American Uniform

Helmet Evolution M1 “Steel Pot” Reversible Camouflage Pattern JE M1 “Steel Pot” Protects Against Exploding Shrapnel, Bumps, & Debris Cannot Consistently Stop Handgun Bullets Reversible Camouflage Pattern Spring & Summer: Green Leaves Fall & Winter: Brown Slots and Band for Foliage Insect Repellent, Cigarettes, & an Extra Rifle Magazine Early 1967- Writing On Helmets Nicknames, Girlfriends’ Names, Home States or Towns, & Short Time Lists to Return

Poncho- Heavy Duty Plastic nylon Hooded Used as a rain cape, blanket, and sleeping bag (liner inside that could be tied) Unsatisfactory-Too heavy when wet and shiny coating gleamed in the rain S.E

Poncho- lightweight Developed in 1966 Identical in design to Standard Poncho (heavy-duty) but half the weight Water-repellent Outside was coated with polyurethane which caused the rain to form in drops (prevents shiny appearance) S.E

Flak jacket Layer of dense nylon Weighed around 8 pounds Shielded body from metal fragments - shrapnelproof/ resistant Not bulletproof S.E

Combat Boot Evolution: Adapting to Vietnam JE Ineffective Combat Service Boot Rubber & Nylon Sole Deteriorates Quickly Jungle Boot All Leather Wellco Solves Moisture, Insect, & Sand Issues Black Leather Sole Canvas Blend Upper with Attached Tongue Keeps Out Bugs & Debris Water Drains Added

Combat Boot Evolution: Perfecting the New Design JE Canvas Blend Replaced with Nylon Canvas Dries Faster Steel Plates Set in Soles Protection from Punji Sticks Nylon Webbing Reinforces Upper Boot Increases Durability Air Force & Some Others Soldiers Add Zippers Did Not Last As Long As All Leather A Vast Improvement from Previous Boots

Standard Jungle Uniforms SM Front pants pocket Had inner pocket for first aid items Standard Jungle Uniforms Pants 1st style had exposed buttons and leg ties 2nd style had concealed buttons and no leg ties Utility fatigue shirt Worn by Army and Marines Based off of WWII

Standard Jungle Uniforms SM Standard Jungle Uniforms Style 1: Exposed buttons Shoulder loops Adjustable cuffs Style 2: Concealed buttons Style 3: Concealed buttons No shoulder loops, side tabs, or gas flap

Boonie Jungle Hat -Light weight bucket hat -Started being worn during the Vietnam War -3 Patterns during Vietnam: Tigerstripe, Olive Drab, ERDL Pattern -Wind resistant, mosquito netting, protection from heat/sun (Comes from American slang “boondocks” or mountains from the Philippine-American War ) S.S.

Butter Bar S.S. -military slang -reference to gold bar (rank) worn on the uniform of 2nd lieutenants S.S.

Heat Tabs -activates by bending/breaking the tabs - used in stoves to heat the cans -flammable tablet used to heat C-rations -Trioxane Fuel S.S. & S.E.

Standard Food Issue SM C-Rations: Packaged in individual meal boxes and sets of 3 (for an entire day) Contained 1 canned meat 1 canned fruit Bread or dessert 1 B-Unit 1 SP Packet Cans could be turned into stoves Were eaten on the field

Standard Issue Things They Carried SM Compass Pouch Standard Issue Things They Carried M1967 Buttpack Ammo Pouch Carried M16 magazines Loops on sides for grenades Pistol Belt Used to clip ammo pouches, first aid pouches, compass pouch, canteen, etc.

SM

Dog Tags - Symbol of your sacrifice, service, and Bravery -Worn by military personnel, Two Copies to identify the wounded and dead -Identifies Name, Birthdate, Blood Type, Religious Preference SB

P-38 Can Opener - John Wayne - Tough and Durable - P-38 is in reference to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane due to fast performance - Packaged with C-Rations P-38 Can Opener SB

SP Packet Packet contained: Given with C-Rations -Chewing tobacco -Cigarettes - Bootlaces - Toothpaste - Toothbrushes - Shaving Gear - Paper -Envelopes SB