The things one finds in Iraq.... (don't miss it!)

[mojalajab]

David Brackett of the 101st Airborne Division deployed in Baghdad, took this picture of a fellow trooper holding a World War 2 US made M1 Garand rifle while patrolling Iraq in 2008.

Although equipped with the late to postwar rear sight without locking bar, the rifle still has some early features such as the milled trigger guard....

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[dbarn]

Certainly has that been there done that look and although dry, the stock appears to be in remarkably good condition. Amazing as to where our beloved Garand shows up. Thanks for sharing!

[goo]

also found in iraq.

it don't smell too good but it don't smell as bad as the ragheads.
...
http://img5.travelblog.org/Photos/10...ad-Camel-0.jpg

[CSM14thBN]

Not Iraq but I found this in a weapons cache in Afghanistan 03/04. It was a 3.7 mil SA with a SA 45 barrel MW 2 TE 3(just prior to my deployment I had purchased a MW gauge and it ended up in the top flap of my ruck). It had post war sights, IHC trigger group and op rod the stock was worn and it had one 30-06 round in the back of the stock.

[M1 Rifleman]

Sadly, all those M1s that were found probably had to be destroyed. Gone are the days of soldiers bringing home captured "War Trophies". It is a real shame and thanks to our "far-sighted" government trying to "protect us" from those evil guns.

[John R.]

Not at all surprising to see our favourite rifles popping up over in the sandbox.
Iran fought a long war of attrition with Saddam & Co and the Iranians were equipped with Garands(MOSTLY IHC's from what I saw in person,but; who knows ?Jordan ALSO had Garands and with the Arabs..rifles DO get stolen.
As to Afghanistan.The Paks were well equipped with US Garands a while back and lost LOTS of them in the East Pakistan War(Bangla Desh) with India.They ALSO no doubt had lots of rifles disappear with deserting soldiers etc and losses to the ragheads in fighting in the NorthWest Frontier province would be common too.Afghanistan is right next door and they DO love their rifles and take better care of them than they do their women and kids.
So,when one takes these facts into consideration it isn't at all surprising to see Garands popping up in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ma Salemmi ya habibi.JR

[smle-man]

The most interesting U.S. hardware my son saw in Iraq on his tour there was a completely equipped M24 Chafee with U.S. markings.

[Redleg13a]

The most interesting U.S. hardware my son saw in Iraq on his tour there was a completely equipped M24 Chafee with U.S. markings.

Smelley is that you?

What happened to the M24? Did they leave it there? Was it in a military museum or something? I wonder if they Arm could have shipped it to the Armor museum? That would be good to have.....

[Calif-Steve]

One of my very old NCO's had been an Ordnance NCO for years. He told me when he a young puppy serving in Korea during 1951-52 they would gather up piles of North Korean weapons for destruction. They would dig a large pit and fill it with rifles. They would pack the pit with TNT and blow the rifles sky-high. Then cover over the pit with tons on dirt. He said he had no idea how many rifles they destroyed, piles and piles.

[smle-man]

Smelley is that you?

What happened to the M24? Did they leave it there? Was it in a military museum or something? I wonder if they Arm could have shipped it to the Armor museum? That would be good to have.....

He saw it on one of his grand tours of Iraq escorting convoys. It was at a FOB somewhere in Iraq