Early in the Vietnam conflict most of the equipment used was of Korea-war vintage, but soon the new green webbing M1956 gear came into use. Based on the M1936 gear used in WWII, this equipment would be used of the entire duration of the war. Around 1970 the new M1967 gear was introduced. This was basically a nylon version of the webbing M1956 set. The system for all these sets was the same: all equipment was affixed to the Individual Equipment Belt with either the old M1910 wire hook hanger, or with the new M1956 sliding clips. Where the WWII G.I. could 'choose' between a pistol belt and a rifle ammo belt, the new M1956 gear had only a pistol belt, to which 2 (or more) rifle ammunition pouched were affixed, along with all the other equipment. A modernised version known as the A.L.I.C.E. gear remained in use until the mid 1990's.
Click here to see how to assemble the M1956 load carrying equipment.
Headgear
Helmet, M1
Tropical Combat Hat, Type I ('Boonie')
Tropical Combat Hat, Type II (ERDL)
Cap, Hot Weather, OG-106 (baseball cap)
Individual Equipment
M1956 Belt
M1967 Belt ('Davis belt')
M1956 Suspenders
Canteen, 1-quart & Carriers
M1956 Sleeping Bag Carrier
M1956 Shovel Carrier & Shovel
M1956 Compass / First Aid Pouch
M7 Bayonet & M8A1 Scabbard
Collapsible Canteen, 1st pattern
Collapsible Canteen, 2nd pattern
Field Mess kit
M1912 Holster
Flashlight
Ammopouches
M1956 Universal Ammo Case
M1956 Ammo Case, M16A1, 20 rounds
"M1956" (M1923) Pistol Ammo Pouch
M1967 Case, Ammunition, M16 (20 rd Magazine)
Bandoleer
Packs, Rucksacks etc.
M1956 Pack
M1961 Pack
Lightweight Rucksack
Tropical Rucksack
ARVN Rucksack
Bivouac Equipment, Poncho's etc.
Lightweight Poncho
Pocho Liner
Jungle Hammock
Shelter Half
Body Armor
M1952A Armored Vest
M1969 Armored Vest
Miscellaneous
Insect Repellant
Sun Cream