I've slowly been putting this together over the past year or so. I still need a couple of things but not exactly sure what. First aid pouch for sure I think and then maybe a flashlight? I don't think there were any real standards to this, some had four magazine pouches but then grenades wouldn't fit. This is an early war setup before they went to nylon.
A rolled up poncho attached to the butt pack. Both items were impractical, miserable bits of kit to to use or wear, but at least the brass buckle of the pistol belt (waistbelt for my fellow Brits) stayed done up. The "quick release" fastener on the nylon belt that replaced it had a nasty habit of popping open at very inopportune moments. Like so many bits of military equipment, it appears the aforementioned items were designed by accountants and other pencil pushers, rather than the troops who had to use them.
Bayonet and shovel, I have them but no idea where they would go on this. I'm no expert on Vietnam but I think they used this set up simply for patrols, shovel probably wouldn't be carried. Not sure on the bayonet.
A Poncho, now that's an obvious one. I don't have a poncho, never even thought of one. Never liked them much but I'll have to find one now, thanks. I had one when I was in the service, used it a good bit in the field. I can imagine the smell (stench) of the thing as I sit here typing this.
Poncho located and purchased, thanks again. Can't believe I forgot about them.
Last edited by Aragorn243; 11-19-2023 at 05:02 PM.
What loadout and year are you attempting to portray? SOG, SEAL, LRP, RTO, Early Advisor, SF A Team, Leg, Airborne, PRU, LLDB, ???? 'cause they're all different.
I did find two set-ups like I want and they do fit the shovel and the bayonet on it. I forgot the bayonet goes on the shovel. One does not have the second canteen but the other does. I'll have to dig out the shovel and bayonet. Poncho should be here in a week. I'm still missing the first aid pouch. eBay is a little ridiculous on them at the moment so that will have to wait. I can't believe I don't have one here somewhere. I'll have to look. All the weird stuff I pick up and put in boxes. I have several WWII examples I only paid a couple of dollars for. Sellers on eBay want over $20 for a Vietnam "dated" one but I can't read the dates on any of them.
Last edited by Aragorn243; 11-19-2023 at 10:45 PM.
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Originally Posted by Aragorn243
