Bandoleer for small rifle ammunition. This is the packaging that the M-16 rounds would come in that were to be placed into magazines later and then supposedly put into the web gear pouch. The sharp GI's realized that this bandoleer would hold the entire magazine and more of them so this was the preferred way to carry ammunition for infantry, and MP's while in a combat role. Usually at least two of these would be carried.

Flak vest this was the standard issue to most troops in a combat role. Very heavy and hot and uncomfortable. This would perhaps absorb some small fragments but was by no means a bullet proof vest. It became mandatory to wear this when out of the LZ in the summer of 1970 for the 198th LIB. Heat casualties mounted at an alarming rate due to the fact that the men were not used to wearing these, unlike the Marines who made this a standard practice early in the conflict.

M-16 cleaning kit, all you ever needed to keep your best friend shinny and knew. It was imperative to have your weapon in working order for obvious reasons. The jungle tropics conditions would play havoc on ones personal weapons.