Welcome New Recruits!

The 501st Legion is the premiere organized costuming group for people who own and proudly wear the costumes of the Empire from the Star Wars movies and Expanded Universe. Our ranks are over 4,000 members world-wide and are found in all 50 US states and over 20 countries. The New England Garrison is the local contingent of the 501st, covering 5 of the 6 New England states and totaling around 100 active members. We participate in charity events, parades, promotions for Star Wars books, games and DVDs, and conventions across the region.

If you are a Connecticut based trooper, you'll want to head over to The ConnSquad Web Site. In 2006, Connecticut grew to the point where they had enough members to split off and form their own local unit. So all CT based cadets should report there.

Still interested? Join the Academy!

The first step is to join the Academy Forums. Once you register, the GML will get back to you ASAP to get your account activated. You do NOT need a completed costume to register, but you do need to be 18 years or older! Click here to get started!

Introduce yourself

When you first log in after you are activated in the Academy, look for a post greeting you to the 501st NEG Academy. Members of the Garrison and other recruits can work with you to get your costume put together the best way possible.

Fill out the 501st membership app

Once you've settled on a costume to make and have started working on it, go to 501st.com and fill out the membership application. This will get you into the GML queue there for future approval. Make sure to choose several possible ID numbers... we have thouands of members, so lots of choices are taken already!

Get to know the Garrison

While you are working on the costume, you'll find that there are many events looking for "wranglers", non-costumed helpers to keep an eye on the troopers. This is a PERFECT job for new recruits. You get to meet people, see how the costumes work, and get ideas for your own projects. From time to time members will also host "armor parties" -- get togethers focused on building costumes / props. If one of these comes up, definitely try to make it out!

Send your pics to the GML

When your costume is done, submit your pictures to the GML. We need head to toe shots, front back and side. We also need a "bucket off" picture of you in costume (no helmet). The GML will review the suit, talk to you about any modifications that will be needed, then activate your legion account.

Get trooping!

Some time after the GML submits the suit, you will get an email from the 501st Legion Membership Officer confirming your activation as a member. This process can be slow: up to 3 weeks at times. You will then gain access to the 501st Legion forum and the members only sections of the NEG site. At that point you can start trooping at any / all NEG events!

Let's go recruits... get cracking on that armor and get ready for a great ride!