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Lowe Vector Catalog

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

From the late 1970s until the early 1990s, Lowe Alpine Systems offered a military line of packs called Vector. I owned a Woodland LCS-85 pack which is similar to the LCS-84 seen here, but I had also used an OD LOCO at 3ID LRS. LOCOs are rarely found with the rappelling harness as those were used long after the packs were discarded. These are pages from their catalog from the mid-80s.

“In 1978 in response to their experience in the U.S. Special Forces, Greg and Mike Lowe began designing to the needs of the U.S. Army and Marines as well as search and rescue organizations. Today, based on wide ranging input from outdoorsmen, hunters, rescue groups, SWAT teams and the military, Vector has become the leader in backpack design and innovation.”

Posted in History, Packs | 17 Comments »

“Soviet And Mujahideen Uniforms, Clothing And Equipment Of The Soviet-Afghan War, 1979-1989”

Saturday, February 11th, 2017

Published in 2016, “Soviet And Mujahideen Uniforms, Clothing And Equipment Of The Soviet-Afghan War, 1979-1989” by Zammis Schein catalogs the author’s extensive collection of wartime artifacts.

The 500-page volume contains every conceivable variant of Soviet uniform, including armor crew, aircrew, infantry and spetznaz as well as women’s ensembles.

Mujahideen clothing has also been catalogued. Much of it will be quite familiar to those who have served in Afghanistan. In fact, that’s where the author began his collection, while working as an interpreter.

The collection is certainly impressive and includes inert models of the infamous PFM-1 “Butterfly” landmine.

Additionally, the author has included pocket litter such as ID cards, letters and other ephemera.

The book has value as a reference document but I wish it had also featured the historical images depicting the equipment in use which were used by the author to validate the items.

You can get your copy from www.amazon.com.

Posted in History, Media | 3 Comments »

Combat Control Team History Lesson

Thursday, February 2nd, 2017

CMSgt Alcide “Bull” Benini portrait, reproduced from Gathering of Eagles drawing (with permission).

This graphic hangs in the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation Museum at Pope Field, NC. Benini was designated the first Combat Controlled in 1953 and the Museum is named in his honor.

Gathering of Eagles Foundation

Posted in Air Force, History | Comments Off on Combat Control Team History Lesson

If Only…The Magpul Masada

Sunday, January 29th, 2017

Tags: Magpul
Posted in Advertiser, History, weapons | 21 Comments »

Gear Modifications in Vietnam

Saturday, January 28th, 2017

I wanted to share these two photos of MG Ken Bowra when he was a 1LT serving in MACV-SOG’s CCN (TF1AE), in 1971 l, as the Reconnaissance Team Leader (One-Zero) of Recon Teams Idaho and Sidewinder. He wore an AK chest rig during missions and also sewed pockets on to the sleeves of his ERDL jungle fatigues.

These wartime mods were replicated by individuals and small units from the war, up into the early 00s, but eventually became standard.

Posted in History | 38 Comments »

‘Big Pimpin’

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017

Vietnam: L Co Ranger with a chrome P38.

Posted in As Seen On Facebook, History | 15 Comments »

Interesting Use Of Key-Mod

Saturday, January 21st, 2017

Posted in As Seen On Facebook, History | 12 Comments »

At The Front Reproduces WW II Army Camo

Sunday, January 8th, 2017

Reproductions of vintage military equipment is serious business with some selling for as much as the originals. For reenactors, reproductions are more desirable than original artifacts due to their fragility and scarcity. Additionally, orginal clothing and equipment is often only available in smaller sizes. If you wear larger sizes and want to actually wear these items, from any era, reproductions are your best bet.

They expect reproduction uniforms in the Spring. The long pole in the tent was getting the print right for the pattern. I find project is interesting considering the Army only wore camouflage uniforms in the ETO for a few months in 1944 before they were withdrawn from service as they were being mistaken for Germans. On a side note, At The Front sells fabric for those interested in getting some custom kit made up.

I love this comment from At The Front, “Go ahead and bitch because “it ain’t khakee enuff…”. Write a snivel letter to the War Department.” They went on to say:

The fabric for Army Camo uniforms is done. Comparison is with a mint, unissued jacket. US Camo Trivia: I discovered in the past 5 minutes that the repeat (roller sizes) on US camo are just as kookie as German. Our print is 12.25″, and among seven original garments I found 12.25″, 13.25″, 14″, 14.5″ and 15″. All are unissued so shrinkage isn’t an issue. The artwork remains the same (nothing added or removed) but the entire pattern varies by about 10% in size. And there are nearly as many shade variations as there are with Natzee stuff.

Warning: At The Front offers original and reproduction militaria from the WWII-era. If you are sensitive to history and the existence of Nazi Germany as well as any artifacts from that period, pass the site by.

atthefront.com

Tags: At The Front
Posted in Camo, History | 19 Comments »