Rangers

[heknowsyouknow]

Am intrested in most thing ranger...I do WW2 2nd rangers at the mo ..and loveing it ..but am intrested in the rangers in nam ..so wheres the best place to start ..also am starting slowy to look for kit to do a nam ranger
hope to hear for any one who can help me on my quest

[oggy]

Before the 75th Ranger Regt was Formed Rangers were only higher quality Soldiers, employed in Div LRRP Companies. These were renamed in 1969 as Coys of 75th Inf Regt (http://www.mooremilitaria.com/insignia.htm - scroll down to Ranger Scrolls).
UNIFORMS
in the beginning Basic kit was the same as your Line Grunt, Jungle Fatigues, badged up with US ARMY tape (bare minimum), M56 Webbing, Jungle Boots, Boonie Hat, M16.
As the war progressed, the Rangers initially got a hold of Civilian 'Duck Hunter' Camouflage Uniforms, and wore them in the field. These were replaced by 'Tiger Stripes' in varying patterns (VNMC, Advisor Pattern, Japanese, Philipine, Thai...)
In 1967, the Army issued the 4 Colour ERDL Cam Uniforms (The same cut as the Jungle Fatigues) in 2 different 'dominant' colours (Lime Green Dominant and Brown Dominant). These were considered by some as less effective than the Tiger Stripes and the old sweats held on to theirs...
BADGES
Prior to 1969, a fully Badged up Uniform would look like this (looking head on, top to bottom)
R. Shoulder: DI of a previous unit (if seen Combat with that unit), Rank(NCO if Held)
Above R Pocket: Nametape.
Above L Pocket: Para Wings, Combat Infantryman Badge (if Awarded, badge type depends upon no of seperate qualification periods), US ARMY tape
L. Shoulder: Ranger Tab, DI, Rank (if held).
The above could apply to either the OG107 Fatigues (in glorious Technicolour), 1st Pattern Junglies (again in Colour), 2nd Pattern (Colour or Subdued) or 3rd Pattern (Subdued).

The whole package can be obtained from SOF, The US(Various), ePay, just shop around.
Hope this helps
Ian

[heknowsyouknow]

Thanks mate ..will start looking about and asking my contact in the states

[heknowsyouknow]

are the SOF any good ..have seen then at shows but never closey looked at them

[oggy]

You're actually better off with Moore Militaria - he does the total package.
SOF Webbing is way too expensive for what it is.

[heknowsyouknow]

will have a looky ...thanks oggy

[oggy]

If you want Cheap NOS M56 Pouches, contact Dodge 5700 on Ebay - you get a pair for what SOF charges for 1...

[heknowsyouknow]

at this mo mate ..need everything ..i dont even have any green ww2 webbing that i could use ..my lots all tan and dated no later than 1942...will check him out mate

[oggy]

Hey - I'll try to guide you as much as I can - try Pukkakit on Flea Bay too - it's Lee Money from FNG...

[oggy]

Aug 4, 2009 17:08:24 GMT heknowsyouknow said:

at this mo mate ..need everything ..i dont even have any green ww2 webbing that i could use ..my lots all tan and dated no later than 1942...will check him out mate

Just a thought - you have at least one Canteen cup and Mess Kit, so you're started... ;D

[heknowsyouknow]

well there is that ...so am started lol

[deucemp]

Speak to Phil Hall ([e-mail]) and Joe Hobdell on here (ukaircavlt) They portray 75inf Rangers.
www.ukaircav.org/new_lrrp_age.htm

[heknowsyouknow]

will do mate

[heknowsyouknow]

just been in touch with lipton on the ww2 forum ..hes got for me ....jungle jacket laid flat underarm to underarm measures approx 26"" so should fit you a treat.

Webbing i have a Long M56 belt-MINT,mint M56 e tool carrier,repro M56 butt pack,1x M56 M16 ammo pouch,M56 compass/1st aid pouch and a pair of the later M67 Nylon M16 ammo pouches.

so looks like i am on my way ...would all be ok with portraying a ranger ?

[oggy]

I'd put the M67s to one side, as they're later (68/69), and try to get a hold of another M56 pouch, and a set of long suspenders...