Uniforms and Equipment of U.S. Military Advisors in Vietnam

This T61-5 body armor, officially designated MIL-A-43197, represents a fascinating chapter in military equipment history. Developed in the mid-1960s, the T61-5 was designed to be a more ergonomic and flexible successor to the older M1952A model. Its innovative construction featured over 100 individual titanium plates, intended to provide superior protection and comfort.

Although it officially became the U.S. Army's standard-issue vest "on paper" in 1965, it never saw widespread adoption in reality. With the escalation of the Vietnam War, the T61-5 proved too expensive and complex to manufacture for mass deployment. The Army instead opted for a simpler, cheaper, updated version of the M1952A (the "3/4 collar" model).

Despite being an Army design, the T61-5 found its primary use elsewhere. It became characteristic equipment for the U.S. Navy's "Brown Water Navy" units operating in the rivers and coastal areas of Vietnam from 1966 onwards. It was also used by some U.S. Army mechanized infantry, armor, and armored cavalry units between 1969-1971.

Key Features:

• Official Designation: MIL-A-43197

• Common Name: T61-5 Composite Armor

• Standard Publication Date: Feb. 10, 1964

• Construction: Composite material with over 100 titanium plates

• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement

• Primary Users: US Navy ("Brown Water Navy"), US Army mechanized units in Vietnam

This vest is an exceptional and rare collector's item, documenting the push for innovation in personal protection during one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.

Unused carrying case for the M-16 rifle bipod.

Unused ARVN backpack. The backpack is without side straps. Unused condition - stored for a long time.

US bottle with liquid for cleaning weapons. The bottles are full and in their original packaging. Year of manufacture: 1969.

Inflatable lifeboat for one person, type LRU-3/P, USAF MIL-L-8664B(WP). Manufactured by Rubber Fabricators Inc. (contract DAAK01-67-C-916. Date of manufacture: 1967. Size is approximately 1.6 x 0.9 x 0.3 m max. (inflated, but with covers and bottom chambers folded down). Black and orange rubber construction with one inflatable chamber and additional stabilizing chambers underneath and nylon covers. The boat comes with the original sea anchor/brake (specification no. MIL-A-3339A). The boat is in decent condition, holds air, but is intended for collector's purposes only and is not recommended for regular use on water. The boat can be inflated using a car pump.

Lightly used M1967 USMC Combat Field Pack. Year of manufacture 1970. Very nice condition. Rubber collar is in good condition..

The M1967 USMC Combat Field Pack nylon pack was designed by the Marine Corps Airborne Forces Development Center as a replacement for the M1941 Haversack.1 The design of the pack evolved from the experimental XM1964 Haversack and featured two external pockets in addition to the main storage compartment, which had a waterproof rubberized collar. The top flap had two side strap hinges and one in the middle for attaching a blade carrier.

When matching USMC M1967 straps were used with the gear belt, the pack was worn on the back by attaching the top loops to the shoulder hooks of the straps and connecting the pack carabiners to the carabiners on the straps. Alternatively, it could have been worn as a backpack by connecting the front and back sling straps to the D-rings on the bottom of the pack.

A highly elusive piece for the advanced M7 collector: The US M7 Bayonet manufactured by FZR (Fraser Manufacturing Corp.). Fraser is considered one of the rarest Vietnam-era contractors, having produced only an estimated 40,000 units across two contracts in 1971 and 1972. Finding one in this condition is exceptional. The crossguard is stamped "M7 FZR". Paired with a correct period M8A1 scabbard by TWB.

Artilleryman's kit with a lot of tools and a pouch to hang on the belt. The tools include, among other things, a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers and a 3/8 wrench that Mutt owners will appreciate.