"The Four Types of US Troops and Figures" Topic

I had a conversation with Deadhead that got me thinking about all the US figures for Vietnam gaming. Initially it went like this, 'why didn't I buy US marine figures?'

Long story short two reasons, I already had an entire infantry company of US army by Baker Company. In addition the USMC always gave the overburdened look to me. Helmets, flak jackets and usually a lot of kit.

I love that marines have such a pride but never got much into the concept that they were some kind of 'elite'. (Sorry jirines, but it won't stop me from celebrating with you on the 10th of Nov.)

So this got me thinking of the styles of US troops and the figures that come closest to them as well as maybe to make it fun, the movie that closest portrays that look and type.

So, the first type and lightest in scale.
The advisor or light look. Basically only wear a web belt maybe a canteen or pistol. If they have actual pouches on the web belt it is the lighteest scale possible.

For this look, watch, "Go Tell the Spartans", with burt Lancaster. Maybe for a slight variation to this look you can add slight pouches and watch the US actors in the movie, "The Green Berets".

Does any manufacturer actually makes figures like this. Well yes and no. No in that no one concentrates on this style of figure but yes in that each manufacturer always has a figure or two in either bare chest, t-shirt or even some of theor officer type figures, the pristine looking figure in the sun glasses.

Level Two, a helmet and the issued web gear.
These guys have the look of the basic web gear and ammo pouches with little extra. They give the impression that they are close enough to their base or unit or M113s that they never carry more than what they need for that day.

I can't tell you how many histories I have read where the radio traffic of a battle gets interrupted by the logistics officer who cuts into the middle of the fighting to get tiimes and coordinates for a landing zone for the units daily ration of ice cream.

For this look, watch the movie, "Platoon".

Most makers have the US army figures done in this manner.

Level Three, now we have helmets, the issue web gear as well as small packs, maybe alice packs and oodles of ammunition, belts and grenades being carried around as a massive burden.

It gives the impression of infantry who only get resupplied once every five to seven days and have to carry their life around with them.

For this type, watch, "Hamburger Hill".

The most determined attempt to emulate this was the old Force of Arms Junction City line of troops.

The last level is the helmet, flak jacket and everything they own on their back look. Most USMC fall into this category. They look like after two hours of trekking off the firebase, they're most like to go down with heat stroke,

It also applies to army firebases given mortar, artillery and rocket attacks too. Suddenly everyone remembers to wear flak jackets and helmets.

Watch, "Full Metal Jacket" for this look.

Still with me so far laughing or throwing popcorn at the screen at this point?

Most manufacturers if they pack figures in groups will group them into one of these categories and make a variety of these types. Some who make figures for individual sale cross the gammit within one range like Gringos US Army. Some manufacturers makes bundles where all four levels come in the same pack like Westwind and their US infantry.

How far off is my thinking?

Do you have a favourite look or style to buy, paint or play?

My favourite figures for The'Nam are the Charlie Company line by RAFM.

Great topic thread. My first reaction for any era is that it is far easier to add kit,than to remove it, on any metal figure.

So a Marine in Hue will not be equipped for Diddy-bopping through the Boonies, in I Corps paddy fields.

I confess I am out of this now, with such fond memories of 28mm VNW figures shown here. They are all sent off to Ged now, of Gringos, as wasted in the dark of my attic.

Full Metal Miniatures were (are) great but need to redo the US helmet shape. The East Germans were not in VN as far as I know. Their Catherine Leroy photographer is one of the best sculpts I have ever seen in any era or scale.

Do not be disappointed by the lack of responses and feedback for any post. That is right across the range.I cannot understand that there still seem to be plenty of views, but so few comments to add some feedback

Careful there Deadhead, Ged has an NVA figure with a flamethrower in an East German helmet,,,.

Actually from a photograph I think.

Not my thing, but for 15mm I'd probably look for the most reasonably priced, and lean towards 2 and 3 for a little quicker painting. At larger scales, I would probably look more at quality and sculpting style.

link

In 1/72nd scale plastic there are plenty of choices and more on they way. Orion are doing a number of Vietnam War sets and they are very nice. I have all of them release so far with the last two sets on the way from Ukraine now.

The USMC command required troops to wear the body armor in combat and so you see them nearly all the time with it on.

The US Army, not so much.

Most units wore gear that depended on the mission. More gear if you were going to be away from the camp for a while and looking for combat. Less gear if you were close to friendly bases and just patrolling near the perimeter, but not actually seeking out the enemy.

Mike Bunkermeister Creek
Bunker Talk blog

Never looked at 1/72 before. Those Orion look nice.