How to Create a G.I. Joe Costume

For a quick and easy costume, G.I. Joe is an old favorite that always works well. Not only are costume materials inexpensive and easy to find, you will be well-dressed for any covert operations that your Halloween festivities may inspire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boots
• Walkie-talkies
• Backpacks
• Canteens
• Face Paints
• G.I. Joe Costume
• Walkie-talkies

1. Visit an army surplus store and pick up some fatigues. Start with an inexpensive canvas jacket, then search for matching pants.

2. Find a utility belt to wear over your jacket. These are great for hanging canteens and other accessories.

3. Try on a few helmets. Consider wearing just the inner shell, and leaving the heavy, metal outer shell behind, as a heavy helmet will get uncomfortable during your civilian maneuvers. Plastic helmets can be found at most costume stores.

4. Ask for camouflage face paint at the checkout desk. These paints typically come in kits of black, brown and green paint. You can go basic and just wipe stripes under your eyes, or go all out and paint your entire face in blotches of different colors.

5. Slip on a pair of black boots. If you don't have any, a pair at the surplus store costs about $20. Keep your pants tucked into your boots to prevent snags on barbed wire and landmines.

6. Wear a dark-colored backpack to carry additional supplies, like candy rations and toilet paper.

7. Carrying a weapon is not advised, but you may want to pick up a good rubber survival knife or get a Super Soaker and spray-paint it black.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay hydrated. Hours of hauling your pack through the night can be hard work. Carry a canteen filled with your favorite beverage.
• If you've assembled a platoon of Joes, stay in contact with walkie-talkies, which are great for coordinating meeting points and planning strategic Halloween tactics.
• Helmet netting should also be available at an army surplus store. Wrap the netting on your helmet and stick in a variety of local plant clippings.

[jptompson]

on 10/6/2009 That's some great tips... you can get blond hair coloring for Duke or a barret for Flint and you're set. If you don't have the time to put one together or want ideas http://www.gijoecostumez.com has some good GI Joe and Cobra costumes.