Original U.S. Vietnam War Era Experimental Marine Corps M-14 Load Carrying Vest Designed for Troop Test Program – Extremely Rare

Original Item. Only One Available. This is an extraordinarily scarce experimental USMC M-14 Load Carrying Vest, designed as part of the Troop Test Program around 1960. There is very little written reference for these vests, but one article in the “Marine Corps Gazette” from October 1972 notes their use in the Troop Test Program: “I was fortunate enough to take part in the Troop Test Program about 1960. Three different load carrying systems were issued for field testing with various results. One was the Battle Jerkin, a sort of zip-front vest for wear over armor. It had snaps all over so that you could snap fasten a compass carrier, ammo pouch, first aid kit or whatever took your fancy. The entrenching tool was centered in the back, business end down. Unfortunately, as the wearer hit the deck, inertia brought the handle of the entrenching tool up his back to thump him smartly on the head just under the helmet. If he was not stunned, he crawled forward and left a trail of unsnapped accessories behind him along the ground. Then, as he stood, the weight in the back drew the front up to throttle him unless he unzipped it. I don’t remember anyone who liked it.” As shown in the master photo, this is a well-documented piece of experimental field gear, heavily tested in the field during the Troop Test Program, and was meant for use with the M-14 Rifle. The vest is green nylon with heavy canvas reinforcing, with a heavy duty brass CONMAR zipper. The front has the attached two sets of two pouches with lift-the-dot snap closures. The back has the two integral canteen carriers and haversack, with the entrenching tool carrier in the center back as mentioned in the soldier’s testimony. There is no size marking, but these were likely made in a few different sizes. These are extraordinarily difficult to find in any condition, but this set is absolutely complete with the included detachable pouches. It will become the centerpiece of any experimental collection! Ready for further research and display!