So, you think you have what it takes to join the 501st Legion Timberline Garrison? Great! This page will answer some of your questions as well as point you in the right direction to get started.
First, let’s make sure you’re in the right place. Do you live in Idaho or Montana? If so, the Timberline Garrison is the garrison for you. If not, visit www.501st.com to find a Garrison near you. Below, you’ll find some helpful information to get started
Basic Requirements
To join the 501st Legion, you must own a high-quality costume of one of the “villain” characters from Star Wars, and be at least 18 years of age.
For the most up-to-date membership requirements information, check out the 501st Legion’s Membership Requirements
The Basic Steps
To join the 501st Legion, you must:
- Build your costume
- Transmit your application photos to our Garrison Membership Liaison (GML) for review
- Have your costume approved by our GML
- Submit your 501st Legion Application
So, the first step is to build your costume. Here are some suggestions to get you going and help you along the way!
Register on our Message Boards
Building a screen-quality Star Wars costume can be intimidating. Don’t worry! We’re here to help! So, if you live in Idaho or Montana, sign up for our message boards and introduce yourself in the “Recruiter’s Office”. Tell us a little about yourself: What city you live in; what costume you’re considering building; how you learned about the 501st; why you want to join; etc.
Choose the Costume You’d Like to Build
This is the most important step. YOu should consider several factors when choosing which costume you want to build. Budget, your skillset, comfort, and body type are all factors. For example, Boba Fett is one of the most expensive costumes to build. If you’re not good with tools, gluing, and painting, perhaps a soft costume without armor (such as an Imperial Officer) is a good fit for you. If you have back trouble, Stormtrooper armor may not be a good choice. And let’s face it, a 5′ tall Darth Vader just won’t work, nor will a 7′ tall Stormtrooper.
Take a look at this list of 501st-Approvable Costumes to see what costumes are acceptable for 501st Membership. Each one is clickable, which will take you to the Costume Reference Library (CRL) for that costume. The CRL is the list of requirements for that costume, with reference photos.
Visit the Detachment for Your Costume
Each costume type in the 501st Legion has a detachment assigned to it – that is, a group of people who have built (and are experts on) that particular costume. You’ll find a wealth of information on the costume you’re planning to build in the detachment. Visit this list of 501st Detachments to find the detachment for your chosen costume.
Check the CRL
For each costume that is acceptable for 501st Legion membership, there is a CRL (Costume Reference Library). This CRL will list all of the required components of your chosen costume, with reference photos and other valuable information. Visit this List of CRLs to find the CRL for your costume. While you’re working on your costume, be sure to keep checking the CRL to ensure you don’t miss a detail.
Guide for Aspiring Members
The 501st Legion’s “Guide for Aspiring Members” is full of valuable information and will answer many of your questions. Click on the thumbnail to the left to download it. Take a few minutes and read it. You’ll find a great deal of information regarding acquiring a costume and joining the 501st Legion!