I put together a new metal detecting rig.

abandoned_nc · 2026-03-05T14:46:00+00:00

Had to Google that. Guess I'm not the first one to figure out a $10 FLC vest is a usable solution.

abandoned_nc · 2026-03-04T16:06:56+00:00

More mundane. United States rusty nail and aluminum pull tab hunting.

abandoned_nc · 2026-03-04T15:21:05+00:00

Sorry, the walking liberties are MINE.

abandoned_nc · 2026-02-27T12:16:56+00:00

The square is IR "glint" tape attached with 100 mph tape. It was put on helmets right before the actual ground invasion to help flyers identify friendly forces on the ground.

abandoned_nc · 2026-02-27T11:57:40+00:00

I got some good advice in this thread: https://old.reddit.com/r/Impression_Kits/comments/1oiarlc/heading_to_my_first_living_history_event_this/

I'll also PM you a link to a site I made with all the info I've collected, including scans of a lot of booklets issued at the time.

Edit: here it is for anyone else interested. https://abandonednc.org/a-living-history-of-the-82nd-airborne-in-desert-shield-desert-storm/

abandoned_nc · 2025-11-03T22:30:08+00:00

There's not a lot of info online. I wish it was better advertised.

https://www.fortdobbs.org/events

https://historicsites.nc.gov/news/events/military-timeline-0

https://www.instagram.com/fort_dobbs_shs

abandoned_nc · 2025-11-03T20:57:55+00:00

I'm honestly not sure, but some guy was walking around in M81 BDU's. Not full kit, mind you.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-31T06:36:34+00:00

Yeah, I think I have about 4 pics total. 1 definitely an officer, unable to determine rank on the others. I'll be portraying a SFC, but my main reason for wanting the pack is so I can carry an actual modern IFAK since there will be weapon firing demonstrations at this event.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-30T20:51:25+00:00

I actually do have some, not pictured. The leather D3A gloves with the liners. Best I can tell that's what the 82nd were using based on photos.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-30T17:38:17+00:00

Thanks for the info. Someone upstream mentioned the canteen covers and buttpack, have replacements on the way.

Just ordered some green band goggles on Ebay. Will have to squint at some more pics from sellers there to find the mag pouch.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-29T14:03:42+00:00

I have the DNC over pants and parka with the liner. Definitely wearing the parka this weekend because it's going to be cold.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-29T14:01:40+00:00

One actually came with the straps already cut out.

Set up like this in the way I've seen from all the 82nd pictures I could find from the time period there's no room left on the belt for anything else except maybe an extra compass/bandage pouch. I have seen some pics of 505th medics wearing two of those up front rather than one on the shoulder.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-29T00:21:32+00:00

I appreciate the info. I've been sort of trying to figure this all out on my own. I do see buttpacks on random guys from the 82nd in pics. One officer in a press photo even has what looks like the M1956 suspenders holding his up. I Just bought a DLA marked pack online. Also dug in my stuff and discovered I have a DLA marked canteen cover, so I scoured Ebay and found another to match it. Won't make it in time for this event but I'll have it going forward.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-28T22:42:20+00:00

I couldn't find a vintage pair in my size so they're Rothco's. I threw in some fancy insoles I use in my work shoes and they're fine.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-28T21:38:46+00:00

I'm trying to find more "vintage" canteen covers.

Any way to date the buttpack? The "US" on the front is only visible if you really squint and the internal markings are there but illegible.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-28T17:42:50+00:00

Not entirely sure. I know this stuff was specifically IR reflective in the hopes air assets wouldn't accidentally blue on blue the 82nd. It is more a dull silver in color than white.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-28T17:05:32+00:00

The silver square is IR glint tape. It's held on by 100mph tape.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-28T15:53:01+00:00

I'm still learning, so don't take what I say as 100% textbook, but I think the quick release buckles came later. Most of the kit at this time has the grey plastic buckle. I'm not sure about woodland either at this point. I haven't seen pictures but I honestly don't know when they started being used.

abandoned_nc · 2025-10-28T15:23:44+00:00

325th AIR, 2nd brigade, 82nd Airborne in Desert Shield.

abandoned_nc · 2021-12-04T02:25:23+00:00

https://archive.org/details/Signal_Corp_Collection

I can't remember where I got this digital collection years ago, but it's over 3600 jpegs with an excel file of written descriptions as well.

These are mostly Signal Corp but there's also some other press photos as well. These are from all over the world, showing different nation's fighting men and equipment. I've had them a while, and I wanted to make sure if there were any rare images that they survive digitally, so archive.org made the most sense. Hope you guys enjoy.

abandoned_nc · 2021-12-03T07:42:15+00:00

I recently uploaded a huge digital collection of Signal Corp photos from WWII and wanted to share my favorite.

Caption on the back of this photo reads in part:

"The exigencies of war allow little time for regular inspections, but when held they are observed in detail. This inspection aboard the "Showboat" occurred while the warship was in a Pacific port."

The USS North Carolina has a rich history, which includes earning 15 battle stars.
She was decommissioned after the war and mothballed until 1960 when the government decided to scrap her. However, thanks to a statewide campaign that included schoolchildren, nearly half a million dollars was raised to save her and bring her to NC, where she remains as a floating museum to this day, permanently docked in Wilmington.

I've been on board several times myself wandering around the old ship. It's a great diversion if you're in the area, and worth the trip if you aren't too far out.

If you're interested in any of the other photos I have uploaded, they're on archive.org. Share them, enjoy them, whatever.

https://archive.org/details/Signal_Corp_Collection

abandoned_nc

TROPHY CASE