Blaster will be extremely accurate right down to the knurling, and all the little nuts & bolts. I said it before and I'll say it again, mark my words; Resin is a thing of the past, Aluminum is the way of the future!