The items listed below are either personal to my Nam service or have been procured over the last 40-years. Great research has been done for authentication and I will attempt to identify both source procurement and/or written information. Most, if not all, are part of my personal collection and many are brought to military shows and events for display or demonstration.
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED - - INFORMATION PROVIDED IS FROM david.brubakers.us That source has research, historical data, photographs and related resource links.
Utility Fatigue Shirt
The shirt was a cotton sateen dyed in olive drab army shade 107. Used early on it had two straight chest pockets and exposed buttons on all closures. This shirt was supposed to be worn tucked into the trousers.
Tropical Jungle Jackets
The Jungle Jacket is an all cotton wind-resistant poplin or Rip-Stop cotton fabric, dyed olive green army shade 107. It has two chest bellows pockets and two lower bellows pockets.
Three standard patterns:
1st Pattern: Manufactured from Poplin it had exposed buttons on angled pockets, jacket closure, shoulder loops, gas flap and side adjustment tabs. Sleeves had adjustable cuffs to allow them to be rolled up. Each pocket has drainage eyelets at the bottom.
2nd Pattern: Manufactured from Poplin it had concealed buttons on the angled pockets and jacket closure. And had the shoulder loops, gas flap, side tabs, adjustable cuffs and drainage eyelets on the pockets.
3rd Pattern: Manufactured in Poplin or Rip-Stop it had concealed buttons on angled pockets and jacket closure. However it had no shoulder loops, side tabs or gas flap.
There are some ‘intermediate’ type jackets which are essentially 3rd pattern but with 2nd pattern fittings. It is not known whether there are any reasons or reference to these although examples can be found.
Jungle Trousers
The trousers are made of all cotton poplin or rip-stop poplin in olive green army shade 107. They have two front pockets, two hip pockets, and two bellows cargo leg pockets. A small pocket inside the left cargo pocket was designed to carry a survival kit. The trouser legs have draw cords at the bottom.
There are 3 standard patterns
1st Pattern: This had exposed buttons, leg ties in thigh pockets, small loops in crotch for the leg ties and came in Poplin only. 2nd Pattern: This had concealed buttons. The rest was the same as 1st Pattern.
3rd Pattern: This had concealed buttons, no leg ties or loops, and came in Poplin or Rip stop.
The ERDL jackets and trousers were the same as 3rd Pattern Jungle Jackets and Trousers. Some trousers have a slide fastener fly (zipper) others with a 5 buttoned fly. Sizes range from small to extra large. Larger sizes are hard to find.. Rip-stop poplin trousers appear at around 1968, but there are some early 1967 prototypes around. These pants are cool and comfortable, but have a tendency to rip, especially at the knee. Be sure to check for the small inner pocket in the front left hand cargo pocket, this is a sure way to date jungle trousers, since the post war ones didn’t have this feature. Also check the rear trouser pockets. There should be a single button. If there are two then you have a post war copy. Check the drawstring at the bottom of the trousers. This should be a ‘rope’ string as opposed to the modern ‘tape’ string. Accuracy is important for the reenactor, care should be taken to get it right.
The trousers are made of all cotton poplin or rip-stop poplin in olive green army shade 107. They have two front pockets, two hip pockets, and two bellows cargo leg pockets. A small pocket inside the left cargo pocket was designed to carry a survival kit. The trouser legs have draw cords at the bottom.
Combat Boots
Jungle Boot – 1965 – 1968
This pattern had the black leather toe and heal box and green nylon duck upper sides. It had two drainage eyelets in the side of the boot to allow the foot to breathe and allow water to escape after immersions. It looked almost identical to today’s boot, accept that it had the Vibram sole with no angled ankle support panel and no ‘spike protection’ plate in the sole.
Vietnam Headgear
Soft tropical sun hats were used by all forces in Vietnam. They were made of either cotton poplin or rip-stop fabric. The hat featured an adjustable chin-strap, foliage loops and ventilation eyelets around the crown. The insect net was issued with it, but not often used.
Fatigue Cap
This was a visor baseball style hat made of polyester and rayon gabardine cloth dyed olive green army. The stitching is a good way to recognize wartime fatigue caps, as they have a double row (Two rows) of stitching around the visor and cap. Post war caps have two double rows (Four rows) of stitching.
Helmet – M1
The M1 helmet of the 1960’s has a lower profile than the M1 helmets of WW2, otherwise the design was unchanged. The two-part chin strap was typically fastened up around the rear of the helmet . There are many of the Vietnam era helmets to be found. Some things to look out for….. The WW2 helmet’s rim joins at the front, the Korean and Vietnam helmet rim joins at the rear. The helmet strap should have a little anchor insignia on it. If you are new to reenacting you will find these helmets
M1 Helmet Liner
The liner includes a 6 point suspension system made up of cotton webbing with 3 adjustable web straps. The headband is attached to the suspension webbing. There are also three small buckles attached to the inside of the liner used to attach the nape strap. The Vietnam liner webbing are attached with rivets, whereas the later ones have a detachable suspension system.
Helmet Cover – Mitchel
The Mitchell leaf pattern was a disruptive camouflage pattern using selected organic dyes and resin bonded pigments. A reversible cover with leaf patterns in greens and brown colors for spring and summer wear, and brown colors for fall and winter operations. For additional camouflage the cover contained small slots for inserting natural foliage. The elastic helmet band could also be used to hold foliage in place. It is possible to buy a cover with graffiti written on it. Graffiti on helmet covers was a means of expressing identity and opinion. If you choose to put your own graffiti on a helmet care should be taken to use graffiti appropriate to the period and service and also keep in mind you will be in full view of the general public, so you might want to temper it a little bit. The easier dates to find are between 1970 -1975. 1960’s dated are around but you have to hunt for them. If you have a twill cotton cover then it was definitely made in the 1960’s. Likewise early Mitchell pattern covers were still marked with FSN. The FSN (Federal Stock Number) marked covers predate the later DSA marked ones, therefore you have a 1960’s date. Notice on many covers that they were made by the Minneapolis Society for the blind.
Helmet Headband
The headband is a leather covered web strap provided with 6 metal clips and a buckle for attaching and adjusting the headband to the liner. The clips lock around the webbing that goes around the inside of the helmet. The open ends of the clips should be pointing up when the band is on your head. It is easier to adjust the band by fitting it on your head before you put it into the helmet.
Helmet Band Items
An elastic cotton webbing placed around the helmet. It was designed to hold foliage in order to blend the helmet into the surrounding terrain. In Vietnam, however it was more commonly used to hold personal items such as cigarettes, toilet paper, insect repellent or a spare magazine.
Neckband
The neckband is a web strap with a long adjusting tape sewed to each end and a short adjusting tape sewed to the middle. Designed to be fitted to the 2nd Pattern helmet liner. This helped to hold the helmet at the back of your head, keeping the thing from pitching forward on your forehead or nose.
Helmet Chin Web Strap
A cotton web strap attached to the sides of the helmet, utilizing a ball and hook type closure (clasped together in this picture). Commonly worn over the back of the helmet. The ball and hook was designed to release the helmet should undue pressure be exerted on the helmet thus offering some protection from neck injury.
M1967 Web Gear
The M1967 Individual Load Carrying Equipment was a modernized version of the M1956, designed specially for Vietnam. The M1967 LCE did not entirely replace the M1956 equipment. Often M1956 and M1967 equipment were mixed together to form composite webbing, since both types were fully compatible with each other. The new equipment was essentially the same but replaced canvas for nylon, and metal for plastic, which unlike the canvas, was mildew resistant.
Pistol Belt
A pistol belt is what all other web gear hooks to. Attachments to the gear include ammo pouches, first aid or compass pouch, canteen and fanny pack (to name just a few items) to it. Davis belts had a flat metal tab the locked into a slot on the other end of the belt. They were reputed to come undone when you laid on you stomach, although mine typically twisted, which made it difficult to unbuckle
Ammo Pouches – M16 – 20 Round
The standard ammo pouch for the M16 magazine. There are carriers either side for attachment of grenades. The M1956 ammo pouch was introduced in 1957. It was originally designed to carry magazines for the M14 rifle and not M16. It does carry both types of magazines. Troops were known to put a bandage from their first aid pouch in the bottom of this pouch so that the M16 magazines would fit to the top of the pouch. There are several variations of this pouch. The earliest pouch is made of canvas and has a metal front plate to protect the ammunition from fragments and a grommet through the securing tab. This was replaced in 1962 with a pouch of the same size but without the metal plate and tab grommet. This gives a a crumpled appearance when empty. A smaller size of pouch still made of canvas appeared in late 1967 to early 1968. These were designed for easier access to the shorter M16 20 round magazine. Both types fit the same number of magazines but in the smaller pouch magazines are easier to reach. There is another of the smaller size pouches but made of nylon. This is part of the M1967 webbing.
Fanny or Buttpack
This pattern has wings of canvas that fold inwards. It has a plastic window pocket to put your name. It has two carry straps on the bottom and ALICE clips on the rear to attach to the pistol belt. The suspenders attach to the top of the bag on the back through riveted holes on stitched tabs. The interior contains a plastic lining. The 2nd Pattern M1916 butt pack features are identical to the M1956.
Differences between the M1956 & M1961 butt pack as follows :
1. length – M1956 is 4-1/2′ while M1961 is 5-1/2″
2. height – M1956 is 7-3/4″ while M1961 is 8-1/2″
3. width – M1956 is 8″ while M1961 is 9″
4. Flap – M1956 has a simple narrow flap while M1961 has an improved flap that both sides fold down a little bit.
5. M1956 has 2 side extensions that folded over the content while M1961 has waterproof throat around the opening.
Suspenders – 1956
The suspenders are attach to the front of my pistol belt and affixed to the butt pack. They are there to keep the belt up, and distribute the weight more evenly. They come in three sizes: regular and long and X-long. Regular fits most, but if you’re a tall person, over 6 feet, then get the long size though, they can be harder to find. After Basic/AIT regular was fine, but after 40-years . . . had to procure a larger size through david.brubakers.us (a great authentic reenactor/historic resource.)
Compass Pouch – 1956
A small pouch designed to carry either a lensatic compass or a Field Dressing, the field dressing being the most common content. It can fit on a number of places on the web gear. I had two of these as part of my basic kit – – and a medic bag. The extra one usually had all sorts of personal items.
Canteen and Cover
The one quart Nam canteen was made of olive drab polyethylene plastic. Although 1 was required, 2 were usually attached to the web pistol belt. It had a felt lined cotton duck water canteen cover. The felt lining was designed to keep the water cool. Earlier pre-1967 covers had a canvas trim around the edge flaps. There was also a later fully nylon type (M1967) with a little pouch for purifying tablets.
Dog Tags
These identification metal tags with chains changed over the years. When I served, the Army had the following information:
Last Name: SMITH
First Name + Initial: JOHN M
Social Security Number (That replaced the former Army I.D. number): 123456789
Blood Type: (Example) O+
Religion: (EXAMPLE) CATHOLIC
M1967 Tri-folding E-Tool & Case
This tool had a hollow triangular shaped handle and a shovel blade with one edge sharpened for cutting, the other serrated for digging. The blade could be adjusted to different angles in the same way as the M1951 E-Tool. It folded twice for carrying and was stored in a nylon pouch.
M1951 E-Tool
Standard folding entrenchment tool.
M1956 E-Tool Cover
The tool cover utilizes “ALICE” slide clips to fit wherever you want to put it. It has an attachment to fix your bayonet with M8A1 Scabbard.
M1956 Sleeping Carrier
A complicated set of straps, also called “spaghetti straps”. It was sed to strap your sleeping bag or poncho with liner rolled inside, on to your M1956 suspenders.
Tropical Combat Neckerchief
This Neckerchief was a sweat cloth of highly absorbent dark green cotton in Army shade 409. It is a standard 36″ by 24″ and matches the color of the undershirt. This item became popular for wiping perspiration and dirt from the brow and hands and for cleaning weapons and ammunition. It was worn over or around the head as a bandanna or sweatband. Troops also wore them tied around their necks. These neckerchiefs were very well made and had many uses.
Field Towel
A green towel with single wide band at the end. Often worn around the neck to wipe the face free of sweat and protecting the neck and shoulders from heavy equipment. The Vietnam era towels are single banded in a OG-107 color.
Socks
One of the more important items. Clean, dry socks were critical to prevent jungle rot and trench foot.
Canteen Cup and Cover
Made of stainless steel, the canteen cup fits into the canteen cover and the canteen fits into the cup.
Mess Kit and Utensils
Mess kit – Also known as mess tins, mess gear, cook kits for cooking and eating. They were washed by hanging the lid and utensils on the handle as seen above and dipping them into a succession of hot water cans (AKA – garbage cans) using immersion heaters to bring the water to proper temperature. You dipped and sloshed in a “dirty” dip can then moved to a cleaner can and then if you were really lucky a third clean water very hot temperature dip to finish. Failure to do this would result in all sorts of nasty stomach and lower problems.
C-Ration, Meal Combat Individual
A box containing a main meal (such as Pork and beans, spaghetti and meatballs, or worst of all Ham and Eggs, etc.), a B2 unit (crackers, candy, cheese, jelly), a desert (Canned fruit, pound-cake, etc.) and an accessory pack. The accessory pack contained a hot drink mix, gum, matches, toilet paper, salt, sugar, a plastic spoon and a small pack of cigarettes. Helmet bans were used to hold items such as cigarettes, matches . . . toilet paper.
Poncho
A rubber coated fabric poncho with hood. Dyed olive green army shade 207. Known to become heavy when wet, and the shiny finish gleams in the rain. Two poncho’s can be snapped together to make a shelter. A must have for its usefulness as a shelter or ground sheet. It is really hot and sweaty to use as a rain garment. Users often ended up as wet inside the poncho as they would have been without it.
Shelter Half
A water-repellent mildew-resistant cotton duck dyed olive green army shade 107. It was one half of a tent panel with triangular flaps that was carried one per individual. Two of these could be buttoned together to form a complete tent. Each soldier would carry a half tent, one tent pole (That can be split into three sections), and tent pegs.
Flashlight
A olive drab plastic right angled flashlight. It has a 3 way switch, 0ff-Blink-On. Inside the battery compartment under the spring is a storage compartment for a spare bulb. The bottom section unscrews revealing a compartment containing colored filters that can be attached to the front of the flashlight, by unscrewing the front ring, placing the filter inside and screwing the ring back on. The original Vietnam War torches don’t have the raised guards on the long sides of the switch. The reference number MX991/U should be written on the left side surrounded by a circle.
Fragmentation Vest
The M1952 was developed during the Korean War and was used right through the Vietnam War. The vest contained a filler of semi-flexible layers of ballistic nylon cloth with a quarter inch layer of sponge rubber over the ribs and shoulders. This served as a shock absorbing layer to alleviate contusions and fractures from the impact of missiles. The vest closed with a full length zipper and could be adjusted by laced closures at both sides. It had two chest pockets, shoulder straps and two rows of web hangers for grenades etc.
The M1969 vest was an improved version of the M1952. There are 12 layers in the front and upper back, two in the lower back, and an additional two down the length of the spine. The jacket does not have shoulder loops of the M1952, but incorporated a semi-stiff three-quarter inch color with three layers of ballistic filling, providing protection to the neck. This can be fairly comfortable to wear, but with your webbing as well, it will get to feeling heavy pretty quick. These vest also can have Velcro for closing rather than zippers, with dates starting at 1970.
Vietnam Rucksack
The Lightweight Tropical Rucksack was standardized in 1965 and was issued in the following year to replace the unsatisfactory M1956 and M1961 Buttpacks. It consisted of a water resistant nylon bag with one large compartment and three external pockets, the middle outside pocket is slightly bigger than the other two. The pack was fixed to a tubular aluminium frame. The rucksack eliminated the need to have items from being worn on the back of the pistol belt, thus water canteens and other items are hung on the pack, there are straps on each side to hold the canteens down and stop them from flopping when the soldier is on the move. A machete was usually mounted using the two eyelets located on the top horizontal strap on the pack frame. The waist strap is not often seen in photographic evidence of field use. You can tell an older pack frame from the later versions by the middle horizontal back strap. The older versions did not have this strap, nor provisions for mounting one. The later versions had small ears welded to the frame, just like the top strap, that would hold the middle strap in place.
Bayonet – M7
A steel bayonet sharpened on the downside and partially on the upper side. It has a large barrel ring that fits over the flash hider of the rifle. It has plastic Handles. The attachment to the rifle is at the butt of the bayonet.
M8A1 Bayonet Scabbard
This is a self sharpening scabbard with attachment to hang from webbing. This one has the leg tie wrapped around the body. The leg tie would often break – – a spare boot lace served the purpose.
M16A1 Rifle
Much the same as the M16, but the M16A1 featured slight improvements, namely the addition of a forward assist and the ‘birdcage’ flash suppressor as opposed to the tri-pronged. The forward assist was a device to counter the bolt jamming. The device was a plunger that engaged with corresponding notches on the bolt, driving it forward if it stuck. The birdcage flash suppressor was a simple fix to the problem of the open tri-pronged suppressor snagging on foliage.
Platoon Leader
The Platoon Leader is the most senior leader in the platoon. He is the person everyone else looks to for orders and sets the uniform standards. This makes him a target, so he should appear very much like a rifleman. The differences are very subtle, and the only way you should be able to identify him is by the RTO’s surrounding him.
This platoon leader is studying his map co-ordinates, his watch strapped to his wrist and he has his RTO nearby. He is wearing poplin jungle fatigues with the shoulder sleeves rolled up. On his back is a lightweight rucksack and frame, the rucksack is hung in the lower position on the frame. Under the webbing straps is a poncho liner rolled in a poncho and tucked in underneath is a M1942 machete. On the frames side is a coil of rope, which partially obscures a M1956 canteen with cover. Around his waist and across his shoulder is a 7 pocket M16 bandoleer loaded with magazines. Off the webbing you can glimpse some M18 smoke grenades.
In this picture the same Platoon leader is seen, this time from the front. His webbing is not visible. The ammunition pouches are the smaller later variety better designed for the 20 round M16 magazines and hanging off each side of the amo pouch are M26 grenades. He has positioned his compass pouch lower on his suspenders and it rests on the right of his chest. Hung from his left shoulder and under his right arm is the 7 pocket cotton bandoleer. The straps you see that look like part of his webbing are in fact the rucksack shoulder straps. Note that the weapon resting next to him is a CAR-15, which is characteristic of a Platoon Leaders chosen weapon. Official designation for this weapon was XM177, the Air Force called them GAU-5’s. GAU stands for Ground Assault Unit.
This picture shows a Captain of an Air Calvary Division, he is probably a Company Commander. He wears the standard poplin jungle jacket, M1 helmet with Mitchell pattern cover and green olive drab t-shirt. He sports standard M1956 webbing with horizontal weave pistol belt. On his webbing he has two compass pouches, one of which is upside down. Both sides of his ammo pouches are sporting grenades and to the front is a pistol ammunition pouch, suggesting he carries an M1911A1 – standard issue for Officers. Unusually this Captain has a Pilots Survival knife taped upside down on his suspenders. This is a personal preference, no doubt the Captain is hoping to facilitate a quick draw from the sheath, in a downward stroke into on-guard position. He carries a standard M16. Note he is wearing a army issue watch. Further note he has black on white name tapes, suggesting he has been in Vietnam in the early years of the war.
The final picture is of another Captain wearing an M1 helmet an unbadged jungle jacket, and trousers that are blossomed to his boots. Over his fatigues he wears an M1969 Fragmentation Jacket with 3/4 collar. He has standard M1956 webbing consisting of suspenders, pistol belt, 2 ammo pouches, compass pouch, M7 bayonet in M8A1 bayonet, and probably buttpack and 2 canteens (Although not visible here). Strapped to his left leg is a M18 Gasmask and Carrier, which slightly blocks the bayonet. On his left side is a M1916 holster containing a M1911A1 pistol. Take note that he wears a watch also, it is not threaded through a button hole on his shirt pocket as some troopers chose to do.
Load & List of Equipment – Platoon Leader
Here I have listed what I think you should have in your collection to display a typical platoon leader, above and beyound the basic combat equipment issue all the troopers would have in the US Army in Vietnam. Don’t forget, even the LT has personal preferences for what he carries, just like any other troop, but he is expected to lead by example, so…..no Love Beads, Peace symbols, Hippie crap.
Uniform – Jungle jacket, trousers, M1 helmet with cover, T-shirt, socks, boxer shorts, combat boots.
Web Gear – standard system M1956 or M1967 webbing: This is belt, suspenders, two ammo pouches, two canteens with covers, buttpack (Optional), compass pouch, E-tool and cover.
Optional additional system equipment – 5 QT canteen, bayonet, machete
Existence Equipment – poncho and/or pup tent, poncho liner, mess tin and C-rations
Firearms & Accessories – Colt M16, M16A1 or XM-177 and at least three loaded cotton bandoliers, M1911A1 pistol, .45 magazine case with two magazines, M1910 holster or shoulder holster, fragmentation grenades, smoke grenade
Additional equipment – 1 claymore mine bag (to carry your extra goodies), map case, Army issue compass, Army issue binoculars and case, Army issue wrist watch, lightweight rucksack w/frame, 550 parachute cord, M1952 or M1969 flak jacket.
Squad Leader
Here is the “Look” for what a typical Squad Leader would look like and what he might be wearing. As the Squad Leader your general appearance is of a rifleman and the differences are very slight. If you were the enemy spying on a squad, the leader would be the person directing other soldiers, perhaps with arm signals or verbal communication, he might be using a RTO’s radio or reading maps. But otherwise he would be no different. Most Squad Leaders prefer to carry the small CAR-15 which is easier to carry when doing other things like talking on the radio, but remember they were not always available to all those who wanted them. The Squad Leader below is talking on the squad’s PRC. Squad Leaders, being NCO’s, were entitled to carry an M1911A1 automatic pistol.
A squad leader and his RTO. Notice the radio is a PRC-10 and the RTO is carrying a fanny pack (seems to be empty) attached to the bottom of the radio carrier. He has some bug juice in his helmet band. Squad leader is wearing a lightweight tropical rucksack and frame with a machete attached. The antenna on the PRC is pulled forward and probably tucked into the loop on the front of the pack straps.
Lets examine this last photo for Squad Leaders. RTO is a PFC carrying an XM177 carbine. He has the green bug juice bottle in his helmet band. The antenna on the PRC is tucked in between his back and the radio carrier frame which would shorten the range of the unit considerably. The Squad Leader has a pack of smokes stuck in his helmet band. He is carrying some coiled rope and you can just see the edge of the pack frame on his lightweight tropical ruck. Notice the radio handset is enclosed in a plastic bag. Condoms were sometimes used, but this particular picture looks to be a looser plastic bag of some sort.
Rifleman
This section gives you an idea of what a typical Rifleman would look like and what he might be wearing. The basic ‘Look’ of a Rifleman is what you should aim to achieve when you start collecting. The rifleman pictured below has a OD green t-shirt under his poplin jungle jacket which is loosely worn. His webbing consists of M1956 suspenders and a vertical weave Davis belt. M26 grenades hang either side of two M1956 ammo pouches and a M1956 canteen with cover sits on his hip. Secured next to his left ammo pouch is a compass pouch with first aid dressing. On the back of his suspenders he has a rolled up poncho, probably secured by paracord to the back pad. In addition to the ammo pouches, he carries two fully loaded seven pocket cotton M16 bandoleers with 20 round magazines inserted.
The next rifleman pictured below wears a 3rd pattern jungle jacket with sleeves rolled down and jungle trousers. You can just make out his M1956 suspenders, ammo pouch, and vertical weave pistol belt. His compass pouch is situated on his left shoulder on the upper web keeper of the padded part of the suspenders. He has slung a seven pocket M16 bandoleer over his right shoulder and it hangs diagonally around his body under his left arm. The strap on the same shoulder appears to be a claymore mine bag, probably carrying additional ammunition. Notice neither of these two troopers have flak vest on. Not everybody wore them!
This third rifleman (Below) wears poplin jungle trousers and jacket with his sleeves partly rolled up. He wears M1956 webbing consisting of suspenders, belt, ammo pouches and compass pouch. Notice the M1956 ammo pouches are the shorter version designed to make the withdraw of magazines easier. Under his suspenders he has a field towel used as padding for carrying heavy loads. On his left hip you can just make out a M8A1 bayonet scabbard and a pair of yellow roping gloves.
In the final picture there is a team of five grunts consisting of three riflemen, a grenadier and a M60 gunner. This picture demonstrates the general look of a rifleman. All their fatigues are muddy and wet. Their trousers (except for the troop on the far right) are tied down in bloused fashion and the pockets on their trousers are stuffed full and bellowed. Jungle jackets are worn loosly and sleeves are rolled down. The far right grunt has his rolled up, but appears to be wearing a sleeping shirt underneath. Some of the grunts are wearing neckerchiefs around their necks, others have the field towel to soak up sweat. All are wearing the basic M1956 webbing or some variation. The grunt first left, has aquired a USMC flak jacket. Notice also our far right trooper is carrying a shotgun and a revolver in a loose fitting shoulder holster. Nobody is packing ammo belts for the m-60!
Medical Corpsman – Medic
The basic rifleman’s equipment load the medic would also have the M3 or M5 field medical kit as well as an M1911A1 .45 automatic pistol or an M16
Additional equipment
M3 Aid bag
M5 Aid bag
4 M1956 Canteens
List of Contents:
SURGICAL SHEET WITH THE MEDICAL CADUCEUS
JACKSON SIZE 3 TRACHEOTOMY CANNULA
1 MINOR SURGERY FIELD INSTRUMENT
8 GAUZE PETROLATUM DRESSINGS
2 – 11 3/4 INCH SQUARE DYED FIRST AID FIELD DRESSINGS
1 FIELD EYE DRESSING KIT
2 ARMY TOURNIQUETS
1 BOX OF COTTON SWABS ON A WOODEN STICK
1 TIN OF REXALL SURGICAL POWDER
2 BOTTLES OF WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS
1 TIN OF SUNBURN PREVENTITIVE CREAM
4 TONGUE DEPRESSORS
1- 4 INCH COTTON ELASTIC BANDAGE
2- 3 INCH COTTON ELASTIC BANDAGES
1- 3 INCH X 10 YARDS CAMOUFLAGED GAUZE BANDAGE
3 TRIANGULAR BANDAGES
4 ROUND CONTAINERS OF 1 INCH X 6 YARDS GAUZE ROLLER
1- 24 X 72 INCH GAUZE COMPRESS
1 INDIVIDUAL FIRST AID FIELD DRESSING
1- 3 INCH X 6 YARDS CAMOUFLAGED GAUZE BANDAGE
3 BOXES OF FIELD BAND-AIDS
1 TIN OF REXALL QUIK-BANDS BAND-AIDS
2 BOXES OF 1 INCH X 6 YARDS GAUZE
1 BOX OF 3 INCH X 10 YARDS GAUZE ROLLER PLAIN
1 BOX OF 10 MERTHIOLATE SWABS
1 BOX OF 10 AMMONIA INHALANTS
1 TUBE OF TANNIC ACID JELLY BURN COMPOUND
1 FIELD DRESSING IN A BROWN WRAPPER
1 TUBE OF PETROLINE BACITRACIN OINTMENT
1 TUBE OF OPTHALMIC OINTMENT FOR EYE INFECTIONS
1 PACKAGE OF 4 – 2X2 CAMOUFLAGED COMPRESS AND BANDAGE
RTO (Radio Telephone Operator)
The basis of this section is to give you an idea of what an RTO looks like and what he might be wearing. ‘The Look’ is exactly like a rifleman accept you have this great big radio strapped to your back. So you want to be a RTO? Here we can discuss what you should have in your collection to display a basic RTO in the US Army in Vietnam. Mind you this is what I think, so you don’t have to go along with it. At the end of the day its up to you what you carry and how much weight you assign yourself. Along with all of your basic Rifleman load, you will be packing a radio, this could be a PRC77 or PRC25 or PRC10, with either the radio carrier or packframe with shelf. RTO’s were targets! They often tried to hide the radio a bit. You often see claymore mine bags tied to the radio, used to carry spare batteries, flares, etc.. A radio assecories bag would also be attached to the straps holding the radio in place, this would contain antenna components, maybe a spare handset. A buttpack is attached below it. This RTO keeps his radio well masked and in doing so keeps his profile down. Remember RTO’s are easy target to VC with their antenna acting like a flag. Take out the radio and you take out a valuable platoon resource.
This RTO is carrying a flare, two smoke grenades, an areal ID panel, map, radio accessories bag, machete and a pink flashlight. The radio is a PRC-10. I am not sure what the pouch is on the right. I wonder about the stuff being stored under the hold down straps. If they are pulled out to use, the radio would be loose on the carrier.
Bug -Juice (Insect Repellent) Type II A
There are three varieties: (1) clear bottle with paper label, (2) clear bottle with printing directly on the bottle and (3) green bottle also with printing directly on the bottle.
C-Ration Spoon
White plastic spoon that came with the C-Rations accessory pack.
C-Ration P-38 Can Opener
A small metal device for opening cans. When soldiers had C-rations, the P-38 was your access to food, that made it a high priority. Soldiers discovered the tool acquired its name from the 38 punctures required to open a C-ration can, and from the boast that it performed with the speed of the World War II P-38 fighter plane. Never in its 52-year history has it been known to break, rust, need sharpening or polishing. The P-38 was an extremely simple, lightweight, multipurpose tool. In warfare, the simpler something is and the easier access it has, the more you’re going to use it. The P-38 had all of those things going for it. The P-38 is one of those tools you keep and never want to get rid of because you can use it as a screwdriver, knife, anything. Perhaps that is why many soldiers, past and present, regard the P-38 C-ration can opener as the Army’s best invention.
Gun Oil – LSA (Light Small Arms)
A plastic bottle containing LSA gun oil. Sometimes seen in the helmets.
Matches
A cardboard packet of damp resistant matches that comes with the C-Rations accessory packet. Nice to have but damp resistant is a relative term. Usually mush and useless if there is any sort of moisture in the air.
First Aid Packet 4 x 7 Inch
A small first aid packet sealed in plastic wrapping containing a sterilized cotton gauze. Normally kept in the Compass Pouch, but also seen kept in the helmet band, especially by Medics. Be sure to keep an eye out for dates on these packets.
Death Cards
M1956 Compass Pouch
M1956 Sleeping Carrier
M1967 Compass Pouch
M1967 Canteen Cover
Boxer Shorts
M151 Field Jacket
M65 Field Jacket
Air Mattress
M16 Jeep Rifle Holder
OTHER:
Schlitz Beer
Beer Opener
C-Ration Can Opener
CIGARETTES
Marlboro
Salem
Maps
Photos
Letters
Watch
Band
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED - - INFORMATION PROVIDED IS FROM david.brubakers.us That source has research, historical data, photographs and related resource links.