This section gives you an idea of what a typical Rifleman would look like and what he might be wearing. The basic ‘Look’ of a Rifleman is what you should aim to achieve when you start collecting. The rifleman pictured below has a OD green t-shirt under his poplin jungle jacket which is loosely worn. His webbing consists of M1956 suspenders and a vertical weave Davis belt. M26 grenades hang either side of two M1956 ammo pouches and a M1956 canteen with cover sits on his hip. Secured next to his left ammo pouch is a compass pouch with first aid dressing. On the back of his suspenders he has a rolled up poncho, probably secured by paracord to the back pad. In addition to the ammo pouches, he carries two fully loaded seven pocket cotton M16 bandoleers with 20 round magazines inserted.
The next rifleman pictured below wears a 3rd pattern jungle jacket with sleeves rolled down and jungle trousers. You can just make out his M1956 suspenders, ammo pouch, and vertical weave pistol belt. His compass pouch is situated on his left shoulder on the upper web keeper of the padded part of the suspenders. He has slung a seven pocket M16 bandoleer over his right shoulder and it hangs diagonally around his body under his left arm. The strap on the same shoulder apears to be a claymore mine bag, probably carrying additional ammunition. Notice neither of these two troopers have flak vest on. Not everybody wore them!
This third rifleman (Below) wears poplin jungle trousers and jacket with his sleeves partly rolled up. He wears M1956 webbing consisting of suspenders, belt, ammo pouches and compass pouch. Notice the M1956 ammo pouches are the shorter version designed to make the withdraw of magazines easier. Under his suspenders he has a field towel used as padding for carrying heavy loads. On his left hip you can just make out a M8A1 bayonet scabbard and a pair of yellow roping gloves.
In the final picture there is a team of five grunts consisting of three riflemen, a grenadier and a M60 gunner. This picture demonstrates the general look of a rifleman. All their fatigues are muddy and wet. Their trousers (except for the troop on the far right) are tied down in bloused fashion and the pockets on their trousers are stuffed full and bellowed. Jungle jackets are worn loosly and sleeves are rolled down. The far right grunt has his rolled up, but appears to be wearing a sleeping shirt underneath. Some of the grunts are wearing neckerchiefs around their necks, others have the field towel to soak up sweat. All are wearing the basic M1956 webbing or some variation. The grunt first left, has aquired a USMC flak jacket. Notice also our far right trooper is carrying a shotgun and a revolver in a loose fitting shoulder holster. Nobody is packing ammo belts for the m-60!
