Individual uniforms, weapons & gear of the U.S. Army and Marine Infantryman during the Vietnam war

In this video we will take a look at some of the uniforms, weapons, equipment & gear worn and used by individual U.S. Army and Marine Infantryman during the Vietnam war.
**Slight correction to the video we misspoke on: The heavy weight poncho preceded the light weight poncho not the other way around as stated. Additionally, the M17A1 gas mask had the resurrection tube, the M17A2 had it removed it.**
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Big thanks to my buddy Bruce for his help with this video! Please check out his KZbin channel for more Vietnam related and other great content at: / @brucecamparmament3728
For more great information about this subject here are some other great resources:
www.vietnamgear...
olive-drab.com/
Hope you enjoy, thanks for watching!

[@Brent0331]

**Correction guys: The heavy weight poncho preceeded the light weight one. Also the M17A1 mask had the resurrection tube, A2 removed it.** Please check out Bruce's channel kzbin.info/door/wfzznRRdLUHwKiMTND49Jg Brownells Vietnam era rifle clones: M16A1 bit.ly/2ZD6Yls XM16E1 bit.ly/2NRME9P XM177E2 bit.ly/2ZD6wnj **Guys, Primary Arms is hooking up my subscribers! If you want to get FREE shipping and a free gift such as a FREE or discounted (depending on which scope) scope mount for the variable scopes, or a free anti-reflection device for the prisms optics, just follow the links I have posted below on the scope of your choice. YOU MUST follow these links or you will not get the free or discounted mount/anti-reflection device and free shipping from the standard Primary Arms website.** PA CYCLOPS 1X PRISM (BLACK): bit.ly/2BREKZn PA CYCLOPS 1X PRISM (COYOTE/FDE): bit.ly/2BRfhiX PA Advanced Micro Dot w/ push button: bit.ly/2LX39Nd PA Advanced Micro Dot w/ rotary knob bit.ly/2CjTCjr PA Micro dot (Budget red dot) bit.ly/2xPK6j2 Holosun HS503G RDS W/ ACSS bit.ly/2r7gCd3 PA 3X Magnifier bit.ly/2r3XAV2 GG&G flip to side magnifier mount: bit.ly/2EN5uv3 PA 1-6X24 FFP ACSS RAPTOR 5.56 / 5.45 / .308 BLACK bit.ly/2jW0V4O PA-1-6X24 FFP ACSS RAPTOR 5.56 / 5.45 / .308 WOLF GRAY bit.ly/2IidvtX PA 1-6 FFP ACSS RAPTOR 7.62x39 / 300 Blk out bit.ly/2IIAnC5 PA 1-8 PLATINUM FFP RAPTOR 5.56 bit.ly/2zqXYBo PA 3X Compact Prsim Scope ACSS 5.56 GEN II (Black) bit.ly/2OzAQqA PA 3X Compact Prism Scope ACSS 5.56 GEN II (Coyote) bit.ly/2OAEekN PA 3X Compact Prism Scope ACSS 7.62x39/300 Blkout GEN II (Black) bit.ly/2KdtaXD PA 3X Compact Prism Scope ACSS 7.62x39/300 Blkout GEN II (Coyote) bit.ly/2n3AgVv PA 1-8X Scope with Patented ACSS 5.56 / 5.45 / .308 Reticle bit.ly/2SPbNob PA 1-6X24mm SFP Riflescope with Patented ACSS 5.56 / 5.45 / .308 Reticle Gen III bit.ly/2BD73bB PA 1-6X24mm SFP Riflescope Gen III with K.I.S.S. Reticle bit.ly/2SUbxEo PA 1-6X24mm SFP Riflescope with Patented ACSS 22LR Reticle bit.ly/2N8fj7P PA 1-6X24mm SFP scope w/ACSS 300BLK/ 7.62X39 Reticle bit.ly/2N6Qut9 PA 1-6X24mm SFP Riflescope Gen III with Patented ACSS 22LR Reticle bit.ly/2N8fj7P Trijicon ACOG TA31 4x32 Scope with RED Dual Illumination ACSS Reticle TA31-R-ACSS bit.ly/2EQIMhg Trijicon ACOG TA31 4X32 Scope with RED Dual Illuminated ACSS AURORA RECTICE bit.ly/2T6uZuz Trijicon ACOG TA31 4X32 Scope with GREEN Dual Illuminated ACSS AURORA RECTICE bit.ly/2FRTmIQ Trijicon TA44 ACOG 1.5X16S TALL BASE (GREEN ACSS reticle) bit.ly/2DkC72H Trijicon TA44 ACOG 1.5X16S TALL BASE (RED ACSS reticle) bit.ly/2rdEu1O Trijicon TA44 ACOG 1.5X16S SHORT BASE (GREEN ACSS reticle) bit.ly/2EQge7G Trijicon TA44 ACOG 1.5X16S SHORT BASE (RED ACSS reticle) bit.ly/2FMdLMO Camouflage painting stencils: PA Tiger Stripe Stencil: bit.ly/2Dqzafa PA Multi Terrain pattern stencil: bit.ly/2Izaxkt PA Flecktarn stencil: bit.ly/2DwfMxb PA Digital camouflage stencil: bit.ly/2W0PvOP Great DEAL on Palmetto State Armory lowers to complete this build on a budget! (PLUS, going thru these listed PSA links supports my channel!) M4 style lower for $130 shipped: Black: bit.ly/2F5FRDU OD Green: bit.ly/2IbtcRY Coyote/FDE: bit.ly/2IGuPpV Full size M16A2/A4 style lower ($200): bit.ly/2F5HaCO BIG THANKS to Dimitri and Primary Arms for making this all possible! Also don’t forget to check out and subscribe to Bruce’s channel: kzbin.info/door/wfzznRRdLUHwKiMTND49Jg Also check out my buddy John who is the owner of UW Gear and his KZbin channel at Alpha Charlie concepts: kzbin.info

[@roquel20]

FUC**** OUTSTANDING VIDEO! I really appreciate it, awaiting for SF and helicopter crew gear overview. Greets from Poland.

[@trooper2534]

Great vid. Good info. If you guys are interested, here's a vid my students and I did on the battle of lz Albany after interviewing over 20 of the vets who fought there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/naHFgIOaqb15sJo

[@jeffreyroot6300]

Awesome! I was trained using M17A2 gas protection masks, M16A1 rifles and M60 GPMG in the Light Machine Gun configuration in 1987/88, not to mention the M1 steel pot. The shiny new Kevlar gear, M16A2 and Armored vehicles were all going to front line troops first, ironically including the Georgia National Guard. I miss those old rifles, but I still use the BDUs and Alice pack .

[@AnhAnh-ft1up]

Uây bọn mỹ chúng mày có muốn học đặc công vn ko sao diễn dở quá vậy

[@AnhAnh-ft1up]

Này quân mỹ giỏi vậy sao phải chơi bẩn đồng minh vnch để nó phải giãy chết dưới chân cs năm 1975 quân mỹ thiện chiến chơi bài chuồn 1973 rồi tiệt luôn cả cái bao tử để vnch vừa chết đói vừa chết trận

[@originalpastaman5470]

Fact: Wearing a bandana rather than your Kevlar increases your combat effectiveness tenfold.

[@Kataquan]

Well it gives you infinite ammo so duh

[@EternalDeath14]

Adds +10 coolness, and we all know that what matters is looking cool.

[@leperking84]

Well it actually did! Hot and heavy vs light fresh sacrificing protection for a little stamina confort and awareness!

[@reidparker1848]

Zetio 12345 But tactics and equipment don't matter! "Operational" planning by generals is all that matters in combat! The "square law of combat effectiveness" decrees that half of your force will be lost, and you will destroy the enemy. -every asshole to whom I talk

[@TheMylittletony]

@@reidparker1848 Does that work both ways? As in, for the enemy?

[@lencao4515]

everytime I look at these videos, I amazed and jealous of the amount of surplus equipment and guns you can afford

[@Brent0331]

Thanks man, I have been collecting real, inert and replica gear and weapons for years. Rome wasn't built in a day.

[@lazyworm9451]

Cao Len it’s really not that expensive, sure it can be hard finding what you’re looking for but as long as you have a job that pays well you’ll be able to get what you want. That’s what I do and I have so much Vietnam stuff

[@jacoballen3267]

Just takes time and a lot of lookin 😎

[@masonryan6101]

Surplus is cheap

[@Dubi2062]

@@masonryan6101 Not really. I think some of it is really more expensive than it should be. I have spent a lot of time looking as surplus gear over the years and I think it is more expensive now than ever.

[@rohtbertmesinas4560]

No joke, about two hours ago I was looking for a video about the gear used during the Vietnam war. This must be my lucky day. Awesome vid so far!!!

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother.

[@jamesbenedict7206]

Your phone is spying on you,!

[@jamesharrison9336]

@@jamesbenedict7206 no, it is called cookies, It means search results will affect your recommendations

[@Kayl3ss]

@@Brent0331 Hey Brother! What years were you in the Corps?

[@JohnDoe-gj4dv]

Marine...... THIS IS the finest hour of KZbin I have ever watched..... OUTSTANDING........!!!!!!!!

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother, I appreciate it!

[@JohnDoe-gj4dv]

@@Brent0331 My compliment is sincere. My Son and I are both United States Marines. I believe you are a FIRST SERGEANT. I am in the other side of the house ( Top E-8) and my son Corporal. NO ONE is telling these information perspectives the way you and Trooper Camp are. Today's YOUNGSTERS have NO ONE to give the benefit of a Time when our Young Men were called to serve. In a war that no one understood and when technology started to be available for unprecedented termination of the enemy . And most importantly an ENVIORMENT that the United States had never fought in, the Jungles and Highlands of Vietnam .I watched this war on TELEVISION in the late 1960'S and early 1970'S. You and Mr.Camp are EXQUISITE orators for anyone to have a fundamental perspective of what MARINES and Soldiers had to wear, equipment they had to carry, and the MISSION they were tasked with. GOD BLESS YOU SIR....... Keep the MESSAGE coming..... Keep the MISSION going........ SEMPER FIDELIS BROTHER........

[@Brent0331]

@@JohnDoe-gj4dv Thanks once again my brother. out freaking standing you raised a young Devil Dog. I'm orienting my son in that life path. Nothing would make me more proud then to see him one day earn the title. Out freaking standing brother, Semper Fi!

[@JohnDoe-gj4dv]

@@Brent0331 It is my PRIVILEGE FIRST SERGEANT....... Together ,one day, we shall enter VALHALLA, and stand at the gates of HEAVEN. Long live Our CORPS........ SEMPER FIDELIS BROTHER...... TOP

[@mire2801]

I was truly entertained. And learned some shit too. Great production!

[@aaroncoggiano8496]

Vietnam was my favorite war to study about in history class. I was very interested in learning about it and I’m a collector of some gear and camo from that era. In the late 80’s early 90’s I started my collection of Vietnam gear and played in the woods every chance I got pretending I was in nam. My uncle who was my biggest role model as a kid served with the 11th cav 67 to 68 wish he was still around to share stories. I really enjoyed watching your video and hope there will be more.

[@Brent0331]

Awesome comment brother, thanks for sharing. There will be more for sure.

[@ninemilliondollars]

Read "Choosing War: the lost chance for peace and the escalation of war in Vietnam ," c1999, by Fredrik Logevall to gain an understanding why the decision making from August 1963 to February 1965 resulted in entering the war. Also, "The Real History of the Vietnam War - A New Look at the Past ", c2013, by Alan Axelrod. It details the history of Vietnam from 3,000 B.C. to the present and provides a very good historical view of Vietnam.

[@fathead8933]

Bruce is rocking my division patch. 25 ID! TROPIC LIGHTNING!!

[@malcolmsoh5648]

The same unit in Oliver Stone's Platoon.

[@Rangerclan1]

Shame they dont do shit anymore

[@John-mf6ky]

My Grandfather was in the 25th in Vietnam

[@unluckymonkey4382]

@@malcolmsoh5648 Well the beginning radio chatter and dialog is lifted strait from the movie

[@malcolmsoh5648]

@@unluckymonkey4382 didnt notice that, thanks.

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

My dad served two tours in Vietnam in 68 and 69 with the 4th ID. He brought back a lot of stuff from his BDUs, jungle boots, steel pot helmet and such and he also have a few NVA gear he took for souvenirs

[@Brent0331]

Awesome, hold on to that!

[@americanoutdoorsman_1133]

Brent0331 oh yes he’s holding on to it and has me in the will for it when he passes on. He has a lot more than what I mentioned such as FM/AM radio, compass, sleeping bag, NVA helmet, NVA belt, NVA canteen and North Vietnamese currency. We’re both looking to get more items we’ve been checking at different military surplus stores but having little or no luck do you know where there are some good places to find and buy Vietnam war items?

[@theJellyjoker]

My father was an artillery battery commander in Vietnam and he told me one time that his favorite weapon other than the Howitzers was the M79 grenade launcher.

[@Brent0331]

Awesome

[@tommiller7129]

This is retired Air Force Tsgt Tom Miller. I just watched this video. I'm very much impressed with your presentation of the Army, and Marine corps Viet Nam uniform and gear. I went into the Air Force January 1975. Yes I did qualify and carry the Viet Nam area M-16. You guys did an awesome job on this video. Oh and thanks for your service. Oh yeah I also wore the old steal helmet until the Kevlar helmets came out.

[@Brent0331]

Appreciate it my brother, thank you.

[@garymoore8711]

Nice vid. I was a REMF in the Air Force. A dog handler with one of those "toys"at the end of the video. Got a flac vest about halfway through my tour. Took away our grenades after field officers started getting "fragged". Sept 30, '67 to Oct 3, '68. My little brother was in the Corps the year before me. He's a walking barometer with shrapnel behind his left knee. '66 to '67. Long time ago.

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother, thanks for sharing! do you happen to know a guy named Richard Deggans? He was a dog handler in the Air Force in Vietnam as well. I know the dog handler community is pretty tight knit and he is pretty active in the organizations that help to get funding for military working dog statues around the country.

[@Error_404_Account_Deleted]

THIS MAKES MY WEEK. THANK YOU. And the Platoon audio is icing on the cake. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻From one self confessed “historical hoarder” to another.

[@thunderchaser2042]

Say what you will about Oliver Stone, but you have to hand it to him and USMC Captain (RET) Dale Dye for making one of the best Vietnam movies. If it wasn't used in 'Nam, it didn't make it into the movie. If it was and they couldn't get it, they found a way to at least make something that would pass the eye test, ie the starlight scope. That's what you didn't have Brent0331, the starlight scope.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

Joined the Army in 1993. Grew up idolizing the Vietnam war. I served under a few Vietnam vets who retired my first year in. I always liked the early Vietnam OD green uniforms. I had one made last year with my name, rank , airborne wings and my unit patch and combat patch on. I get a lot of people who give me compliments. Most are confused and ask why I wear the Vietnam OD top. I wore the Woodland BDU and the desert chocolate chip uniforms when I was in. Nice video!

[@67398404]

I was a Navy Corpsman (HM3) with 1/1 in 69-70. The gear review was spot on, but you didn't mention medical personnel at all. It is true tough that the Marines used some Army gear. Simply put, the Army had some better stuff when it was made of the nylon material instead of the heavy canvas. We had a lot of stuff that saw action in WW2, and Korea. We did the best we could with what we had!!! SEMPER FI from a "Doc".

[@brucecamparmament3728]

Thanks for your service and post. I would love to do a "medic/corpsman" loadout sometime, that would take an entire video itself!

[@xMcNultyx]

This is what I show "Newbies" Your effort is second to none. Thx from a Marine Reenactor from Germany.

[@stscallop3254]

EDITOR: so how many effects do you want? Brent0331: yes 6:14

[@marciomaiajr]

Lol

[@HerbWalker]

Great Video Guys.... 1974 I started out on the M551 Sheridan, and went to the M60A1 Tank. When I made E-6 I went to my 2nd MOS 19 Delta Scouts. I served 3 tours with the 3rd ACR at Ft. Bliss, Tx. and I also did 6 years in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division "Spearhead" guarding that old Fulda Gap on the West /East German Border Your video sure brought back a lot of memories. I shared it with a US Veterans Facebook Group I belong to. Theres 18000 Veterans in there and I'm sure you will hear from many of them. :) Thanks for what you do..... "Scouts OUT!"

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother, I appreciate it.

[@brucecamparmament3728]

Thanks to you ans each and every one of them!

[@shanek6582]

Good timing on this video. Just finished reading a Vietnam war book “gone native”, out of dozens I’ve read on the war, this was the best. Alan Cornett, spent seven years there as a medic, lurp, special forces, even Phoenix program stuff, he ended the war by fragging his XO, court martial, and only one year in Leavenworth, then finished out his 20. Great book.

[@Brent0331]

Nice, thanks for commenting.

[@donnkelley6823]

Thought this was gonna be a full length feature film...... GREAT INTRO GUYS

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother.

[@pedromunozdones7869]

Many thanks Mates! I missed Vietnam by a few years. When I came in the Bad Asses who had been to The Nam where my teachers, mentors, and leaders. The men who taught me how to fight. I owe them everything. The Vietnam Era TA 50 / 782 Gear, and even the PRC 77, as well as the M151 Jeep, and many other equipments were much in use all the way to the 80s. Thanks again. All the best! USMC 0311 and 0302, US Army SOF Supt.

[@peterscotney1]

Excellent informative video, was good to learn the difference between army n marine gear in the Vietnam war era , much respect from a British cold War veteran

[@Brent0331]

Thanks

[@jacoballen3267]

Well done guys, well done! As a fellow reenactor and USMC vet, I also enjoyed working around the Vietnam era gear and uniforms. I volunteer on my offtime with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, or Sky Soldiers as we’re known, as a UH-1H crew chief, and we just about exclusively do Vietnam War re-enactments at airshows across the country. I’ve worked with and flown with MANY Vietnam vets who volunteer their time and expertise with the organization, and have REALLY gained an immense understanding and appreciation of their service from their time back then. The experience has been truly incredible, so my hats off to them, and my fellow military reenactors that I’ve worked with over the years. Sharing the stories of military history in such a way I think has helped the public at large gain a further knowledge and appreciation of their service and sacrifice.

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother, completely agree, thanks for sharing.

[@justsomeguy3931]

This is my favorite video you ever did. I wrote my bachelor's thesis on Vietnam (and the Soviet-Afghan War). Before I dare to write a real book (or even peer-reviewed article) on it, even if I get a master's or doctorate, I'd like to get heavy into re-enacting like this with experienced professionals - preferably actual veterans. Really learn the gear inside and out and basics the average GI takes for granted. That way, I could write a better book. I think I owe it to the people on all sides. I spot inconsistencies myself all the time in academic and political writings. I want to be in a strong position to set the record straight, and not get it wrong. They were all real people, they and the rest of the world are at least owed the accurate truth. Then we can begin to figure out what to think of it all... I've studied a lot of wars, and I don't think anything like Vietnam had ever happened before or since. Yes, war is strikingly similar across time, but I can't help but believe something truly unique in that long bloody saga happened that time. Just my humble and ignorant opinion. I agree with Lt. Col Grossman's points in his famous book "On Killling: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society" about studying war when you haven't been is like virgins studying sex. No matter what, there's some shit people can only learn by direct visceral experience. The place I hate Grossman's book is when he talks about video games and violence on TV, and blames them for all the violence in Western civilized society. Like, he's never been to war (even a real fight), OR even played a damn video game... Otherwise, it was great psychological information and analysis. It's just... if he did such poor research for the video game portion of his book, how seriously should we take his recommendations for PTSD treatment and diagnosis etc? When I have a PhD, I intend to bring all my nerd power to bear on that portion of his book. And when I write something about a war, I don't want it to be based on just books (even the memoirs of people who were there), video games (even the realistic ones done as tributes and based on historical events, like the Medal of Honor War-Fighter series), Hollywood (even the good ones, Oliver Stone made Platoon based on his own experiences to help The People see and understand, to counter all the guys who came back after the war saying "You just can't understand because you weren't there, man." Stone said "Yeah they can, if they listen and really want to - watch me try to help them.") I'd like to do everything I can, because I can't just go to war to find out. The journalist who embedded and wrote Generation Kill is a personal hero to me; the book and show were amazing. If you haven't heard of Bing West, he's a journalist who was a Marine veteran of Vietnam and embedded with Marines (I think even his old unit) for the 2003 push on Iraq. He wrote great books on his own Vietnam experiences, the Battles of Fallujah, the Iraq War, etc. And unlike most other journalists, he had a very intimate knowledge of what he was writing about. It's why, as a historian, I value his writings so highly. It's also why, as a big fan of the US Constitution and most of how America is/is meant to be, I'm a big supporter of the US military. I love to use his points and facts in political debates against people who think they can analyze the justness and tactical conduction of a battle like Fallujah, when they don't know how to handle a 1911 or AR or what a base of fire is (and generally hate the 2nd Amendment). Sorry to ramble, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your work. I think if you were to make movies about Iraq and Afghanistan, you could help The People understand. What the machine gun fire reminds me of in your opening firefight: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHXQhZWHjbWAoac It's the most "realistic" war game I've ever seen. I've been playing it since I was a little kid. It helped me understand what was happening in Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. It also taught me what mortars were, and how much ass they kick :) Back in the mid 90s, the USMC made a "call of duty" realistic version of DOOM to teach teamwork and basic principles. Having beaten that game on Realism (2-3 shotgun blasts is death at most with full armor and super human health) difficulty with the Brutal mod (makes it more like the modern shooters), and finding that I perished mercilessly unless I did it how Gabe Suarez shows here, made me think the USMC wasn't just wasting their money: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5aVlmBnm8uabq8 And that CoD ain't got shit on DOOM lolz But if they want to train officers, I think A Bridge Too Far would be a better choice. Looking at how the Pentagon and USNWC do wargaming for over 100 years, and thinking it's basically glorified (and often simplified) WarHammer or StarCraft, I think the virtual world could provide some better tools to teach people without shooting. If anything, give them free version of those games to waste time on when not training, better than watching bad 80s action flicks lolz. I want to be a history professor one day, so I try to catalogue good examples from fiction. So I can say "remember that one scene in the movie or show, or that one part of that game or one programmed game mechanic, that's real or a good portrayal!" My personal favorite is "indexing" like in CoD. A lot of people think "auto-aim" is cheating. I'm like "No, it's a real technique. You do it like this, and it works better IRL and in game than hanging out on your sights all the time and trying to swivel and move while looking through them." I like it when the real tactics I've learned pwn noobs and make my entertainment better. They say what you do repeatedly you do under stress. So, I don't like to do shit wrong even for fun in virtual worlds. I've seen people's bad trigger discipline and use come from treating a real gun like an XboX trigger. I actually wish they put a trigger guard on the damn controller now, lolz. I'd have save me from friendly fire more than few times when noobs get startled and don't know to point their muzzle in a safe direction (preferably to their optimum sector of fire...). Thanks again for putting knowledge out there for free to The People. And thank you for your service. I'm glad you made it home :)

[@ZibboBeats]

As a duel citizen living here in the U.S and as a civilian POV I love your channel. Been a sub for a while now, keep doing the Video Man I swear you and your crew have one of the best content, vast amount of knowledge, and humor. There's NOTHING like this compare to your content. Cheers!

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@paracletejones3549]

Thank You Bruce and Brent for all the hard work which you invest in your videos ! I'm sure many folks appreciate it very much...I do.

[@blackopssurgicalsniper6189]

Enjoyed the video. Vietnam '71-'72, Dak To staging area, FOB II, joint ops with MAC-V-SOG, wore tiger stripes and short-brimmed "boonies." Cross-border ops.

[@brucecamparmament3728]

Fantastic! We hope to cover some of that specialized gear soon.

[@gulfrelay2249]

Report to Bravo 7K 98. At your earliest convenience.

[@justinmishler6758]

Awesome video, I would just like to add that XM16E1’s never came with a chrome lined chamber, as the last lowers marked XM16E1 were in the 740,000 serial number range and were produced in the summer of 1967. The first M16A1’s that were produced with a chrome lined chamber were just before serial number 800,000 and were made circa October 1967. I would also like to add that there were many XM16E1 marked lowers that had the full mag fence, the earliest one that I’ve seen being in the middle 500,000 range.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks for the info brother.

[@Christolclear101]

I’m the son of a Vietnam Vet, my dad served with the 101st Airborne Division in 1968 as a OH-6A co-pilot. He told me all sorts of stories about his tour while he was there. Funny thing is I have most of his gear he was issued, all of which you guys displayed in this video. Very cool, and interesting stuff.

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother, definitely hold on to all that!

[@vincentperratore4395]

Hi, guys! Fabulous job! I'm a Vietnam veteran myself but I was in the Navy, assigned to 3 amphibious ships during my tour of duty of mainly the late 60s and 1970. I realize that due to the vast enormity of the subject matter involved of which you were discussing in the video regarding the manifold pieces of gear and weapons used in Vietnam, in order to cover every single aspect to everyone's satisfaction would have been a near impossibility in the time allotted. However, I've often wondered about one specific piece of equipment used by marines stationed on our ships, namely that of a sort of flat pouch, attached to their front left shoulder, while attired in full battle dress. I think it was a "Prisoner Kit", but I'm not sure. I would appreciate very much if you would kindly clarify this inquiry on my part. Thank you so much indeed, and of course, welcome home, brothers!

[@mkw2555]

Guys, hats off ! Great production ! At 1:35 you even hired B-52 to do a fly-over :-)

[@Brent0331]

Yup, went all out on this one man!

[@mauricebarlow6198]

This video reminds me of Dad in Vietnam working with Marine Force Recon around 1968 .

[@charliemcfacefuck4798]

Second battalion..clown skulls!!!!

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother.

[@zac3713]

Bet he has some stories to tell!

[@mauricebarlow6198]

Yes he does none I can say on social media, because everything is politically correct including KZbin. But yes my pops was and still is a Hero .

[@8jacob18]

Great video! Best breakdown I've ever seen! Only thing I can add, is the M17A1 had the terrible resuscitation device so simple flip around on that! Also the Army used XM28E4 Gas mask as well although in more limited numbers!

[@Brent0331]

Awesome, thanks for the input brother.

[@99Racker]

In the M14 pouch, we frequently used a wooden clothes pin in the bottom of the pouch to push the mag up to grab. In VN, I was never issued M16 mag pouches. Over the pistol belt, I was given 3 bandoliers of 7 mags each plus one additional 20 rd mag. 22 20 rd mags. BUT we only carried 18 or 19 rds per mag. On the pistol belt, at least 2 canteens, one cup, 1 jungle 1sr aid kit, and some carried the E tool on the belt.

[@han7693]

I hate it when the trees starts speaking Vietnamese

[@USMC_LAterZ]

@@AutismIsUnstoppable da pho you just say?

[@adonisguy3243]

@@USMC_LAterZ , phuc dat!

[@Brecconable]

@@AutismIsUnstoppable *VC ON THE TRAIL! WE GOT VC ON THE TRAIL!*

[@scouttrooperhh-1487]

Such a meme. The tet offensive wiped out all remaining south vietnamese vc. The nva had to reinforce the vc units just to keep them going

[@Burg2143]

They hate it when the sky plays Fortunate Son

[@whitezombified]

Great video! My mom's dad was an army grunt during those days around '68 . And my father has always been deep into nam and weaponry memorabilia as well as having his own personal fun business so all this just feels like home to me hahaha, fantastic work!! Loved every bit of it

[@roninoneil546]

Brent way to go you and your bud made one hell of a video best hour I have spent on KZbin in long time thank you so much Thank you from all of your brothers in blue in Massachusetts stay safe my friend god bless

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@13Lonewolf1775]

Great video, probably the best video for gear/weapons used in Vietnam

[@Brent0331]

Appreciate it brother.

[@13Lonewolf1775]

Semper Fi

[@marke.5609]

..."is that you, John Wayne?...is this me?"

[@Bearclaw_Jake]

Who said that?!

[@teodorogerald]

*WHO THE FUCK SAID THAT!*

[@richardtv6167]

Fairy fucking godmother did

[@bagpipercalifornia8361]

Great videos. I appreciate you guys braving the Texas heat. It looks like you were suffering. Thanks again. It shows that you two are great friends!

[@Brent0331]

Ha, it added to the effects. We did the gear video following the intro stuff so we had a good amount of sweat and dirt on our utilities for it. Good effects.

[@golf77tango]

Brent, those are the most well nourished NVA and VC soldiers I've ever seen! Obviously you guys located one of Uncle Ho's most favored units. Haha. BTW, great content. I love Vietnam era gear and combat uniforms. The jungle fatigues are by far the most comfortable and lightweight combat uniform I've ever seen and there's just something kind of neat about all olive drab.

[@Brent0331]

Ha, yup. unfortunately 5 foot nothing 100 lbs Vietnamese actors weren't available to work for several hours for no pay that day. Had to resort to the buddies.

[@ThinTheHerd78]

Bro, I'm still amazed at how far you've come. You asked where I've been.. we are now truly brothers. Both Mandated Peace Officers. Will have your 6 forever. I always felt that me not being Military I couldn't call you my true brother, but now I hope I can. Still love your vids after all these years. Still trying to invite myself to your next Red Dawn video. LOL

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother, I'm glad to see your still kicking. Thought you fell off the face of the earth! Man we haven't done a Red Dawn event years, they were soo much fun. Yes you are my brother man!

[@tristanholland6445]

This is great I have been reading about Vietnam War military history since I was 10. I'm 38 now. I used to read gas meters and was reading this guys meter and he was standing in his yard I noticed that he had a hat with the 173rd Airborne Brigade patch and the Vietnam service ribbon. I said "you were with the 173rd in Vietnam?" We ended up talking for over an hour about his time in Vietnam. Best hour of "work" in my life.

[@Brent0331]

That's awesome brother, thanks for commenting.

[@tristanholland6445]

@@Brent0331 Your welcome great channel by the way. Back in the early 2000's after I separated from the Air Force I did some college courses and wrote a research paper about the Vietnam War. It was actually hard for me to cut it down to the required length. I was surprised that the class was as interested in my presentation but they were. I remember the professor kept signaling me to hurry up because the conversation was so engaged.

[@jayalbertz9756]

Great video brothers i hope and you should be proud of yourselves! this helps to bring education to those that arent aware of these kinds of details and you guys did a great job of explaining everything you could. ive been collecting Vietnam era gear since i was a little kid and im almost 50 now. Keep up the good work and this is exactly the kinds of information that makes your videos so cool.

[@adamferguson8781]

Thanks for the video guys, really enjoyed the slight differences in Marine to Army infantry.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks for watching.

[@mrclean7473]

This is on my brothers account, but anyways my grandpa was a Vietnam vet. He told me that he got spit on by someone when he came back. It's sad what happened to many of the vets even though they worked hard and helped protect our country.

[@yfelwulf]

The thinner the uniform the easier for mosquitoes to bite through. I've seen em so big their only problem is eat in or take away.

[@inversionlayer]

Thank you for the continued effort and dedication to highlight gear utilized during the American War. Fantastic job. The obvious passion for gear and military units translates well.

[@comando1911]

God dang! I just picked up a od blouse last night for 5 bucks! I knew It was older. Didnt think Vietnam old. Awesome video as always bret!

[@tylerthegrimm]

Damnit gardner! Slowing everything up yet again, cant even climb an ant pile.

[@Brent0331]

FNGs!

[@tylerthegrimm]

@@Brent0331 lol yep

[@tylerthegrimm]

@@Brent0331 I hope yall can do more of these videos just like this in the future, with all the different era's.

[@Papicodone]

Funny because we had a guy named Gardner and he was a complete fuck up

[@shotcall1]

Platoon sized encampment- left one rear guard and he’s washing his chonies in the creek while they left without their weapons. Then two LRRPS or sf (one with a big red nose) show up and pilfer through their stuff. War is hell.

[@unluckymonkey4382]

Gear adrift and what not

[@d0802]

Damn...you guys do a a great job. Not the typical dorks playing Vietnam....great information, well presented.

[@ninemilliondollars]

Video showed you did your prep work before making it. No stumbling on what you were saying. Confidence and knowledge. Very good! One thing missing that I have for the M17 gas mask is the "eyeglasses" insert. Those of us with poor vision needed a gas mask with glasses already in them so we could see. So we were given lenses suspended in a aluminum frame of two large circles that plugged into the large eye-holes of the mask. Weird looking but necessary. US Army Security Agency - '70-'71

[@Brent0331]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrTappers7]

Alice gear is seriously underrated in our current day. The ruck and later comms pack are legit awesome packs. The LBE harness is also one of the best I've ever used and in my humble opinion far better for dismounted leg infantry work than the later FLC and Molle gear.

[@mnguy98]

Little nitpick in regards to the gas masks... it was actually the M17A1 that had the resuscitation/CPR tube, and the A2 that got rid of it. Solid video as always, and definitely falls within my collecting interest in the Cold War period. I have uncles who went to Vietnam, one who I know worked with the helicopters in the Army, though I don't know exactly when, where, or what unit (predictably, he doesn't like to talk about it, and so I don't like to ask questions).

[@brucecamparmament3728]

Ahh ok, thank you!

[@Brent0331]

Way to ruin the video Bruce!

[@Brent0331]

Nice, thanks for the info.

[@PARR53]

Awesome video! I watched the entire thing. My Dad and Uncle are Vietnam veterans. Huge fan of the old ALICE gear as well as it’s replace the LBV mixed with ALICE gear (was actually issued to me during Basic Combat Training).

[@vermontvermont9292]

Great job, excellent video guys!

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother.

[@jackie520]

hey Brent I'm a little late to the party here but I just wanna say , your content just keeps getting better and better. this video was absolutely outstanding and I enjoyed it alot. Thanks for making this great content.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother, I know I speak for Bruce on this as well when I say we appreciate guys like you posting comments like these. That's the reason we both keep wanting to do big videos/projects like this.

[@outerheavenpaintball]

From what I know, the hook fasteners were part of the 1905 series of infantry gear that was used in the first world war and was slightly tweeked for the second world war with the adoption of the M1 rifle. A fun fact is that guys in units like MACV-SOG, LRRP's and Special Forces used the magazine pouches from the Browning Automatic Rifle to carry 20 round M16 mags. I also know Navy SEALs at some point also just went on mission wearing the camo jacket but the pants were the Navy issue Dungarees. If you guys are going to make a follow up, I hope this information helps. Otherwise, great video :)

[@johntee9116]

Great video, thank you for work and dedication. My father and 4 brothers served in WWII; one was Air Force and 4 were Army. As a kid growing up my father gave me some of the spoils of war like a solid leather radio pack that I used as a Knap sack. Canteen and belt, German bayonet with metal sheath, numerous coins from various countries etc. The family was represented in the Pacific and Europe. I consider myself very lucky since my entry into the service was Sept 1964 through 1970 but did not have to serve in Viet Nam.

[@smart00ass00inc]

An entire hour of pure quality useful info, thanks a lot from a fellow nam collector!

[@on2wheels378]

God, I still have a set of my old US Army green field uniform. With the stupid cap and tuck in shirt. Hahaha. I enlisted in spring 1985 and we did PT in those greens (the sort of fitted ones) with boots and a green t shirt or the field shirt... Few years later, PT was done at boot camp with gym shoes, shorts and sweats (basic)... Ugh, those greens were shit (sorry for the cursing). The field greens you have in your upload would have been a blessing in basic. 11B 1985-2009 11Z retired. Great upload again battle, thank you for your efforts to bring us content.

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother, thanks for sharing.

[@hackerism1]

When larping goes to far - a cautionary tale of real life roleplaying

[@mtnhicknick7263]

Imagine some hikers coming across these guys.

[@lol-un6nl]

@@mtnhicknick7263 imagine some vietnamese hikers coming across them

[@yfelwulf]

Nice presentation 👍👍

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother.

[@johnrodriguez3870]

Like the previous Video featuring both Brent and Bruce on USMC and US Army Armor for Infantrymen in the Vietnam War, this Video, featuring both Brent, Bruce and Ken, goes in depth to the Uniform and Equipment of USMC 0311 and US Army 11B in the War in Vietnam. Informative, Inspiring, Educational and even slightly Entertaining . I AM impressed with Brent0331. Semper Fidelis and This We'll Defend!!🇺🇸🦅🌎⚓❤️

[@robestrada374]

You guys fantastic video keep up the great work all my friends love the videos. God be with you all. Amen

[@Brent0331]

Appreciate it brother.

[@99Racker]

Earlier, we called the M20, I believe they were, bazooka the "3.5". The M72 LAW is what we used. I had two former Claymore bags sewed back to back to carry extra gear (we didn't use the term "dump pouch" but I carried wire cutters and other small gear besides empty mags in the bag [I still have the 2nd bag I had made up]).. Started with issue green jungles and jungle boots then went to camo jungles. On the M16A1 we were issued, we had the 3 prong flash hider. They worked fine. Too many guys used the 3 prong to twist off the wires on C ration cases (put the wire between 2 prongs and twist until the wire snaps). This happened a lot. Used to p---me off. It was not always easy to allow guys to zero their rifles and they would use an M16 to do that. After using M1s in training and M14s as issue, I guess many thought the M16 should be as tough. Young (new) guys thought it was cool I guess (we were all young guys). As you can image, this put a lot of pressure on the front sight post/gas system and twisted barrels. Brass tried to say the 3 prong was not good at night so they wanted to change them. I believe a lot of it had to do with the C (ration) Twist. I still prefer the 3 prong and I have tested both at night. Most Marines you see carried packs marked 1943, 44 or 45 in green but most in a tan with E tool. I don't recall seeing Marines in anything other than the hard shell flack jackets. Worn but I don't recall seeing them zipped up. Great displays guys. Out here. Semper Fi.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks for sharing with us brother. I appreciate the input from guys that were there greatly! S/F

[@johnelliott7375]

Warrior boy here if you remember, Grandmother's little brother was in Marines on Iwo Jima. He was in second row down in Mt.Suribachi photo. Gornick was his name 2 or 3rd from left. Dad was in Korea and Vietnam. Good week to ya.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks for watching

[@johnelliott7375]

@@Brent0331 your welcome.

[@jake9705]

Great work! Video deserves way more views and will get them! I'm 33 years old. Seeing all this gear laid out and explained really helped me understand the B&W and often blurry photos of the Vietnam War. Great job!

[@selaxlife7621]

I cant watch these type of videos...they give me flashbacks....flashbacks on what I cant afford.....☹

[@Brent0331]

Ha

[@s71402san]

Chết đi con lợn Mỹ! Việt Cộng sống lâu!

[@graysoncampbell5991]

@@s71402san SHIT NOT AGAIN!

[@CS15550]

Loved this video. I remember transitioning from different types of gear during my time in a grunt unit. I just hope more people see this so I won't have to hear " that's not what Marines carried". Maybe , but it's what I carried. Especially the three pronged suppressor, this firs rifle I was issued had one. I don't think people realized that this stuff went to the rear was repaired and reissued. Any way great video and thanks!

[@Brent0331]

Appreciate it brother, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@cplservicegoranson35]

THANK YOU BOTH FOR A PROFESSIONAL HISTORY LESSON !!! AND KEEP YOUR MILITARY BEARING AND PRINCIPLES. I WAS IN SUPPLY , AND THE S-4 . HQ CO.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother

[@augustusmccrae1557]

I had just finished watching "Platoon" on TV and was messing around on here and found this video. I couldn't stop laughing when I heard the audio from the movie at the beginning. Awesome video guys!!! Keep up the awesome work.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother

[@eltenda]

Outstanding video as usual!!

[@daleburlison3186]

Just a quick note on the usmc gear and when they stoped using some of it. My dad and his unit was still being issued Vietnam era equipment like flak jackets, pouches, and canteens all the way into the 80's when he was in beirut. Just so you know yes the marines usually get outdated and antiquated equipment and supplies and somehow the still kick ass even without the latest wiz bang gadgets, I wonder why that is.

[@w.o.v.1033]

Brent I really like your intros there you guys do absolutely a great job giving credit where credit is due honoring those who actually did the inevitable in the Nam my hats off to you kudos to all those who participated and a special thanks for going over the educational video to give us an accurate description on what gear was used and I hope that you will continue on your journey of bringing us absolutely great professional videos as you do and as a fellow brother in arms even though I am a squid and part army I did serve with the core in desert storm so I guess you could call me a mutt but I am patriot number one as well as you guys are too thank you and take care your fellow brother in arms Jack 👍👍❤️

[@douglasspende6685]

My dad was a US Marine in Nam. My uncle's and grandfather's were Marines in WW1 WW2 and KOREA. I was in the USMC in 1987 to 1991 Forced Recon. Sniper 3-3. I didn't use ANYTHING but a web belt 2 M - 14 pouches. 2 Vietnam Era Plastic canteens. Rook sack and my K Bar and M12 NYLON 45 HOLSTER and mag pouch WITH MY SIG SAUER P 220. the year on back of everything was inked 1968 1969 And 1970 no crap! I was out for 3 to 5 days on one mission. Behind enemy lines the hole dam time. My buddies and Gunny called me the SHADOWMAN! It sticks to this day in the Police Field! We have no SWAT TEAM FOR OUR SUBURBAN PD. SO IM THEIR TRIGGER MAN! I LOVED CARRING MY M14 and HK G 3 both were great rifles. I was in the Philippines, Panama, South America and Nicaragua. Swamps tropical weather.

[@yfelwulf]

I was told the original M72 had a cable release type striker to fire that whizzed past your ear sawing into it highly unpopular. I have only used the low velocity detonation tube type.

[@alherrera3996]

that was a pretty good video some of us carry 1911 one of my friends carry to 357 Magnum for him other guys some even had a 9 mm like a high-powered brownie and there was some Karen Thompson's angry Scott it just depending what you were doing and what you like sometimes and we had a variety of knives that we would carry two that's not counting the different types of hand grenades we videos

[@PowermadNavigator]

Best spent hour in some time. Learned a lot from this. Brent always comes up with new stuff to show us. 1:03 that really is camp armament...

[@Brent0331]

Awesome man, I'm glad to hear.

[@johnrodriguez7742]

Great video on KZbin in the manner of USMC and US Army Uniforms and Equipment. Keep up the good work You do and Thanks Again for Your Service. Semper Fi and This We'll Defend.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🦅⚔️🔫

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother, I appreciate it.

[@davidthomspson9771]

I still have a small pair of tiger stripe pants...i assume they were CIDG since they even fit me when i was a kid in the 80's.My freinds dad gave them to me.Those were the days...

[@Brent0331]

Awesome brother.

[@calebblasingame2921]

Its kinda sad how the m1967 gear was never fully phased into the military. It came out in 1967, but m1956 gear was still dominate till the end of the war (1975) and by 1973 LC-1 was developed leading to the adoption of LC-2 (ALICE gear) in the mid to late 70s.

[@Brent0331]

Agreed, I like the M67 gear too.

[@lakemanson8051]

nice work on this vid guys, nearly about to pass out this far in. Glad i made it to the end. Can't wait for the next full-feature from you!

[@Brent0331]

Thanks brother.

[@razorbackguy6149]

When Captain Dye calls on the radio...it is in everyone's best interest to answer... quickly

[@Brent0331]

I'd like to meet him in person.

[@andy_in_nh9243]

Awesome intro! What are you using for video editing and effects?

[@Brent0331]

Thanks man. I'm using Adobe Premiere 2018.

[@ConstantineJoseph]

This is where the ak47s round becomes really deadly, when used in short range combat in the jungle, the 7.62 round pierces tree trunks and can hit soldiers behind them. Also combat survivability drops when your contact with the enemy is at ranges less than 30 yards.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Constantine: At close range, the intermediate 7.62x39 Russian cartridge had plenty of power to penetrate concealment and many types of cover, but the real champ in that respect was the M14, whose full-sized rifle round, the 7.62x51 NATO, was powerful-enough to penetrate even large trees and many kinds of sheet metal and masonry while still having plenty of power on the other side to down that unfortunate enemy soldier. Indeed, its performance against/through barriers and through jungle foliage and other cover/concealment was one of the selling points for the M14 in Vietnam. The same can be said of the 7.62x39, at least to an extent. The real odd-man out was the M16 with its 5.56x45 cartridge, whose 55-grain bullet possessed extremely high MV, but was too light to be all that effective in heavy undergrowth or vegetation, or against heavy cover. `Did the 5.56x45 NATO work? Yes, but the infantryman had to expend more rounds in order to obtain the same effects as its larger 7.62 (.30-caliber) cousins. Medically-speaking, the chances of surviving a center-mass hit from a pistol cartridge are much better than a similar hit from a center-fire rifle.

[@deez420nuts69]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 how long did Marines use M14s? I know the Army adopted the M16 years before the Corps. If I remember correctly the M14 was their standard issue rifle for almost half the war right?

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@deez420nuts69 - Officially, the M14 was adopted as the U.S. service rifle in 1959 and was replaced by 1964, but that doesn't tell the whole story. First, as you know, it remained in service in some places and units longer than others, and it has remained to this day in the military inventory as a specialist/substitute standard weapon, i.e., for DMR/sniper use, for naval/maritime use (line-throwing, mine/ordnance disposal, boarding parties, etc.), EOD use, and so forth. In general, my recollection - I'll have to look this up to be sure - is that most Army and Marine units in Vietnam had switched over to the M16 by 1968 or so. The troops in Europe, regardless of branch, kept their M14's longer. The rifles were also relegated to reserve, National Guard, and training use (at boot camp/basic training), as well as some foreign sales. Your comment about half the war is probably correct then, if we use 1968 as the changeover, since that's roughly halfway through the U.S. presence there. Most of our combat troops were out of SE Asia by 1973, due to the "Vietnamization" of the war under the Nixon administration. As to dates, etc. - maybe some of the GIs and Marines who were there can help us out - confirm or refute our dates.

[@deez420nuts69]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 awesome comment! Thanks!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@deez420nuts69 - You bet!

[@jamestollett4568]

Nice overview. I would have liked more details about the LBE & rucksack. My dad & two uncles were in Vietnam in the late sixties

[@brucecamparmament3728]

We will probably re-visit the packs as Brent just bought a complete lightweight rucksack.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks for watching, just what Bruce said. Just to add though that the video is already a hour long, we knew we couldn't exactly go into full detail about each & every little piece of gear so that we could fit everything in there in a reasonable amount of time. We mostly agreed to aim for trying to hit the wave tops about most of the items in this particular video.

[@whomagoose6897]

Bruce is loud and proud with the 25th Infantry Division patch on the left sleeve. Tropical Thunder!

[@grantzamboanga7188]

Love the Platoon reference:] Elias and Barnes haha

[@carson8878]

The seven dislikes are NVA

[@Brent0331]

They're clowns. One of the dislikes was within seconds of me posting the video. So in other words they didn't even watch a single minute of the video. Why some jack ass is subscribed to me only to dislike a video the moment I post it is beyond. What a loser.

[@DelGTAGrndrs]

Fantastic video guys this is so valuable as someone new to Vietnam era militaria👏

[@VooDooTennessee]

Great video guys very informative.

[@Brent0331]

Thanks man.

[@theburntcookieshub5803]

6:14 When the trees start speaking freedom

[@warriorcaste4304]

I think now, looking back, we did not fight the enemy, we fought ourselves, and the enemy was in us. The war is over for me now, but it will always be there, the rest of my days. As I'm sure Elias will be, fighting with Barnes for what Rhah calls "possesion of my soul." There are times since, I've felt like a child, born of those two fathers. But be that as it may, those who did make it have an obligation to build again. To teach to others what we know, and to try with whats left of our lives to find a goodness and a meaning to this life.

[@Brent0331]

Ha, yup. Tried to get as many lines as possible into the intro.

[@warriorcaste4304]

Brent0331 well done.

[@Ripvanwinkile]

The quality of these video's are amazing

[@Brent0331]

Thanks

[@anthonykipphut3645]

This was phenomenal. Totally outstanding, great job gentlemen!

[@yfelwulf]

Best reading on the M16 the Black Rifle volumes 1and 2. The deficiencies in the AR 15 were built in at the militaries request 😳 the result lots of dead troops. The Bolt assist was one stupid idea not required then not required now. They believed you had to have a device to force the bolt closed no 💩 STONER pointed out if the bolt was stuck the dumbest idea jam it even further.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

well if the Army Ordinance Corps didn't go and actively sabotage the M16 since the Ordinance Corps didn't want the gun but the rest of the US Military wanted it. The original M16 didn't have the foreward assist or dustcover.

[@syscowhite6995]

All my camping gear is from the Vietnam war.

[@williamdawson4023]

Like wise

[@leester9487]

I was in the National Guard from 86 to 94 and I rocked the canvas M1956 LBE, except for the buttpack.

[@Brent0331]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@WetWiIIy]

@Leester Why no buttpack? They seem so iconic, yet so elusive.

[@leester9487]

@@WetWiIIy I think it was just redundant with a normal ruck ad they didn't stock them. The supply Sgt didn't like me, evidently, because we had plenty of the nylon stuff.

[@4pitts1burgh28]

Hahahaha brother you guys are getting better and better at this stuff. Love the intro. Great info

[@Brent0331]

Appreciate it brother.