9 replies to this topic

[mjw46]

I've seen mostly ALICE gear with the Marines in Desert Storm photos. Were they using any of the Tactical LBV gear at that time as well?

How about their boots? I've seen a lot of pictures that look like the Vietnam Black and Greens...

[sgtmonroe]

I've seen mostly ALICE gear with the Marines in Desert Storm photos. Were they using any of the Tactical LBV gear at that time as well?

How about their boots? I've seen a lot of pictures that look like the Vietnam Black and Greens...

The TLBV was not contracted until FY1991 and would not see widespread use for a few more years. ALICE was the standard during Desert Storm.

There are a number of images of the 1986 and 1988 test TLBV (as well as commercial versions made by Lowe, Eagle, ABA, Adventure Specialists, etc.) in use during Desert Storm, but all I have seen were being worn by "special" Army units along with the infamous "Dog of Death" USAF image.

"Desert boots" were just coming into service and were seen in very few numbers. The "jungle boot" was the interim issue along with the standard all-leather combat boot.

[mjw46]

There are a number of images of the 1986 and 1988 test TLBV (as well as commercial versions made by Lowe, Eagle, ABA, Adventure Specialists, etc.) in use during Desert Storm, but all I have seen were being worn by "special" Army units along with the infamous "Dog of Death" USAF image.

"Desert boots" were just coming into service and were seen in very few numbers. The "jungle boot" was the interim issue along with the standard all-leather combat boot.
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Thanks for the info...

[Fly USMC]

We were issued desert boots only a few days (Possibly a week) before departing the gulf for our return trip to conus. We were told not to get them dirty in case we needed them for a home comming parade. I wore mine briefly and the bottoms were stained with oil residue from the oil well fires that Sadams troops lit. Since I didn't want to get special attention from any of the SNCOs, I put my old jungle boots back on and didn't wear the desert boots again until we had our last formation (Mini parade) prior to being released to our families. They did not have the right size for every one, so we did not all get the boots. At that point we were so close to getting home, that I don't think that any one really cared.

We were also issued a new set of Chocolate Chip cammies for the same purpose.

I saw Black leather boots, green sided jungle boots, Israeli desert boots, and Saudi desert boots being worn by US Marines during Desert Shield / Storm.

Cheers,
John

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[Fly USMC]

Some of the gear I had. Since I was a collector even back then, I had a Vietnam era butt pack with me. Still have it

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[Fly USMC]

I was with the 4th LAV BN out of Camp Pendleton, CA. We were activated reservists that were sent to 2nd LAI BN out of Camp Lejeune, NC. Both batallions are now designated as LAR BNs (Light Armored Reconisance).

Here is the II MEF list of gear we were required ot check out of supply. The photo attached to the list is the gear I took with me.

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Edited by Fly USMC, 13 April 2012 - 07:35 PM.

[Fly USMC]

End result we won, they lost. 3 EPWs on front of our wing mans LAV

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[Fly USMC]

The end

God, Country, Corps.....and beer

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[mjw46]

Wow... Thanks for the info and pictures... Is that a Camillus/Kabar I see in photo 4? was that issue or personal?

[Fly USMC]

Personal, but the issue style / type, made by Camillus. My Dad collected blades, so I gave it to him when I got back. I will most likely get it back again some day.

Edited by Fly USMC, 15 April 2012 - 05:23 PM.