USMC Drill Instructor Belt - M1956

Unused forearm for M16A1 rifle.

Book Uniforms & Equipment of U.S. Military Advisors in Vietnam: 1957-1972 (Schiffer Military History). This new, extensively produced volume (the second volume in the series) is a comprehensive guide to the history, development, and use of uniforms and equipment during the participation of U.S. military advisors in the Vietnam War. Included are insignia, headgear, camouflage uniforms, modified items, body armor, boots, clothing accessories, documentary items, and personal effects from 1957-1972, which are examined in great detail. Using reconstructions and period photographs, the author presents the look and feel of U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps advisors in Vietnam. There is a separate chapter on ARVN Ranger, Airborne, and ARVN Infantry advisors, as well as Junk Force, RAG Force, and South Vietnamese Navy and Marine Corps advisors.

Blouse ERDL Green dominant, sizing. M-S. USMC markings on pocket and USMC rank insignia on collars.

This T61-5 body armor, officially designated MIL-A-43197, represents a fascinating chapter in military equipment history. Developed in the mid-1960s, the T61-5 was designed to be a more ergonomic and flexible successor to the older M1952A model. Its innovative construction featured over 100 individual titanium plates, intended to provide superior protection and comfort.

Although it officially became the U.S. Army's standard-issue vest "on paper" in 1965, it never saw widespread adoption in reality. With the escalation of the Vietnam War, the T61-5 proved too expensive and complex to manufacture for mass deployment. The Army instead opted for a simpler, cheaper, updated version of the M1952A (the "3/4 collar" model).

Despite being an Army design, the T61-5 found its primary use elsewhere. It became characteristic equipment for the U.S. Navy's "Brown Water Navy" units operating in the rivers and coastal areas of Vietnam from 1966 onwards. It was also used by some U.S. Army mechanized infantry, armor, and armored cavalry units between 1969-1971.

Key Features:

• Official Designation: MIL-A-43197

• Common Name: T61-5 Composite Armor

• Standard Publication Date: Feb. 10, 1964

• Construction: Composite material with over 100 titanium plates

• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement

• Primary Users: US Navy ("Brown Water Navy"), US Army mechanized units in Vietnam

This vest is an exceptional and rare collector's item, documenting the push for innovation in personal protection during one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.

Unused M6 bayonet from Milpar. Condition see photo.

Unused Trousers, Man's, Camouflage Cotton. Size X Small Regular. Camouflage ERDL. Contract DSA100-68-C-2176.

Blouse in ERDL camouflage. Worse condition with most of the original patches. Labels missing but size is Medium - Regular. Blouse comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

Very nice liner for M-65 jacket from 1969 - contract DSA 100-69-C-2489.. Liner has double seams. Liner is in used but nice condition.