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A good cross-section of weapons there! I am surprised at the number of BAR's in such a small group, plus a couple of M1 carbines, Garands with grenade launchers, and possibly (2nd top left) a sniper rifle.
A picture from D.D.Duncan's first book. It's a Marine rifle platoon so the BARs are correct.
My father was in the NZ 3rd Division Engineers all through the Solomons (Guadalcanal to Nissan) and served alongside the Marines and Seabee battalions under the overall command of Halsey. He had a lot of time for the Marines, said they were well equipped and not lacking in bravery.
How long did they keep the bars on their collar tabs Jim as the Lt in front would be a go to for a Jap sniper if he was on his game.
That depended on the man. Many dropped them as soon as they found that out but there were a few that retained them on action...not many.
You also saw some sergeants and officers painting ranks on the backs of their helmets discreetly.
Bob