The Association of Federal Investigators (AFI) is a professional organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., that supports and represents individuals involved in federal law enforcement, auditing, and investigative work. Membership is open to current and former federal, state, local, and private investigators. I don’t have the organization’s starting date, but know it has been in existence since at least the mid 1960’s.   

Thank you Dave, I am amazed that there were 137 views before you. And I’m not sure if anyone took the time to realize the significance of this helmet and of the man that served these fine soldiers.    Marty

yeah this statement makes no sense to me, it’s an easy statement to make without actually looking at all the variables. While I appreciate the comment I just don’t see it 

NSN didn't come along until 1978.............FSN-Federal Stock Number vs. NSN- National Stock Number 

I believe these belts were made for the RVN and used and if not it was a special piece made in theatre for a SF operative.  I am with you on your statement, why fake a belt that does not replicate any known kind of BAR belt whatsoever.     

I would say repro and "aged". Why is the strap so much lighter color than the rest? Pics of the original are not that way; they match in shade. And, why are the markings so dark and bold whereas the rest of the cover is faded out and in rough shape? Look at the pics of the original- the markings are just as faded out as the rest of it. Look at the rivets and the buckle; the finish looks brand new as opposed to the original one, they are matte finish with corrosion and finish wear. Again, why is the metal new looking whereas the rest of the cover is ragged out? As you can see from the pics of the original, hard use affects everything on the cover, not just a few areas. I'd pass...................

Lars,   In addition to your exemplary model building skills, I can't help but notice the fine selection of modelers tools and paints in the background. You have everything so neatly organized... You truly are an artist and very talented.. Thank you for sharing all your projects with us. It is enjoyable to see these come to life from box to completion   Best regards   Leigh 

Not sure why that's there; the sodium bicarbonate was only in the square jungle first aid pouch, not the bandage pouch, AFAIK. Somebody may have stuck it in there. 

Congratulations on this historical find. !!! Its a great helmet with a story and unlike any Ive ever seen, you even have the Man wearing it on film!!! Amazing!! Thank you for sharing this!   Dave

Would appear to be totally suitable for use with M14 magazines.  Consider, also, that when the US entered the war in Vietnam, the RVN were using large numbers of M1 Garands and BARs.  An experimental "universal" type ammunition pouch that could hold the BAR and M14 magazines (and no doubt, M16 20 rd. mags) seems entirely possible. Also, there were a very large number of foreign militaries (including some NATO, South Korea, and Japan) receiving US surplus small arms that included the M1 and BAR, so updated magazine pouches for the BAR that would work with the M1956 web gear again makes sense.  Foreign manufacture can't be ruled out. On the other hand, the total absence of manufacturer's markings does not fit with official fielding of test and experimental equipment.