As late as 1990, i remember having our unit arrive in a training area where supply and advanced party were well ahead of us. Weapons were issued from supply tentright out of those racks. After the training was over they were turned back in and resecured in the racks.
But then there were also times we drew weapons right out of our unit arms room before departing and kept them until we returned.
Another weird thing, we had A1 rifles even in the mid 90s. We also had 1911A1 pistols and M60s. Radios were Prick 77s. We were a bit behind the times i guess.