USAF Uniforms And Equipment 1980 - 1983

[sgtmonroe]

I am going to try and stick to the spirit of the name Militaryphotos.net and post a series of photographs showing some "classic" uniforms and equipment utilized by the United States Air Force from 1980 through 1983.

Image 1 - April 1980 - Senior Airman [E-4] Coliyer, R. of the United States Air Force 51st Security Police Squadron unpacks a white phosphorous mortar round during heavy weapons training at Rodriguez Range, South Korea.

An ERDL camouflage pattern Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] is worn on the Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579]. The Senior Airman is wearing Body Armor, Fragmentation Protective [NSN 8470-00-122-1299-series] over "straight-pocket" ERDL camouflage pattern Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series]and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-9212-series] as well as black leather Boots, Combat [NSN 8430-00-186-6826-series].

Individual equipment includes a M-1956 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-647-0852], a LC-1 Cover, Water Canteen [NSN 8465-00-860-0256 - with a Canteen, Water [NSN 8465-00-889-3744], and a Case, Earplug [NSN 6515-00-299-8287] attached through the eyelets of the LC-1 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-001-6487-series].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/001.jpg

Image 2 - September 1980 - an Airman [E-2] of the United States Air Force 317th Combat Control Team [CCT] suited out in chemical warfare equipment during Autumn Forge/Reforger exercises in Arnhem, Holland.

An ERDL camouflage pattern Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] is worn on the Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579]. The Airman has a United States Army Insignia, Grade, Enlisted Personnel [NSN 8455-00-107-0088] attached to the front of the helmet [for the rank of Private [E-2]. This is more likely being worn to identify the rank of E-2 while the chemical warfare equipment is being worn as the United States Air Force does not have small versions of rank insignia that can be worn on headgear.

The Suit, Chemical Protective [NSN 8415-00-177-5007-series] is worn in conjuction with the Mask, Chemical-Biological, M17A1 [NSN 4240-00-926-4199-series] and Hood, Chemical-Biological Mask, M6A2 [NSN 4240-00-999-0420].

Individual equipment includes the M-1956 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-577-4922-series], a M-1956 Case, Field First Aid Dressing [NSN 8465-00-577-4927], at least two [2] M-1967 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-926-6610], and the Carrier, Field Chemical-Biological Mask [NSN 4240-00-933-2533]. Over his left shoulder, the Airman is carrying a Bag, Barracks [NSN 8465-00-530-3692].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/002.jpg

Image 3 - March 1981 - an Airman of the United States Air Force 8th Security Police Squadron suited out in chemical warfare equipment during Team Spirit exercises in South Korea.

An ERDL camouflage pattern Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] is worn on the Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579]. The Airman is wearing Body Armor, Fragmentation Protective [NSN 8470-00-122-1299-series] over the Suit, Chemical Protective [NSN 8415-00-177-5007-series] which is worn in conjuction with the Mask, Chemical-Biological, M17A1 [NSN 4240-00-926-4199-series] and Hood, Chemical-Biological Mask, M6A2 [NSN 4240-00-999-0420].

Individual equipment includes a LC-1 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482]and a Case, Earplug [NSN 6515-00-299-8287] attached through the eyelets of the LC-1 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-001-6487-series].

The small arm is a Rifle, 5.56 Millimeter, M16 [NSN 1005-00-856-6885] with a Firing Attachment, Blank Ammunition, M15A2 [NSN 1005-00-118-6192] and Sling, Small Arms, M1 [NSN 1005-00-654-4058] attached.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/003.jpg

More to come...

[GeraldDuval]

I'm surprised to see the M-56 gear pop up in the 80s...

[Resurrection]

Great pics man, any more? :)

[eggroll]

I'm surprised to see the M-56 gear pop up in the 80s...


why should you be - 56/61 and some 67 series gear was used up into Desert Shield/Storm.

[sgtmonroe]

Image 4 - September 1980 - Captain [O-3] Saunders, of the United States Air Force 317th Combat Control Team [attached to the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division], uses a field radio to direct an approaching C-141 Starlifter aircraft into position for a troop drop during Reforger 1980.

The Captain wears the "RDF" ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series] with an OG109 Undershirt, Mans [NSN 8420-00-782-6707-series]. On his Helmet, Parachutists', M-1C [NSN 8470-00-161-9414] is a ERDL Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] and elastic Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873].

Individual equipment consists of the M-1956 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-577-4924-series] with the LC-1 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-001-6471]. Attached to the individual equipment belt suspenders is the LC-1 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-935-6814]. Attached to the individual equipment belt are two [2] LC-1 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482] and a LC-2 Cover, Water Canteen [NSN 8465-00-860-0256 - with a Canteen, Water [NSN 8465-00-889-3744].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/004.jpg

Image 5 - 02 October 1980 - Master Sergeant [E-7] Williams, a United States Air Force Combat Control Team [CCT] member, fires a Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685] at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

The Master Sergeant wears the "RDF" ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series] with the Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] with T-1 quick-release chinstrap. On the M-1 helmet is a Mitchell pattern Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-261-6833] and a Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873].

In the weapon, as well as on the ground, is a 30-round Magazine, Cartridge [NSN 1005-00-921-5004]. The sling being utilized is a black nylon padded M60 Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-312-7177].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/005.jpg

Image 6 - 03 June 1981 - Master Sergeant [E-7] Morton, B., a United States Air Force security policeman, guards a tent where a classified flight briefing is being conducted during Busy Prairie II at Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas.

The Master Sergeant wears the "RDF" ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series] with the OG507 Cap, Hot Weather [NSN 8415-01-072-8716-series].

Individual equipment consists of the LC-1 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-001-6487-series] with the LC-1 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-001-6471]. Attached to the individual equipment belt suspenders is a M-1956 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-577-4927] on the right shoulder strap and a LC-1 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-935-6814] on the left shoulder strap. Attached to the individual equipment belt are two [2] LC-1 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482].

The weapon being carried by the Master Sergeant is a Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685] with a 30-round Magazine, Cartridge [NSN 1005-00-921-5004]. The sling is the standard black nylon Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-167-4336].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/006.jpg

Below - the United States Air Force proprietary Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685]. Designated by Colt Firearms as the Model 649. This weapon is the same as the United States Army Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, XM177E2 [NSN 1005-00-021-2429] with the only difference being the USAF version does not have the forward assist.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/1005-00-973-5685.jpg

[dersammler]

http://www.abload.de/img/neu248srgh.jpg
rdf erdl jacket

[flanker7]

Ah, the 80's. It was all simpler back then. An ALICE belt, some suspenders, a couple of ammo pouches and a canteen. That's all you needed. Now, you have more things hanging of you that a christmas tree!

[tyovan]

Ah, the 80's. It was all simpler back then. An ALICE belt, some suspenders, a couple of ammo pouches and a canteen. That's all you needed. Now, you have more things hanging of you that a christmas tree!

That's all the USAF has issued to me in 2008 ;)
Belt (with plastic snap, not the metal clasps), Y suspenders, one canteen pouch, and one ammo pouch, and I attached my gas mask bag to my belt..
And an old PASGT helmet with 3 color desert camo cover..

[sgtmonroe]

The next two images were taken in July of 1982 at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina during Combat Control Team school.

Image 7 - two CCT students prepare equipment for a river forging exercise. Both wear the ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series] and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-9212-series].

The weapon on top of the equipment is a Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685] with the 4.5-inch Suppressor, Flash [NSN 1005-00-914-3902] replaced with a standard M16 "birdcage" flash suppressor. A Firing Attachment, Blank Ammunition, M15A2 [NSN 1005-00-118-6192] is also attached.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/007.jpg

Image 8 - a CCT student refilling his Canteen, Water [NSN 8465-00-889-3744] during training. He wears the ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series] and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-9212-series].

Individual equipment consists of the LC-1 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-001-6487-series] with the LC-1 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-001-6471]. Attached to the individual equipment belt suspenders are two LC-1 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-935-6814]. Attached to the individual equipment belt are two [2] LC-1 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482] and a LC-1 Cover, Water Canteen [NSN 8465-00-860-0256]. The water canteen cover is the early DSA100-74 contract version with both horizontal and vertical reinforcement stitching. Next to the water canteen cover is a Knife, Combat [NSN 1095-00-392-4102] in its leather sheath. On his back is the LC-1 medium Field Pack [NSN 8465-00-001-6480] with the black aluminum LC-1 Frame, Field Pack [NSN 8465-00-001-6475].

The student's weapon is a Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685] with the 4.5-inch Suppressor, Flash [NSN 1005-00-914-3902] replaced with a standard M16 "birdcage" flash suppressor. A Firing Attachment, Blank Ammunition, M15A2 [NSN 1005-00-118-6192] is also attached. The sling is a black nylon padded M60 Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-312-7177].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/008.jpg

[sgtmonroe]

Image 9 - 15 June 1983 - Airman 1st Class [E-3] Hanneken, D., a United States Air Force tactical air control specialist attached to the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division, during a training exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The airman works with a Air Liaison Officer to direct air strikes in support of the ground forces.

The airman wears the "RDF" ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series], Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-9212-series], and the Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] with T-1 quick-release chinstrap. On the M-1 helmet is a ERDL Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] and a Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873].

Visible individual equipment consists of a pair of M-1956 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-577-4922-series] and a LC-1 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-935-6814].

The airman is armed with a Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685] with a standard black nylon Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-167-4336].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/009.jpg

Image 10 - 15 July 1983 - Staff Sergeant [E-5] Leyson, C., of the 3345th Security Police Squadron, guards an entrance to his camp during exercise Ripe Warrior at Camp Bullis, Texas.

The Staff Sergeant is wearing the newly issued M-1981 woodland camouflage pattern Coat, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1639-series] and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1705-series]. The woodland camouflage pattern Battle Dress Uniform [BDU] replaced the United States Air Force usage of the ERDL camouflage pattern hot weather uniform. The woodland camouflage pattern BDU was adopted in 1981 and production began the same year with DLA100-82 contracts. The ERDL camouflage pattern hot weather uniform was manufactured through FY1981 with the last DLA100-81 contracts. The Staff Sergeant also wears a Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] with a ERDL Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605].

Individual equipment consists of a LC-1 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-001-6487-series] attached to the LC-1 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-001-6471]. Attached to the individual equipment belt suspenders is a M-1956 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-577-4927]. Attached to the individual equipment belt are two [2] LC-1 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482]. Attached to the small arms ammunition case on the right side is a Flashlight, MX-991/U [NSN 6230-00-264-8261]. Looped through the right pocket of the BDU coat is a green plastic Whistle, Ball [NSN 8465-00-254-8803]. On his back is the LC-2 medium Field Pack [NSN 8465-01-019-9102] with aluminum LC-2 Frame, Field Pack [NSN 8465-01-073-8326]. Attached to the right side of the field pack is a Bayonet-Knife, M7 [NSN 1005-00-073-9238] with a Scabbard, Bayonet-Knife, M8A1 [NSN 1095-00-508-0339].

The weapon is a Rifle, 5.56 Millimeter, M16 [NSN 1005-00-856-6885] with a 30-round Magazine, Cartridge [NSN 1005-00-921-5004] and standard black nylon Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-167-4336].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/010.jpg

[Mic B.O.S]

Very Very Very cool uniform, I like those uniforms, have perfect colors and are easy for soldiers to keep that uniform.

[G-AWZT]

Great photos!!! This period is always overlooked. Thanks for posting!

[Mic B.O.S]

Mr sgtmonroe, where can i buy one uniform likethis with all accessories.
Can you tell me any web site of any shop wich ofer military clothes with post.

[LineDoggie]

Image 2 - September 1980 - an Airman [E-2] of the United States Air Force 317th Combat Control Team [CCT] suited out in chemical warfare equipment during Autumn Forge/Reforger exercises in Arnhem, Holland.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/002.jpg
Thats also a M67 90mm Recoiless Rifle Breech in front of him

[Red River]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/006.jpg


That is some old MSgt. rank.

[GG]

The rank changed over in 95-96.

[Don Cossack]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/010.jpg

I see I'm not the only one who's put their flashlight in those grenade pouches. :)

Thank you for these excellent photos and information! As G-AWTZ pointed out, the late Cold War period doesn't seem to be as well documented as the rest in the Armed Forces.

I didn't know the GAU-5 was used so extensively in the Air Force. In the photos it seems like it was used more than the M16A1, with the exception of the last ones in each post. Was that really the case?

[sgtmonroe]

The next series of images are probably my favorite. They illustrate the wide diversity of individual clothing and equipment in use in the early-1980s during the transitional period between the older uniforms and the woodland camouflage pattern BDU.

Image 11-13 - 28 September 1983 - An orders group meeting takes place with personnel of the 375th Security Police Squadron during Creek Warrior/Reforger 1983. Sembach Air Base, Germany.

Present are four [4] Technical Sergeants [E-6] and a First Lieutenant [O-2]. The fourth Technical Sergeant is barely visible in the right corner of the image [to the left of the Lieutenant]. Information - from left to right:

The first Technical Sergeant [far left corner] wears the woodland Coat, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1639-series] and a Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] with Mitchell pattern Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-261-6833]. Both types of camouflage helmet bands are worn. The top one is the older Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873] and the bottom one is the newer Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-01-110-9981] with the reflective "cat eyes". His visible individual equipment consists of a pair of M-1956 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-577-4922-series]. Attached through the loop on the right shoulder of the individual equipment belt suspenders is the lanyard to the green plastic Whistle, Ball [NSN 8465-00-254-8803].

The second Technical Sergeant [top left corner] wears the woodland Coat, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1639-series] and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1705-series] with the Boots, Hot Weather [NSN 8430-00-141-0767-series]. A brown wool Sweater [NSN 8405-00-163-8905-series] is worn under the woodland camouflage pattern coat. A standard Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] is worn with the woodland Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] and Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873]. NOTE: the NSN for the ERDL camouflage helmet cover did not change when it was assigned to the woodland camouflage helmet cover. He appears to be wearing an OG106 Hood, Sleeping Bag [NSN 8465-00-518-2769] as a helmet liner. Visible individual equipment includes a pair of LC-1 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-001-6471] with a Flashlight, MX-991/U [NSN 6230-00-264-8261] attached. A Carrier, Field Chemical-Biological Mask [NSN 4240-00-933-2533] is worn on the left upper leg.

The third Technical Sergeant [center, sitting] is wearing the ERDL Coat, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-7650-series] and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-945-9212-series] with a Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579]. On the M-1 helmet is a ERDL Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] and a Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873]. Footwear is a pair of private purchase black leather Corcoran "jump boots" [with toe cap]. The black leather D3A Gloves [NSN 8415-00-269-5700-series] are worn with OG483 wool Glove Inserts, Cold Weather [NSN 8415-00-682-6673-series]. Visible individual equipment includes a pair of LC-1 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-001-6471] with a green plastic Whistle, Ball [NSN 8465-00-254-8803] attached. Weapon is a Rifle, 5.56 Millimeter, M16 [NSN 1005-00-856-6885] with a 30-round Magazine, Cartridge [NSN 1005-00-921-5004] and standard black nylon Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-167-4336]. A Firing Attachment, Blank Ammunition, M15A2 [NSN 1005-00-118-6192] is also attached to the rifle.

The First Lieutenant [far right, kneeling] wears the woodland camouflage pattern Coat, Cold Weather [NSN 8415-01-099-7827-series], also known as the M-1965 "field jacket", along with the matching Trousers, Cold Weather [NSN 8415-01-099-7853-series]. A Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] is also worn with a ERDL Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] and a Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873]. Footwear consists of a pair of Boots, Hot Weather [NSN 8430-00-141-0767-series]. Individual equipment consists of a LC-1 Belt, Individual Equipment [NSN 8465-00-001-6487-series] attached to a pair of M-1967 Suspenders, Individual Equipment Belt [NSN 8465-00-935-6830]. Attached to the individual equipment belt suspenders are two [2] LC-1 Case, Field First Aid Dressing - Unmounted Magnetic Compass [NSN 8465-00-935-6814] and a green plastic Whistle, Ball [NSN 8465-00-254-8803]. Attached to the individual equipment belt is a LC-1 Case, Small Arms Ammunition [NSN 8465-00-001-6482] and a Case, Earplug [NSN 6515-00-299-8287] attached through the eyelets of the individual equipment belt. The weapon is a Submachine Gun, 5.56 Millimeter, GAU-5/A/A [NSN 1005-00-973-5685] with the 4.5-inch Suppressor, Flash [NSN 1005-00-914-3902] replaced with a standard M16 "birdcage" flash suppressor. A Firing Attachment, Blank Ammunition, M15A2 [NSN 1005-00-118-6192] is also attached. Also with the weapon is a 20-round Magazine, Cartridge [NSN 1005-00-056-2237] and a standard black nylon Sling, Small Arms [NSN 1005-00-167-4336].

The fourth Technical Sergeant [far right bottom corner] is wearing the woodland Coat, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1639-series] and Trousers, Camouflage Pattern [8415-01-084-1705-series] with the standard Helmet, Ground Troops', M-1 [NSN 8470-00-255-8579] worn with the ERDL Cover, Helmet, Camouflage Pattern [NSN 8415-00-105-0605] and Band, Helmet, Camouflage [NSN 8415-00-576-2873]. A brown wool Sweater [NSN 8405-00-163-8905-series] is worn under the woodland camouflage pattern coat. Footwear appear to be either military or private purchase rubber boots.

NOTE: the writing instrument being utilized by most of the personnel in the images is the standard USGI black plastic Pen, Ball-Point [NSN 7520-00-935-7135].

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/011.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/012.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/USAF/013.jpg

[sgtmonroe]

That is some old MSgt. rank.

As GG pointed out it was in the later 1990s when the old 6-stripe Master Sergeant rank insignia was replaced.


Location: In the Republic of Texas, the greatest country on earth

Amen!

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/sgtmonroe/misc/DSC00005.jpg

[sgtmonroe]

Great photos!!! This period is always overlooked. Thanks for posting!


Thank you for these excellent photos and information! As G-AWTZ pointed out, the late Cold War period doesn't seem to be as well documented as the rest in the Armed Forces.

Thank you gentlemen. I have always been fascinated with the Cold War-period of our military's history. I guess it's because I grew up seeing these uniforms and equipment in books and magazines. I enlisted out of high school in 1988 at pretty much the end of the Cold War.


I didn't know the GAU-5 was used so extensively in the Air Force. In the photos it seems like it was used more than the M16A1, with the exception of the last ones in each post. Was that really the case?

I really do not know the answer to that question. Considering that production numbers are elusive and the USAF rebuilt alot of M16s into GAUs...its really hard to tell.

[sgtmonroe]

Mr sgtmonroe, where can i buy one uniform likethis with all accessories.
Can you tell me any web site of any shop wich ofer military clothes with post.

If you are speaking of the ERDL coat and trousers...they are becoming harder and harder to come by [at least in my size - I guess Medium-Long is a popular size]. They are still out there. One of the best surplus stores here in Texas is http://www.omahas.com/. They show to have the ERDL coats on their website. They seem to believe they are USMC-specific which, of course, is untrue. All branches of service utilized them. I have ones stenciled for USMC and U.S. Navy use as well as ones badged with U.S. Army insignia. Of course this whole post shows the USAF use.

The other items are just standard M-1956, M-1967, and ALICE equipment items. Most are available at any good surplus store.

[GG]

It seems that the AF had mostly GAUs but that is untrue. It is just that the units with GAUs were the only ones that seemed to ever actually use their weapons.

[G-AWZT]

Gotta love the M1 pot with the Mitchell cover. I take it the XM177s were pretty standard for AF Security?

[GG]

In the AF a XM177 had a nomenclature of GAU-5.

[haze99]

G-AWZT & GG, you are are right, the GAU series was one of the standard weapons for Security Police back then. (As you can see not every SP carried one.) It was also the primary weapon of PJ's, CCT and TACP airmen. Their secondary was the M-1911A1.
Yes, SP, TACP, PJ and CCT airmen trained regularly with their weapons back then, much the same as soldiers and Marines. (they had to qualify every 6 months!) The rest of the USAF only used their weapons on deployment or major exersice. Hence, why they still have early-production M-16's in their arms rooms!
In 2002, the USAF began to upgrade all their M-16's to M-16A2 configuration. So the next time your around an airmen, ask to look at his rifle. It's a rebuild.
(Good eye Linedoggie!) sgt.monroe, Security Police were the only airmen to train and utilize the M-67 90mm RR.

[GG]

Haze is right on. In the AF inventory you will find many a Frankenstein weapon. Many of the "M16A2"s in the AF inventory have no forward assist.

[Crewdog]

Oddly enough, a lot of units looked like this deploying for Desert Shield/Storm.... Exact same gear I was issued deploying for Somalia...... by Rawanda, we had Kpots and I got my mits on real body armor by then as well.... M14 magazine pouches and H suspenders... brand friggin new!