For some people World War II was just another piece of history, but for West Robeson, it’s a passion and a big part of his life.West is enrolled at RWC as a Media Technology student, but may change over to History because that is what he is passionate about. For pure interest and excitement, West portrays an American solider in many WW II reenactments.
West is a soldier in the unit that portrays the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion. He reenacts WW II battles for the public which are put on by different museums where the battles are scripted and can last for about 45 minutes. He also reenacts battles in tactical events. The tactical events are totally secluded from the outside world, and can last for more than 24 hours. In tactical battles the soldiers use military tactics and chains of command to reach objectives.
In the tactical events, the authenticity of the battles really come to life. “I have to carry a 40-pound backpack of supplies all the time, unless I’m in a fox hole, guarding the line, eating or sleeping,” West said. “Tacticals can be miserable due to freezing cold or unbearable heat.”
So what keeps pulling him back to reenact these battles? “It’s fun, exciting, deafening, and exhausting,” he said, “and it allows you to truly appreciate what the GI’s in WWII went through–to an extent. It’s a great learning experience and has really had an impact on my relationships and conversations with WW II veterans.