DEPLOYMENT PROCESS: (PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RULES WITH RESPECT TO DEPLOYMENT IN THE FAQ APPLY - SEE POST BELOW FOR A COPY OF THAT INFORMATION)
To become a Type D Member in the 405th, you'll need to complete the following:
1. Please fill out the form located at this link: http://www.405th.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2 NOTE: Please see the below edit to note an upcoming change in how this is done.
2. You will also need to submit your application photos to deployment@405th.com. The photos need to be clear enough to show detail and full length from the front, back and each side and should ideally be in front of a neutral background - like a blank wall etc. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FORUM NAME AND REAL NAME IN YOUR EMAIL SO THAT IT IS EASY TO MATCH UP YOUR PHOTOS WITH YOUR FORUM APPLICATION.
3. Division will review your photos along with your form and be in contact with you should they have any questions or require more information or clearer pictures. This contact will happen by email.
4. Division will then place your gear within one of the 3 Tiers based on the following:
Tier 1
a. Armor fits adequately.
b. Soft parts may or may not match game/screen references.
c. Armor seams may be more prominent than shown in game/screen references.
d. Footwear is adequate but may not match game/screen references.
e. Detailing is present but perhaps not complete.
f. Note: The average Halo fan may notice some differences with the references.
Tier 2
a. Armor fits well and is strapped/attached well to accommodate movement etc.
b. Armor seams are adequately hidden from a distance of 10 feet.
c. Edges give the impression that it is armor, and not plastic/foam/resin etc.
d. Soft parts are closer to being game/screen accurate.
e. Paint properly reflects the desired “look” but may require some more refining.
f. Footwear is appropriate to the costume.
g. No major detailing missing and most minor details are present.
h. Note: The average Halo fan is likely not going to notice differences with the references without close inspection.
Tier 3
a. Armor fit and strapping are not an issue.
b. Armor seams are not evident even within 5 feet.
c. Edges are near to flawless and give the impression that it is armor and not plastic/foam/resin etc.
d. Soft parts fit the wearer properly to the desired character and game/screen accurate in terms of detailing
e. Paint and detailing matches the desired “look” of the referenced images.
f. Footwear matches the game/screen reference.
g. Most major and Minor Details are present.
h. Note: Costumes at this level will appear to have walked right out of the game. Even so, it is overall fit and look that allows a member to achieve this level and not a need for every detail to be perfect down to the smallest degree.
5. Each Tier is going to have a wide range of costumes within it. Your costume will fit within the Tier that it is MOST like. It doesn't have to match exactly in all of the categories.
6. Once your gear has been reviewed, you will be notified about either which Tier you gear is to be placed or what you need to do in order to be placed in Tier 1. As well, we will try to provide you with feedback on what item(s) you could upgrade, if you so choose, in order to move to the higher Tier. This is not a requirement. You are free to stay at the initial Tier placement permanently.
7. Please note that it is your gear that is being placed in a Tier and not you as a member. Therefore, if you have another set of gear, it will be assessed on it's own merits, and not automatically added to the same Tier.
8. The overall basics for gear approval is: can it appear within the Halo universe, how well does it fit, and how well is it finished (ie degree of clean seams and details etc.)
9. Custom Mash Ups ARE allowed (eg: Halo Kitty etc.), however, the base costume must adhere to the above rules and will be placed in a Tier appropriate to fit and finish. We do reserve the right to deny a custom mash up if it could be seen as inappropriate or the base costume itself couldn't exist within the Halo universe. Please discuss any custom mash ups with your local Membership Officers who would be happy to assist you before you begin your build.
10. Division will do our best to ensure that you get to keep your ID number so long as it adheres to a couple of rules. First it cannot already exist in game (eg: 117). Secondly, it must be a maximum of 4 numbers. THERE MAY BE TIMES WHERE WE HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT WHO GETS TO KEEP A NUMBER WHEN WE HAVE SOMEONE ON THE PREVIOUSLY KEPT LIST THAT HASN'T APPLIED AND A MEMBER WHO HAS APPLIED AND IS REQUESTING THAT SAME NUMBER. We know that these numbers are important to you. We'll do our best to sort out any issues that may come along but please note that if you do not have gear and will not have gear in the foreseeable future, we may need to officially give that number to a member that does. We will try to work through other avenues though.
We've made this process as uncomplicated as possible. We've had the Regiment Staff with gear already go through the process and have worked out some bugs etc. to hopefully make this smoother for all of you. Keep in mind, however, that we do only have 2 Membership Officers handling everyone so initially, we know this process is going to be slow. Please be patient with both Masterchief0624 and mothmonty.
Please also keep in mind that this is not personal. We worked really hard at coming up with categories that would accommodate the most members as possible. We don't anticipate there being many that will be denied on their first application. However, it can and will happen. We know that's tough for anyone to hear. I've been through it myself and get that it feels icky. But please take a deep breath and start a conversation with the Membership Officers, or even myself, about what you can do in order to get your gear approved. It may not be as awful as you think. Both Greg and Luis are VERY approachable and while they may be really bogged down initially, they will always do their best to help you out. I would suggest that if soft parts are the issue that you contact me directly as I might better be able to give you advice in that department.
Don't be discouraged. Don't overthink this process or the outcome. This is far easier to attain for our members than any other major club I know. Just take one step at a time and we'll work together. And most of all.....have patience. This is going to be slow for awhile.
EDIT/ADDITION: - September 13, 2016:
There will be a change coming up with respect to Deployment. When you are ready to be deployed, you are to get in contact with your Regiment Membership Officer. When we go live with this, we will post a list of the current RMO's so you know who you are to go to. If you aren't sure which Regiment you belong in (if you aren't already assigned), please ask me and I will help you sort that out. Your RMO will ask you for your costume photos and will make some suggestions. They will check to make sure that your photos are clear enough, that you have them from all requested angles and will point out any items that they think might assist in the deployment process such is fit etc. Your RMO will be the one that completes your application once everything is looked at by them and will submit it to Division along with emailing your photos. The conversation will then continue between yourself, your RMO and the Division Membership Officer. In the meantime, I very much encourage you contacting your RMO before you start the process. They are a valuable resource and are here to assist you.
APPEALS - if you have questions about the decision of the Division Membership Officer, you are encouraged to continue a conversation with the DMO to get clarification. If that clarification hasn't satisfied your questions or if you do not agree with the decision of the DMO and believe you should be in a different Tier etc, you should discuss the matter with your RMO. If you both feel that assistance is required, you can appeal the decision of the DMO to myself. Nothing complicated. A simple PM here on the forum will be just fine. Make sure to include your RMO whenever possible. I will look through all of the information as well as the email chain and do my best to help sort out the situation.
Face Characters - because we know that undersuits can be an issue and a pesky problem, we are going to allow, on a case by case basis, for face characters to be deployed as a Tier 2 version of that character if the undersuit detailing is the ONLY issue. Previously effected members will be reviewed in this situation and contacted on a case by case basis.
To become a Type D Member in the 405th, you'll need to complete the following:
1. Please fill out the form located at this link: http://www.405th.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2 NOTE: Please see the below edit to note an upcoming change in how this is done.
2. You will also need to submit your application photos to deployment@405th.com. The photos need to be clear enough to show detail and full length from the front, back and each side and should ideally be in front of a neutral background - like a blank wall etc. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FORUM NAME AND REAL NAME IN YOUR EMAIL SO THAT IT IS EASY TO MATCH UP YOUR PHOTOS WITH YOUR FORUM APPLICATION.
3. Division will review your photos along with your form and be in contact with you should they have any questions or require more information or clearer pictures. This contact will happen by email.
4. Division will then place your gear within one of the 3 Tiers based on the following:
Tier 1
a. Armor fits adequately.
b. Soft parts may or may not match game/screen references.
c. Armor seams may be more prominent than shown in game/screen references.
d. Footwear is adequate but may not match game/screen references.
e. Detailing is present but perhaps not complete.
f. Note: The average Halo fan may notice some differences with the references.
Tier 2
a. Armor fits well and is strapped/attached well to accommodate movement etc.
b. Armor seams are adequately hidden from a distance of 10 feet.
c. Edges give the impression that it is armor, and not plastic/foam/resin etc.
d. Soft parts are closer to being game/screen accurate.
e. Paint properly reflects the desired “look” but may require some more refining.
f. Footwear is appropriate to the costume.
g. No major detailing missing and most minor details are present.
h. Note: The average Halo fan is likely not going to notice differences with the references without close inspection.
Tier 3
a. Armor fit and strapping are not an issue.
b. Armor seams are not evident even within 5 feet.
c. Edges are near to flawless and give the impression that it is armor and not plastic/foam/resin etc.
d. Soft parts fit the wearer properly to the desired character and game/screen accurate in terms of detailing
e. Paint and detailing matches the desired “look” of the referenced images.
f. Footwear matches the game/screen reference.
g. Most major and Minor Details are present.
h. Note: Costumes at this level will appear to have walked right out of the game. Even so, it is overall fit and look that allows a member to achieve this level and not a need for every detail to be perfect down to the smallest degree.
5. Each Tier is going to have a wide range of costumes within it. Your costume will fit within the Tier that it is MOST like. It doesn't have to match exactly in all of the categories.
6. Once your gear has been reviewed, you will be notified about either which Tier you gear is to be placed or what you need to do in order to be placed in Tier 1. As well, we will try to provide you with feedback on what item(s) you could upgrade, if you so choose, in order to move to the higher Tier. This is not a requirement. You are free to stay at the initial Tier placement permanently.
7. Please note that it is your gear that is being placed in a Tier and not you as a member. Therefore, if you have another set of gear, it will be assessed on it's own merits, and not automatically added to the same Tier.
8. The overall basics for gear approval is: can it appear within the Halo universe, how well does it fit, and how well is it finished (ie degree of clean seams and details etc.)
9. Custom Mash Ups ARE allowed (eg: Halo Kitty etc.), however, the base costume must adhere to the above rules and will be placed in a Tier appropriate to fit and finish. We do reserve the right to deny a custom mash up if it could be seen as inappropriate or the base costume itself couldn't exist within the Halo universe. Please discuss any custom mash ups with your local Membership Officers who would be happy to assist you before you begin your build.
10. Division will do our best to ensure that you get to keep your ID number so long as it adheres to a couple of rules. First it cannot already exist in game (eg: 117). Secondly, it must be a maximum of 4 numbers. THERE MAY BE TIMES WHERE WE HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT WHO GETS TO KEEP A NUMBER WHEN WE HAVE SOMEONE ON THE PREVIOUSLY KEPT LIST THAT HASN'T APPLIED AND A MEMBER WHO HAS APPLIED AND IS REQUESTING THAT SAME NUMBER. We know that these numbers are important to you. We'll do our best to sort out any issues that may come along but please note that if you do not have gear and will not have gear in the foreseeable future, we may need to officially give that number to a member that does. We will try to work through other avenues though.
We've made this process as uncomplicated as possible. We've had the Regiment Staff with gear already go through the process and have worked out some bugs etc. to hopefully make this smoother for all of you. Keep in mind, however, that we do only have 2 Membership Officers handling everyone so initially, we know this process is going to be slow. Please be patient with both Masterchief0624 and mothmonty.
Please also keep in mind that this is not personal. We worked really hard at coming up with categories that would accommodate the most members as possible. We don't anticipate there being many that will be denied on their first application. However, it can and will happen. We know that's tough for anyone to hear. I've been through it myself and get that it feels icky. But please take a deep breath and start a conversation with the Membership Officers, or even myself, about what you can do in order to get your gear approved. It may not be as awful as you think. Both Greg and Luis are VERY approachable and while they may be really bogged down initially, they will always do their best to help you out. I would suggest that if soft parts are the issue that you contact me directly as I might better be able to give you advice in that department.
Don't be discouraged. Don't overthink this process or the outcome. This is far easier to attain for our members than any other major club I know. Just take one step at a time and we'll work together. And most of all.....have patience. This is going to be slow for awhile.
EDIT/ADDITION: - September 13, 2016:
There will be a change coming up with respect to Deployment. When you are ready to be deployed, you are to get in contact with your Regiment Membership Officer. When we go live with this, we will post a list of the current RMO's so you know who you are to go to. If you aren't sure which Regiment you belong in (if you aren't already assigned), please ask me and I will help you sort that out. Your RMO will ask you for your costume photos and will make some suggestions. They will check to make sure that your photos are clear enough, that you have them from all requested angles and will point out any items that they think might assist in the deployment process such is fit etc. Your RMO will be the one that completes your application once everything is looked at by them and will submit it to Division along with emailing your photos. The conversation will then continue between yourself, your RMO and the Division Membership Officer. In the meantime, I very much encourage you contacting your RMO before you start the process. They are a valuable resource and are here to assist you.
APPEALS - if you have questions about the decision of the Division Membership Officer, you are encouraged to continue a conversation with the DMO to get clarification. If that clarification hasn't satisfied your questions or if you do not agree with the decision of the DMO and believe you should be in a different Tier etc, you should discuss the matter with your RMO. If you both feel that assistance is required, you can appeal the decision of the DMO to myself. Nothing complicated. A simple PM here on the forum will be just fine. Make sure to include your RMO whenever possible. I will look through all of the information as well as the email chain and do my best to help sort out the situation.
Face Characters - because we know that undersuits can be an issue and a pesky problem, we are going to allow, on a case by case basis, for face characters to be deployed as a Tier 2 version of that character if the undersuit detailing is the ONLY issue. Previously effected members will be reviewed in this situation and contacted on a case by case basis.
