A Soldier's Gear What We Carried into the Jungle



The Vietnam War wasn’t just fought with tactics and strategy—it was fought with every ounce of strength a soldier could muster and every pound of gear he carried.

In the dense, unforgiving jungles of South Vietnam, equipment was more than just a military issue; it was a lifeline.

For James Stanish, a combat officer in the book, every item he carried was chosen with survival in mind.

In his Vietnam War memoir, Images from Vietnam 1969: A Journey with the 11th Armored Calvary, he documents not only the battles but also the gear that got him through them.

The primary weapon for many soldiers was the M16 rifle, a lightweight firearm designed for close-quarters jungle combat. Some carried shotguns, like the Remington 870, ideal for point-blank defense.

Other manned mounted weapons, such as the .50 caliber machine gun or M60s, were found on Sheridan tanks and M113 armored vehicles. But weapons were only as effective as the ammo you had. Soldiers often carried hundreds, even thousands, of rounds.

In the confined interior of an armored vehicle, as Stanish recalls, 5,000 rounds of .50 caliber and 6,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were stored—ready at a moment’s notice. Grenades, claymore mines, and flares added to the weight and stress.

Beyond weapons, each soldier carried personal survival essentials. Canteens, water purification tablets, and rations kept them functioning in brutal heat. Insect repellent, often sticky and strong-smelling, was critical in the mosquito-infested terrain.

Ponchos doubled as rain gear and shelter, and hammocks were strung above ground to avoid snakes and biting insects.

Even small tools—P38 can openers, zippo lighters, and compasses—held massive value. These were the items that made survival possible, not just physically but mentally.

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