501st Legion 101

<img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-67669″ src=”http://www.geekmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/501stmasterbanner_lg.jpg” alt=”” width=”600″ height=”138″ />

So, you want to join the 501st Legion? Well here is the ultimate step-by-step guide to how you too can become one of the members of the fighting 501st. The path of the Empire is a challenging one; it takes time and commitment to completion of a canon costume. You will have moments where you will ask yourself, “What the heck was I thinking?” But in the end, you will feel the pride that comes with completion of an approved build!

1. Decide to join.

2. Go to the 501^st website and find your local 501^st unit.

3. Look up and attend a 501^st event in your area. Get to know the members and let them get to know you.

Before I started trooping in costume, I attended several events as a non-costumed handler, which involved me helping members get on their costumes, keeping them hydrated, helping with crowd control, etc. This allowed me to gain rapport with my Garrison mates and grow even more appreciated for what they did.

4. Look over the Costume Reference Library for approved costumes. Remember, the 501^st legion is only the bad guys! You won’t find Luke Skywalker or Princess Leia as one of your options.

If the Costume Reference Library feels a little overwhelming, don’t feel bad. It’s a lot for anyone to go through. When I first decided to join up, I knew that I wanted to do a character out of Clone Wars the Animated Series. The first thing I did was visit a bookstore and I bought the Star Wars Clone Wars Character Encyclopedia. I found my character on page 53 and I used that as my main reference point for my entire build.

[To read the rest of Dakster’s run down on how to join the 501st, or make your own costume, head over to GeekMom!]