The US ARMY went to war in Vietnam using the same uniforms that where at the time being used for every day tasks , the uniforms where not suited for the conditions the ARMY encountered in the jungle environment in Vietnam.
OG-107 Cotton Sateen Utility Uniform.
"Type I" introduced in 1952.
Shirt
Trousers
"Type II" production started in April of 1963
Shirt
Trousers remained the same as the Type I
"Type III" production started at the end of 1964
Shirt
Trousers
Jungle Fatigues
Third Pattern Jungle Fatigues were introduced in late 1966 / early 1967
Shirt
Trousers
Undershirts
Early in the War White cotton undershirts where used
Later on the O.D. cotton undershirt was introduced
M-1965 Field Jacket
The M65 was introduced into service in 1965 as a replacement for the M-1951 field jacket
Shirt , Sleeping Man's
The Sleep shirt was used mainly in cold areas of Vietnam .
Belts used for the trousers came in many styles and they where also made by unit riggers
M52 FLAK vest ,this was the standard issue vest for infantrymen until 1967 when it was replaced by the 3/4 collar vest , also known as the M67 FLAK vest
M67 FLAK vest
Boots
The first boots used in Vietnam where the standard all leather boots
Jump boots
Regular Infantry all leather boots
Because the all leather boots where not well suited for the jungle conditions , they where replaced by a new boot type designed for jungle warfare
The Jungle boot came in two versions the Jungle Boot (Vibram Sole) introduced in 1966 and the Jungle Boot (Panama Sole) introduced in 1967
Panama Sole on the left , Vibram Sole on the right
Webgear
The M56 webgear consisted of the Equipment Belt, Load Bearing Suspenders, Canteen with Cup and Cover x2 , Small Arms Ammunition Pouch x2, Combat Field Pack, First Aid Case, Entrenching Tool with Cover.
Early war M56 webgear
Mid war M56 webgear
Late in the war pieces of the M67 webgear began to show up in country , fulls sets of M67 gear aren't always seen in photos , but there could have been some full sets issued , specially during the last months of US involvement in the war.
The 5 gallon bladder was the most widely used item on the above photo.
Some units used Magazines Vests. The Vests came in many different variations and styles
Magazine Vest with pockets on the sides designed to carry canteens
ERDL Magazine Vest
Miscellaneous equipment
Top row , left to right
M17 Gas Mask and carrier , angle head flashlights
Middle row , left to right
Claymore bag (this can have many uses) , M18 Smoke grenades . 40mm illumination grenades , 40mm practice grenade , Serum Albumin can , M56 entrenching tool .
Bottom row , left to right
M16 bandoleers , M79 bandoleer
