LINCLOE Pouch Set - EXC - USMC Embassy Security Saigon Frequent Wind Mayaguez

Description

US military gear evolved during the Vietnam War due to the harsh jungle conditions troops found themselves fighting through.  Among the major changes were switching to nylon gear, which was stronger and lighter weight while also quicker drying and less likely to rot in the humid jungle than the older canvas gear that had been used up to that point.  The LINCLOE webbing was the second nylon system introduced in Vietnam, replacing the M1967 gear.  The pouches were sized to fit 3 of the then-new 30-round magazine.  It would later evolve into the ubiquitous ALICE load bearing system used in the 80's until the early War on Terror.  The LINCLOE pouches only arrived at the very end of the Vietnam War, long after the last combat troops left, and were used by the Marines guarding the embassy in Saigon in 1975.  You can see them in photos from Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of the embassy when Saigon fell, and the Mayaguez Incident, a hostage rescue mission to recover a merchant ship's crew from the Khmer Rouge.  LINCLOE pouches were exclusively used by the USMC since the Army rejected them due to the flaps that impeded rapid magazine removal.  In practice, the flaps were sometimes removed.
You will receive exactly the set of two pouches shown in the pictures.  They are in excellent condition for their age and were lightly used.  The flaps and snaps are intact on the pouches and fully functional.  The stamps inside the pouch lid are readable, but somewhat faded.  These are dated to 1973 like most other LINCLOE pouches.  This item would be perfect for a Vietnam militaria collection, or for reenactment.  You could even use them to cosplay Russell Adler from the video game Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War (see last picture; several other characters in the game use the same pouches).
Authentic Vietnam era items like this are not going to get any more common with the Vietnam War more than 50 years behind us.  Buy now to own a piece of history!
Please see my other listings for more awesome militaria items, including some from the same era that would go perfect with these pouches.  If you buy or win multiple items from me, please message me about combined shipping.
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