M1D's on the firing Line - LAARNG Summer 1988

[Texasflyboy]

Here is one of two or three photos I have of the M1D's at range qualifying at Camp Beauregard Louisiana during Annual Training for the 527th Engineering Battalion (Combat Heavy) in June of 1988. A few things to note in the photos that help narrow the date range:

1. The soldiers are wearing Woodland Camouflage with the then brand new Kevlar helmets, but still have the Vietnam era Y web gear. I distinctly remember we got the new Kevlar's to replace steel pots in the spring of 1988.

2. They are shooting at the old range at Camp Beauregard, which was abandoned in the mid 90's.

I am pretty sure this photo was taken in Summer (June) 1988.

Backstory:

The photo shows a friend qualifying with a M1D in the Louisiana Army National Guard "Quick Reaction Force". The photo was taken at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana in the summer if 1988 or 1989 during our two week annual training. I think, but am not sure, it was summer 1988. The unit was the LAARNG 527th Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy). He was assigned to HQ company in Shreveport, I was in Company "D" in Ruston, LA during that time period.

I remember he had a special arm patch that was given to those who qualified with the M1D for the QRF. I had an opportunity to "play" with his M1D during the war games we held. Didn't like it as I recall, since I am a lefty. But I like un-scoped M1's.

I was with Company "D" until 1992 or so. I don't recall the exact date, but know it was shortly before Gulf War I that the M1D's were retired from LAARNG service. There was no replacement and the QRF squad was absorbed back in HQ company.




And if you want to see a 2X size image, click this link (~6MB High Res):

High Res Photo

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