This image from the September 28, 1959 issue of ‘Life’ magazine depicts a developmental US Army clothing system reportedly intended for wear on a nuclear battlefield. While the gloves, mask and coveralls are interesting, what is really cool is the helmet, complete with IR goggles.
The plastic helmet integrates the AN/PRC-34 radio, the developmental Soldier Radio of its day and an attempt to replace the large, walkie-talkie PRC-6 squad radios. The two studs along the crown of the helmet hold the antenna in place when not in use. In this photo, the antenna is deployed. Between the M-1 helmet-style webbing and the shell was a snag of wires.
But the IR goggles are the real treat here, considering this photo is coming up on 60 years old. First off, they are binocular and mount in a similar fashion to what we still do today. You can also see the battery pack at the rear of the helmet. A later version of the helmet was developed that offered some ballistic protection as well accommodations for a newer radio variant, the PRC-36. However, this radio was not integrated directly into the helmet.
Also note the orange and green Crayons.
tactical crayons!
For use with the NBC Contamination Marking Set….
The flags or markers had a identifier block for specific agent/contamination on the back of the flag/marker and the best answer for weather resistant writing device at the time must have been a wax crayon….
Bummer. Not nuclear-tipped bullets, huh?
I thought this post was going to be about Angie Dickinson.
First tip about fighting on a nuclear battlefield, don’t fight on a nuclear battlefield.
the helmet isn’t so far off the mark. looks like a modern day ACH with a PVS 15 attached!
I admit I was marveling at the direct lineage of that shown here. The more things change the more they stay the same.
So what’s the story behind the LBV?