Thread: Vietnam FAQ
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Old March 20th, 2005, 19:45   #1
Bravo One-Six
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Vietnam FAQ

Jebus.. a whole new section huh?

IMPRESSION TYPES
The Vietnam War, and in a broader sense, the entire Indochina War gives the average player lots of different nationalities and specialties to choose from when looking at selecting an impression. The French, Australians, Koreans, and neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Laos all had troops involved in combat in and around Vietnam. This of course, doesn't mention the U.S. and Vietnamese (PAVN and ARVN) forces involved in the conflict.

From these, you can chose a whole host of unit types for your recreation. Some examples would be:
- Pilots
- Sailors
- Marines
- Regular Army
- Special Forces / Rangers
- Logistical Troops (REMF's)
- Civilians

Within each type, there are various specialties. Special Forces for example, encompass troops from SOG, LRRP, SEALs, Intelligence, Rangers, and Anti-Recon troops. A little research into any particular section will greatly expand your knowledge and give you an idea of what to have for clothing and equipment. Research is important, because the amount of change between eqiupment and clothing early on in the Vietnam war (up to 1965 or 66) can be drastically different than that of mid or late war.

And yes, while a simple pair of Tiger stripes or modern OD uniform might give you that Vietnam look.. nothing can compete with a well researched and appropriately equipped impression. If you really value your authenticity and want to make an impact with the recreation, there is no substitute for documents and photographs.

But.. perhaps most importantly.. you are attempting to recreate the uniform of individuals who fought and died. It is important for their sake that you do a good job and to do them justice. Whether or not you agree with whichever side you end up portraying, respect their decision to do what they did and assemble your impression appropriately.

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UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT - COMMON IMPRESSIONS

Sometimes despite all the choice, some recreations end up being more popular than others. If you're not simply going to throw on a pair of Canadian Olive Drab fatigues and some ALICE kit, then this section might help you figure out what you should be choosing. The majority of people who are interested can probably find photos and articles to further detail the equipment listed here in its various configurations, however this is a good starting point for any impression.

US Army Infantry - Line Units
Although the uniform and basic equipment is rather strictly regulated, combinations of different items and how to wear / use them was not. A basic equipment load for the Grunt can be seen below.

- 1st through 3rd Pattern Olive Drab Jungle Fatigues
- Jungle Boots (Vibram or Panama Sole)
- Olive Drab Boonie Hat, or M1 Steel Pot w/ Mitchell Cover
- 1 set M56 (canvas) or M67 (nylon) webgear including:
--- Pistol Belt
--- Suspenders
--- 2 x Ammunition Pouches (universal small arms)
--- Canteen and Cover
--- First Aid/Compass Pouch
- Weapon (M16A1, XM177/CAR15, M79, M60 *M14 for Early Impressions*)
- Additional Equipment is distributed by the platoon through the squad. It may include:
--- Belts of 7.62mm Ammunition
--- Grenades
--- Radios
--- M72 LAWs
--- Heavy Weapons (recoilless rifles, mortars)


US Army - Long Range Recon Patrol
One of the varieties of special units deployed during the Vietnam war, LRRP's were attached to divisions for use as scouting/intelligence patrols. Freedom in the equipment as well as clothing was more lax and left up to the team. In virtually all photos of LRRP units in operations, they are heavily loaded down with ammo and grenades as well as radios and rucksacks.

- Camouflage Fatigues (non-modern Tigerstripe, ERDL)
- Jungle Boots, Delta Footwear
- Camouflaged boonie or muslin bandage
- 1 set M56 (canvas) or M67 (nylon) webgear including:
--- Web Belt
--- Suspenders or Stabo Rig
--- At least 2 + Ammunition Pouches OR
--- At least 2 + Canteen and Cover (Ammo and Water)
--- First Aid/Compass Pouches
- Various existence items (rope, dehydrated food, medical supplies)
- Rucksack (ARVN, Tropical, Lightweight, Indigineous, PAVN)
- Various Grenades
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