2/503/173 Airborne 1965/66

[Speedor]

Here are some photos from our latest photoshoot:

[Speedor]

[asianairborne]

I like them alot. Maybe you should rethink the SSI on the brim of the pot but everything else is awesome. Go AB!

[twhigham]

Nice! I like the period details, like the glasses and the moustache. You did a good job with the green foliage, too. Very nice.

[Speedor]

I like them alot. Maybe you should rethink the SSI on the brim of the pot but everything else is awesome. Go AB!

 

Funny you mention that, almost everyone is noting the patch. It has actually been done by some members of The Herd. Some photo reference:

 

 

 

[Apache26]

The patch in the helmet band is a good touch. It was indeed a popular way for the men of the Herd to assert their identity when their replacement uniforms rarely had insignia.

 

You need to ditch the mustache. Mustaches are virtually forbidden in Airborne culture (they're called "brushguards for ----suckers"). While 173rd troops later in the war sported them, the order of the day at least through 1968 was to be COMPLETELY clean shaven. That was the Airborne standard as recited to me from a Hill 875 vet who was emphatic that they had to shave every morning to maintain the Airborne look.

[Sgt_Rock_EasyCo]

After Vietnam and during the 1970's and 1980's the mustache made a comeback in most units. During Schools like Boot Camp, Jump School and Ranger School mustaches were not allowed. Once you were at most duty stations (Rangers still were clean shaven) you were allowed to sport a trimmed mustache. Historically, even in airborne units, there were a few rebellious individuals that were not harrassed about their mustaches- During WWII one Medic in the FSSF wore a long handlebar mustache. Also during WWII an Officer in the 504th had a large and full mustache matching his full head of hair.

 

Example of a Paratrooper of the 70's/80's sporting a small mustache:

 

 

Rock