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US Marine Corps Rifleman in Vietnam

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  • US Marine Corps Rifleman in Vietnam

    Hiya folks,

    Firstly apologies to anyone who has already seen these pictures on the UK or US Vietnam Airsoft Forums.

    This is my impression of a USMC rifleman just after the introduction of the M16 in the marine service (around 1967 onwards). As a result I'm using a mixture of 'new rifle' (the M16) and 'old M61 web gear' which was designed for the M14. So here we go:

    USMC Rifleman, 3rd Marine Division, 1967




















    Break-down of gear:

    > Un-badged 3rd pattern jungle shirt (with OD green t-shirt underneath)
    > 3rd pattern jungle trousers
    > Jungle boots
    > M1 helmet with Mitchell pattern cover and rubber 'inner tube' helmet band
    > 8-Point cover with Eagle, Globe and Anchor stencil
    > M55 fragmentation vest
    > M61 webbing belt
    > M41 suspenders (with pads)
    > 6x M61 ammunition pouches
    > Jungle first aid pouch
    > M42 first aid pouch (also known as a 'Carlisle pouch')
    > 2x M1910 canteen covers with 2x metal canteens and cups
    > M7 bayonet in M8A1 scabbard
    > M17 gas mask and bag
    > Claymore bag
    > ARVN pack
    > M43 E-tool and cover




    - - - Updated - - -

    USMC Rifleman, Khe Sanh Combat Base, 1968












    Nice and simple this one. No web gear and just a few pouches and my bayonet hanging from the vest. My M16 and a bandolier of magazines within reach however I'm far too clean for Khe Sanh!


    - - - Updated - - -

    USMC Rifleman, 1st Marine Division, Hue City, Tet '68

    This Marine rifleman has managed to get hold of a near complete set of M56 webbing to replace his old M61 gear. Some USMC specific items still remain like the Jungle first aid pouch etc.


















    Break-down of gear:

    > Un-badged 3rd pattern jungle shirt (with OD green t-shirt underneath)
    > 3rd pattern jungle trousers
    > Jungle boots
    > US Navy wet weather parka (The fighting in Hue was in miserable weather!)
    > M1 helmet with Mitchell pattern cover and rubber 'inner tube' helmet band
    > M55 fragmentation vest
    > M56 webbing belt
    > M56 suspenders
    > 3x M56 ammunition pouches
    > Jungle first aid pouch (attached to M55 frag vest)
    > M42 first aid pouch (attached to M55 frag vest)
    > 2x M56 canteen covers with 2x plastic canteens and 1x cup
    > M56 'butt pack' (very much an optional item for the USMC and not many wore them however there are some great pictures of Marines using them during Tet)
    > M17 gas mask and bag
    > Claymore bag
    > ARVN pack
    > M43 E-tool and cover
    > 3-Cell grenade pouch


    Cheers all,

    Tom

  • #2
    Wow v nice cost a lot though

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: US Marine Corps Rifleman in Vietnam

      Originally posted by RayPeest View Post
      Wow v nice cost a lot though
      Yes I have to admit that its not the cheapest Vietnam impression. The single most expensive item (aside from the AEG) was the M55 fragmentation vest which was $220/£140 inc. shipping from the US. Its a great price for the vest, but still expensive in the grand scheme of things. The only other costly item would be the M61 belt. I got lucky and picked up a couple of originals on eBay and at the War and Peace show for £20 each but these can easily go for silly money on eBay or on militaria forums. Repro versions are, however, available for about £20.

      Aside from those items which are 'unique' to the Marines in Vietnam, just about everything else is 'standard' for either USMC or US Army and not too expensive or at least readily available.

      Cheers all,

      Tom

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: US Marine Corps Rifleman in Vietnam

        Looking good there, troop....Prefer the heavier Tet loadout myself- looks ready to get over the Perfume River

        But the Sarge says do up your godammn flak vest
        Nothing in his pockets except knives and lint....

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: US Marine Corps Rifleman in Vietnam

          Love this loadout!

          Comment

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