REPRO - Tiger Stripe Hat - Medium

Patch 199th Infantry Brigade (Light). Black and green. Background twill. Unused condition.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Coat, Man's, Camouflage Cotton. Size X-Small Short. Camouflage ERDL. Contract DSA100-68-C-1562.

Used Trousers, Men's, Cotton Wind Resistant Poplin OG 107 - first model. Size Small Long. Year of manufacture 1964.

Shirt Sleeping man sizing. S.

60s Vietnam War Vietnamese-Made US Army Branch Tape

Trousers in ERDL camouflage. Material poplin. Unused condition. Contract No. 8249, DSA, DPSC, DIR or MFG. Unused stock condition.

Unused blouse in ERDL Brown Dominant camouflage. Locally made. Size corresponds to Medium Regular. Pockets have a classic cut, but they are flat. There is a button closure at the sides.