Candid photo of early load bearing vest

[Guardian 5]

Gents,

I came across this photo the other day and was intrigued by the early load bearing vest.

Based on the Mitchell Camouflage Helmet cover and M-1, I would think the photo dates to the early 1960's. I can't tell if the individual is a Soldier or Marine. His once black boots are coated in red dust.

Is anyone familiar with this LBV? Aviation related?

Many thanks,
TJ

[kammo man]

Probably a test sample


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[101combatvet]

No caption for a little clue?

This guy has an M1 Garand, so if he's in the RA, then the photo was taken in 1965 or before, if he's in the AR/NG then it could have been in 1970 or earlier. I'm not sure when the Marines got rid of their Garands, but I suspect that it was around that time or later.

The LBE/LCE didn't get designed/tested until the early 80s' to mid-80s'. There was a bit of reluctance to accept a system with ammunition covering soldier's vital areas due to rounds going off if impacted by a projectile. This was a big fear by many while the system was in development. After much testing, it was determined that the rounds and the magazines were unlikely to cause any significant catastrophic wounds to the soldier; hence the system was fielded.

To me, the vest resembles the type similar to what aircrews used. I believe the Army pouches were generally horizontal while the Navy had theirs vertical like in the picture. This guy wears a camouflage cover, so I'm sure he is a Marine. One possibility is that it's a Navy vest with or without modifications added. Using those pouches with a Garand would be awkward at best.

[kammo man]

Not AF at all.


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[Matt M]

No caption for a little clue?

This guy has an M1 Garand, so if he's in the RA, then the photo was taken in 1965 or before, if he's in the AR/NG then it could have been in 1970 or earlier. I'm not sure when the Marines got rid of their Garands, but I suspect that it was around that time or later.

The LBE/LCE didn't get designed/tested until the early 80s' to mid-80s'. There was a bit of reluctance to accept a system with ammunition covering soldier's vital areas due to rounds going off if impacted by a projectile. This was a big fear by many while the system was in development. After much testing, it was determined that the rounds and the magazines were unlikely to cause any significant catastrophic wounds to the soldier; hence the system was fielded.

To me, the vest resembles the type similar to what aircrews used. I believe the Army pouches were generally horizontal while the Navy had theirs vertical like in the picture. This guy wears a camouflage cover, so I'm sure he is a Marine. One possibility is that it's a Navy vest with or without modifications added. Using those pouches with a Garand would be awkward at best.

That's interesting
We always put 2 additional magazine pouches on our LBE for a total of 4 across the front waistline.
You could carry more ammo.
I know of 2 incidences where guys were shot and the loaded mag pouches actually stopped the rounds.

[101combatvet]

That's interesting
We always put 2 additional magazine pouches on our LBE for a total of 4 across the front waistline.
You could carry more ammo.
I know of 2 incidences where guys were shot and the loaded mag pouches actually stopped the rounds.

Yeah, I didn't mention that, but one of the developing engineers that I spoke to did bring up the ballistic characteristics that it could slow down rounds and possibly provide some protection. However, I don't recall him making a big selling point out of it.

[MikeP]

Eldon Bargewell was struck in the chest by an AK round. He was wearing a NVA chest rig and the loaded AK mag stopped the bullet saving him.
Interesting guy from my SFTG days. He went from Pvt to Major General.

[kammo man]

And another 101 theory gone south.


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[6.5 Creedmoor]

Eldon Bargewell was struck in the chest by an AK round. He was wearing a NVA chest rig and the loaded AK mag stopped the bullet saving him.
Interesting guy from my SFTG days. He went from Pvt to Major General.

I knew General Bargewell and his wonderful wife. I had the pleasure of showing them around Normandy for several days. He was one solid operator and an impressive guy.

[Bob Chatt]

It is a Marine Corps early attempt at a load carrying set-up.

There is a thread about them on the US Militaria Forum

[kammo man]

I gave pics on an original one in my files


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[kammo man]

Here’s the vest
Pockets are snap on


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[kammo man]

Here’s the vest with the pockets removed showing snaps

US made vest


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[kammo man]

Back showing snaps


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[kammo man]

Back

It’s an odd duck for sure but experimental with a forward thinking concept

Owen


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