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Post by CharleyNovember on Dec 12, 2010 11:07:16 GMT -5
I have never seen a pic of a paratrooper with a raincoat however curious as to if I should add it to my collection. I imagine it was part of issued equipment but guys threw away all kinds of crap they felt was dead weight. It is always better to be prepared for the event of rain than to be stuck in a 24hour immersion event in the dark in the rain freezing my ass off...WPG sales one but before I come off the coin I wanted to see what other guys who do airborne think on the subject. I do 82nd/505 in case it makes a difference to your answer. Would a rain poncho be a better choice?
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 12, 2010 12:11:05 GMT -5
The raincoat was definitely an item all paras were issued. Like most equipment for the paratroopers it became a choice item. Did they want it and have room for it with their initial loadout or would they prefer it come in with their later packet of resupply? Anecdotally lots of paras have stories that include comments about raincoats. Major Winters in his accounts discusses ducking under one, on night one to use his flashlight and check his map which was a common practice in Vietnam using a poncho.
I'd say although they are expensive they are definitely a worthwhile piece of equipment Remember Jump to Destiny? Bet you wish you'd had one then.
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deacon
Private 1st Class
Posts: 748
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Post by deacon on Dec 12, 2010 13:53:19 GMT -5
all Paratroopers, and any soldier at that, was issued a Poncho, or raincoat. It was up to the person on whether they would take it with, or leave it in their duffle.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Dec 12, 2010 14:29:53 GMT -5
John JTD is actually what brings this up. I'd rather be prepaared and not need it. I jsut want to make sure I buy something once.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 12, 2010 16:35:36 GMT -5
It seems battlesim was plagued with rain, severe heat or bitter cold at all of their events. Rain gear is always a good call.
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Post by Rapture on Dec 12, 2010 16:42:57 GMT -5
I was actually going to ask the same question thanks for clearing that up!
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Post by Fusilier on Dec 12, 2010 17:00:40 GMT -5
I have a pic in my one paratrooper book of Col. Ben Vandervoort of the 82nd,who John Wayne played in The Longest Day, wearing an overcoat a couple days after D-Day.
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Post by heinrich42 on Dec 12, 2010 23:29:37 GMT -5
Raincoats are definately a better option than a poncho. While ponchos did see use during WWII, raincoats were definately more prevalent for Army use (including Paratroopers).
Also, on the subject of the WPG raincoat, I have not personally seen one, but I have heard that they are not the greatest repro. Originals can be found much cheaper (I think I paid $35 for mine), even in larger sizes. Or, if you prefer a repro, WWII Impressions makes a top notch raincoat.
Just my .02. -Shawn
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Post by CharleyNovember on Dec 12, 2010 23:33:12 GMT -5
Thanks for that info I will check into both of those.
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