History of Military Kit & Weapons: Generations of change & Improvements 1952-1993 | with Rick Lamb

Published on December 25, 2020
Duration: 64:35

This video details the evolution of US military kit and weapons from 1952 to 1993, focusing on the transition from the M14 to the M16A1, changes in uniforms like the OG-107 and ERDL camouflage, and the development of load-bearing equipment from cotton M1956 gear to ALICE packs and early tactical vests. It highlights innovations and adaptations made by special operations units like SOG and Task Force Ranger, showcasing their unique modifications and the challenges faced in different environments, from Vietnam jungles to desert operations.

Quick Summary

The US military's gear evolved significantly from 1952 to 1993, transitioning from the M14 rifle and cotton M1956 load-bearing equipment to the M16A1 rifle and nylon ALICE gear. Uniforms changed from the OG-107 to ERDL camouflage, with special units like SOG and Rangers making crucial modifications and innovations.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to Military Kit History
  2. 00:32The Iconic M14 Rifle
  3. 01:26M14 Ammunition and Design
  4. 02:01Uniform Changes: Black Boots
  5. 02:22Load Carrying Equipment (LBE) Evolution
  6. 03:36Canteen and Pistol Belt
  7. 04:00The OG-107 Uniform (1951)
  8. 04:53Peacetime Uniform Embellishments
  9. 05:46Duck Hunter Camouflage
  10. 06:06T-shirt Color and Subdued Patches
  11. 06:46Green Beret and 5th Group Flash
  12. 07:37Vietnam Era: 1968
  13. 07:45The M16A1 'Black Rifle'
  14. 08:27Magazine and Caliber Changes (5.56mm)
  15. 08:45M1956 Load Carrying Equipment
  16. 09:28Grenades and Sidearms
  17. 09:55Plastic Canteens and Cooking
  18. 10:41Squad Automatic Rifleman Role
  19. 11:10Pistol Holsters and First Aid Pouches
  20. 11:55Early Nylon Rucksacks
  21. 12:38Entrenching Tool Innovations
  22. 13:21Vietnam Jungle Uniforms and Boonie Caps
  23. 14:09M1 Steel Pot with Mitchell Pattern
  24. 14:26Magazine Loading Aids
  25. 14:44T-shirt Color Evolution
  26. 15:02Early Body Armor (Fragmentation Vest)
  27. 16:06Vietnam Jungle Fatigues
  28. 17:02New Boots and Jungle Boot Legacy
  29. 17:36SOG and Special Operations Gear
  30. 17:56The XM177E1 Carbine
  31. 19:09Early Scopes and Magazines
  32. 19:26Aluminum Buttstock
  33. 19:56Grenade Pull Pin Sling Swivel
  34. 20:38Sidearm Choices: M1911 vs. High Power
  35. 21:11Stabo Harness for Extraction
  36. 23:56Carrying Multiple Hand Grenades
  37. 24:26M1956 Cotton Gear and Ammo Capacity
  38. 26:23Field First Aid Kits
  39. 26:44Knife and Strobe Light Placement
  40. 27:08Small Protective Mask
  41. 27:48Swiss Seat and Rope Utility
  42. 28:22ERDL Camouflage Uniforms
  43. 29:16Jungle Boot Modifications
  44. 29:53North Vietnamese Jungle Boot Variants
  45. 30:36WWII Era Low Shoes and Gaiters
  46. 30:54Chinese AK Magazines
  47. 31:42Pocket Modifications for Gear
  48. 32:23Blood Type and Allergy Tapes
  49. 33:10M1 Helmet and Parachute Drops
  50. 33:35Caribou Aircraft
  51. 33:46ERDL Camo Hat Variants
  52. 34:15Do-Rag and Cravat Usage
  53. 35:401968 Gear and SOG Operations
  54. 36:21Fast Forward to 1980
  55. 37:11Re-establishment of Ranger Battalions
  56. 37:361980 Ranger Gear
  57. 38:01Company Guidon and EIB
  58. 38:58M1 Steel Pot Paratrooper Model
  59. 39:20Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission Gear
  60. 39:47Sun, Wind, and Dust Goggles
  61. 40:27Tied Down Gear and Dummy Cords
  62. 40:46ERDL Camouflage in the 1980s
  63. 41:00Colored Patches and Unit Insignia
  64. 41:58ALICE Load Carrying Equipment (LCE)
  65. 42:51Compass Pouch and Placement
  66. 43:39Magazine Pouches and Ammo Capacity
  67. 43:48Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gear
  68. 44:04Butt Pack and Strobe Light
  69. 44:15Communications Whistle
  70. 44:37Grenade Pouch Modifications
  71. 44:54Plastic Clips and Tape Usage
  72. 45:45Canteen Cup for Boiling Water
  73. 45:52Butt Pack (Butt Rook) Contents
  74. 46:32M67 Fragmentation Grenade
  75. 46:36M17 Protective Mask
  76. 46:45NBC Training in the 1980s
  77. 47:361951 Patrol Cap
  78. 48:07ALICE Pack Medium
  79. 48:35Entrenching Tool (Shovel/Pickaxe)
  80. 49:32Charlie Company Cat Eyes
  81. 50:11Recoiless Rifle Beehive Round Shrapnel
  82. 51:36Transition to 'Gucci Suit'
  83. 52:00Rick Lamb's Military Career
  84. 52:46Task Force Ranger, Mogadishu (1993)
  85. 53:51Gear in the Inter-Conflict Period
  86. 54:14Ranger Body Armor (RBA)
  87. 55:24Chocolate Chip Camouflage Uniforms
  88. 56:07Persistent Gear Elements (Name Tapes, Cat Eyes)
  89. 56:59T-shirt Color Evolution (Brown/Tan)
  90. 57:17Ranger Regiment Knee Pads
  91. 57:38Standard Issue Desert Boots
  92. 58:15Rick Lamb's Combat Injury Story
  93. 1:03:19Conclusion and Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary rifle used by the US military before the M16A1?

Before the widespread adoption of the M16A1, the primary rifle used by the US military was the M14. Chambered in 7.62x50mm NATO, it was intended to be a universal replacement for older weapons but proved less suitable for the jungle warfare encountered in Vietnam.

How did US military uniforms change from the 1950s to the 1970s?

Uniforms evolved from the standard OG-107 cotton utility uniform, which was often worn with non-subdued insignia in peacetime, to camouflage patterns like ERDL. Load-bearing equipment also transitioned from heavy cotton M1956 gear to lighter nylon ALICE systems.

What were some key innovations in US military gear during the Vietnam War era?

Innovations included the development of the M16A1 rifle, the introduction of ERDL camouflage, the shift to ALICE gear, and specialized modifications by units like SOG for their unique operational needs, such as custom slings and modified pouches.

What is Ranger Body Armor (RBA) and when was it introduced?

Ranger Body Armor (RBA) was an early generation of tactical vests designed for elite units like the Rangers, offering improved ballistic protection and modularity. It began appearing in the early 1990s, representing a significant advancement over standard Army flak jackets of the time.

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