US Military Field Gear of Granada and Panama

GRANADA / PANAMA US ARMED FORCES FIELD GEAR The 1980's were a relatively peaceful time for American armed forces. As the Cold War was coming to an end the emphasis turned to smaller, local conflicts. In the early 1980's President Reagan ordered an operation in the Island of Granada. in the late 1980's President Bush ordered an operation to attack Panama in order to capture Noriega. Both operations were relatively small.

This section of the website takes a look at the uniform, equipment and general gear employed during that time period. The information provided permits the identification of items. Additional details provide the current value of each collectible.

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US COMBAT FIELD GEAR OF THE GRANADA AND PANAMA INVASIONS
The primary changes to the combat field gear consisted of stronger and lighter materials. Much of the same packs and accessories share the same design as those from the Vietnam war. This section takes a close look at various types of combat gear.

US ARMY BEACON PORTABLE MARKER - This is a device that was used to mark the edges of an improvised landing strip. Of nylon construction. A large light is placed on the top.	US ARMY WEAPONS AIRBORNE DROP BAG - This is a	US ARMY M2 COMPASS - This is a	US ARMY LAUNDRY BAG - This is a

US ARMY FIELD MEDICAL BAG - This is a large canvis bag with an open top that was used by medical personnel for holding discarded clothing. The medical logo is placed at the end of the bag.	US ARMY FLAG GUIDE - This is a the flag that was used by the leader of the group during formal formations. Of cotton construction. The US Army eagle is added in yellow.	US ARMY PILOT'S EQUIPMENT BAG - This is a large canvis bag with a zipper in the center and heavy duty handles on the top. Pilots employed these bags to carry their equipment.	US ARMY POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER - This is a large electrical device that was used in the field as a means to distribute power to multiple batteries. Complete with the carrying case.

US ARMY LAUNDRY BAG - This is a plastic large bag. Olive drab color. Used by soldiers to hold their laundry. Light weight construction.	US ARMY DRESS SHOES - This is a pair of black dress shoes. This is the official set used with the Class A uniform. Missing the shoe laces.	US ARMY ALICE PACK - This is a	US ARMY JUNGLE FIRST AID KIT - This is a

US ARMY DRESS SHOES - This is a set of Army dress shoes. Used with the class A uniform. Front lace type. All lather construction.	US NAVY ELECTRICIAN SHOES - This is a set of rubber sole, high top black shoes. Isused to electricians in the Air Force. Laces were employed to secure them closed.	US ARMY 105 MM ANTI-TANK ROUND - This is an artillery round that was fired from a US Army Tank. The blue color indicates this is a practice round. A large spike at the front helps break armor.	US AIR FORCE PILOT RESCUE TOOL - This is a tool that was used to cut through seat belts and communication wires that would be around a pilot. This is a gas operated rescue tool.

US NAVY NUCLEAR SUBMARINE - This is a large model of a US Navy nuclear submarine. Measuring 55 inches in length. Complete with a wooden base. Propellor is not shows as it is top secret design.	US NAVY NUCLEAR SUBMARINE AWARD CLOCK - This is a Mare Island award clock mounted to a large oak base. At the bottom of the clock is the model of a nuclear submarine.

US MEDALS AND AWARDS OF THE GRANADA AND PANAMA INVASIONS
In the tradition of years past, the American soldier continued to carry private purchase knives into combat. Some of the government issue edge weapons saw radical changes while others remained virtually idle. A new bayonet was introduced for the M-16 rifle.

US ARMY MILITARY POLICE BADGE - This is a US Army badge issued to miliary police. Of metal construction. An eagle is found on top resting over a scroll that reads "United States Army".	US AIR FORCE MILITARY POLICE BADGE - This is a military police badge issued to members of the US Air Force. An eagle with wings spread rests atop a shield which contains Air Force lightning bolts.	US AIR FORCE SR FLIGHT SURGEON WINGS - Of clutch back construction. Base metal manufacturing. The design consists of a shield with a star on top. Wings extend from the sides of the shield.	US ARMY MILITARY ACADEMY SUPERIOR CADET MEDAL - This is a medal issued to students of the US Army military academy in recognition for achievement. Complete with the case.

US EDGE WEAPONS OF THE GRANADA AND PANAMA INVASIONS
In the tradition of years past, the American soldier continued to carry private purchase knives into combat. Some of the government issue edge weapons saw radical changes while others remained virtually idle. A new bayonet was introduced for the M-16 rifle.

US ARMY TL-9 KNIFE KIT - This is a set of tools issued to personnel who worked laying or maintaining telephone lines. The tool set was also issued to electricians.	US ARMY FIELD KNIFE - This is a metal cased knife with multiple blades which had different functions. Pocket size with a lanyard loop on one end.	US ARMY M-9 PHROBIS III BAYONET - Manufactured by the Buck knife company. Designed for use with the M-16 rifle. Hard plastic handle with a serrated blade. Complete with the plastic scabbard.

US MILITARY HEADGEAR OF THE GRANADA AND PANAMA INVASIONS
Advancements in synthetic materials and electronic technology saw the birth of a new breed of helmets. The venerable M-1 helmet was replaced by the Kevlar helmet. Jet fighter, helicopter and tanker helmets also experienced a series of changes.

MARINE CORPS GENTEX TANKER'S HELMET - This is a helmet used by operators of tanks and armored vehicles in the US Marine Corps. Of fiber glass construction. Complete with all the electronics and connectors.	US AIR FORCE PILOT'S OXYGEN MASK - This is the oxygen mask used by jet fighter pilots in the US armed forces. Of plastic construction. Complete with a corrugated hose with a connector at the end.	1980's US SPECIAL FORCES CAMO BERET - This is the official headegear employed by the US Green Beret. Of woodland camouflage construction. Flash and metal insignia in front.	US ARMY GREEN WOOL BEANEE - This is a wool green beanie. Heavy duty construction. Used in extreme cold weather.

US AIR FORCE HGU-55 JET FIGHTER HELMET - This is a US Air Force fighter jet helmet. Complete with the visor and oxygen mask.

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