Country of Origin: United States of America
First adopted in 1956 by the United States to replacing the aging WW2-era patterns of load bearing equipment, the M-1956 system reflected the mindset of the new Pentatomic Army in the age of NATO. The drew backs of the previous M-1936/44 systems included difficulty in adjustments, modularity, and a difficulties of supplying for the variety of weapon systems, including the M1 Garands, M1 Carbines, M3 Grease Guns, and BAR. With the advent of the new M-14 battle rifle, which was undergoing the final phases of testing in 1957-1959, the US military recognized urgent need for a new webbing system, to both accomodate for the new weapon and draw on lessons learned over 20 years of fielding the M-1936/44. Ditched all around were the "lift-the-dot" closures, OD3/OD7 colorways, and difficult belt adjustments. The M-1956 saw a standardization to an OG-107 colorway, standard issue suspenders (something that has cause great headache during the Second World War with supply), and the inclusion of a buttpack of a buttpack for sustainment. Additionally, magazine pouches were developed specifically for the new M-14 magazines, followed shortly by longer pouches developed for the M-16 as America's involvement in the Indochina conflict intensified. The first aid pouches were also reshaped to also serve as a secondary role as a compass carrier. With these basic parts in mind, the look of a US infantryman was forever changed for the new "black boot" army - something that would carry US forces through the Vietnam War. Even as the M-1967 Nylon system was slowly adopted in the latter years of the Vietnam War, M-1956 saw widespread usage throughout the US military until being finally phased out in 1973 by the new ALICE LC-1 system.
For a piece of canvas Vietnam-vintage kit, these little pouches were pretty forward thinking! Other than ammunition, perhaps the most essential piece of combat kit for an infantryman during the Vietnam War would have been their field dressing, tucked away into these compact little pouches. Typically worn on the M-1956 suspender, and occasionally attached to belts and rucksacks, the pouch has enough room to accomodate one standard USGI sealed field bandage - or in the case of squad leaders and officers, one USGI marching compass. These excellent little pouches also include a simple ALICE style clip at the rear, allowing them to attach easily to the M-1956 system in true modular fashion.
These are a must have for re-enactors, collectors, or those looking to give a tried and true piece of geniune milsurp a new adventure!
All are graded as very serviceable and clean Grade 1s!
All prices are in United States Dollars (USD). We ship internationally!
