American Uniform

Helmet Evolution

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

JE

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

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

JE

Combat Boot Evolution: Perfecting the New Design

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

JE

Standard Jungle Uniforms

Utility fatigue shirt

Worn by Army and Marines

Based off of WWII

Front pants pocket ● Had inner pocket for

first aid items

Pants● 1st style had

exposed buttons and leg ties

● 2nd style had concealed buttons and no leg ties

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

SM

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

-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

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

SM

Standard Issue Things They Carried

Pistol Belt● Used to clip ammo pouches,

first aid pouches, compass pouch, canteen, etc.

Ammo Pouch● Carried M16

magazines● Loops on sides

for grenades

M1967 Buttpack

Compass PouchSM

SM

Dog Tags

-Worn by military personnel, Two Copies to identify the wounded and dead

-Identifies Name, Birthdate, Blood Type, Religious Preference

SB

- Symbol of your sacrifice, service, and Bravery

SB

P-38Can

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

SP Packet

Packet contained:

SB

Given with C-Rations

-Chewing tobacco -Cigarettes -Bootlaces -Toothpaste -Toothbrushes -Shaving Gear -Paper -Envelopes