Exercise Bright Star 6 Color M-1

[Ryan Reese]

I’ve dove into many USMF threads regarding the DBDU 6 color covers on USGI M-1’s. These were often seen in the Middle East during Exercise Bright Star. The early exercises in 1981 - 1985 used the PASGT covers on the steel pots before the actual roll out of the Kevlar helmets.
 

All of this peaked my interest so I found some solid reference photos on DVIDS and hunted down some pieces to put my own together. 
 

The group photo is from Bright Star ‘85. Lots of cool variations. Notice the one guy with the PASGT (K-pot) middle left. This would have been right after their release. 
 

The two photo of the individual Lt show a lot more detail with the paratrooper liner and chin strap. 

[Ryan Reese]

Started with a standard shell. And according to the internet duct take can only mean that this was used in Airborne school. 😂So I considered that a win. 

 

Found a solid Paratrooper liner dated 1983. 
 

Used a 1984 dated DBDU PASGT cover. 
 

If you look at the 1985 group photo, you can see how high the pots sit on top of some of the liners. It looked pretty bad when I first did it so I went back and cut all of the Velcro tabs out to let the liner fit better. I also had to cut holes for the chin straps to come through, as the PASGT strap holes are very different. 
 

I think it came out looking pretty good. A great late model M-1 for the collection. Notice  his little brother, the Desert Storm PASGT in the background. 

[doyler]

That turned out a nice looking set.

 

Duct tape/ tape was also seen on a lot of training helmets and also seen on Air Force helmets. I have one withe tape residue on the camo cover. I know it was used at our local Air Guard as the owners name was on the tape. The person who gave it to me said he took off the tape as it had the persons name on it and they had been friends in the guard. Wish he would have left it alone.

[Ryan Reese]

8 minutes ago, doyler said:

That turned out a nice looking set.

 

Duct tape/ tape was also seen on a lot of training helmets and also seen on Air Force helmets. I have one withe tape residue on the camo cover. I know it was used at our local Air Guard as the owners name was on the tape. The person who gave it to me said he took off the tape as it had the persons name on it and they had been friends in the guard. Wish he would have left it alone.

Thanks… I was being 100% sarcastic about the take though. I’ve seen tons of posts where people jump to assume that their duct tape marks are from airborne school. 
 

I’m AD Air Force and I’ve played in my fair share of exercises in the last 15 years. I’d like to think that my name it still around on some old helmets and MOPP gear in some supply warehouses. 
 

[Ryan Reese]

I have a handful of taped/named USAF PASGTs too. I fought the urge to rip them off. But I guess they’re be cool in 40 years. 

[Ryan Reese]

Here’s another variation from Bright Star ‘85. Looks like he has a standard liner since I don’t see the paratrooper chin strap or dual attachment points.

 

His shell also seems to have the updated quick release chin strap and angled clips installed.