Author: baeadmin
Have a question or topic you’d like us to talk about during an episode? Send it to us and we’ll discuss it on a podcast.
Face it, milsim airsoft and historical re-enactments are just other forms of LARPing. The Civilian Incentive Program has been designed to usher another facet into our events for dedicated Role-Players who would like to attend but aren’t interested in the pew pew aspect so much. Or, they would like to experience our immersive Vietnam era events but aren’t quite ready to invest in all of the correct equipment yet.
These roles will vary from event to event. For instance, our Ragnarokkr series would need a Combat Reporter/Press or a Refugee. Our Vietnam War series would welcome villagers, monks, vendors and farmers. These roles would all be non-combat characters to further the immersion of the event.
Your character will be written by staff and will be meant to enhance the overall experience. You will be given an organic script or guide on how to react to situations put forth by game players and you will be rewarded for your participation with event specific rewards and/or free tickets to future events!
The important part to understand is that you will still be experiencing the same immersion from the event as the other attendees, just without a weapon in your hand. Want to emulate a Vietnamese monk? Then we will build the scenario for you walk in his shoes, or sandals in this case.
Inquire Here:
If you are interested, please send us your info:
The Incentive:
At our larger events you will receive any SWAG that is being given away as you would be as an attendee. Also, this year we will be offering a FREE ticket to any of our ONE-DAY events for airsoft players. You will receive a certificate at the event you attended as a CIP. Then you will redeem the certificate at the event you wish to attend for free.
Not interested in a free event? If you are a LARPer or have no interest in airsoft, we will be offering t-shirt choices based on the event.
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Broken Arrow’s first Podcast episode. Liam discusses the 2019 event line-up and briefly explains what each event entails. The BAE AFVN Radio station gets a shout out. We have an interview segment called Bae of BAEs where Liam interviews his “bae” Kasey. Plus you can count how many times Liam says “basically”!
HEAD GEAR HELMET
Reluctantly Accepted
- M1 “Steel Pot” Helmet
NOT Accepted
- Modern-style Tactical Helmet
HEAD GEAR SOFT COVER
Accepted
- US-style boonie hat
- Period-style boonie hat (Green, Black, Tiger Stripe or Duck Hunter)
- Tailored/Custom boonie hat
- CIDG boonie hat (Green, Black, Tiger Stripe or Duck Hunter)
NOT Accepted
- Modern-style boonie hat
- Baseball cap
- Rothco or Truspec Ripstop boonie hat monstrosities in Tiger Stripe
UNIFORM
Preferred
- High Quality Tiger Stripe Pattern Uniform (Moore’s, East Asia Supply or Sessler) [NO ROTHCO OR RIPSTOP]
Accepted
- 60s era Duck Hunter Uniform Set/Cut (Kamo or Ranger Brand, Beo Gam)
- Original Jungle Fatigues Uniform 1st, 2nd or 3rd pattern
- High Quality Repro (Moores, Hessian Antique) Jungle Fatigues Uniform 1st, 2nd or 3rd pattern
- Rothco Jungle Fatigues Uniform Ripstop 3rd Pattern
- OG 107 Sateen Utility Uniform
Reluctantly Accepted
- Original Jungle Fatigues Uniform in ERDL
- High Quality Repro (Moores, EAS, Sessler) Jungle Fatigues Uniform in ERDL
NOT Accepted
- Modern BDUs (Green, Woodland)
- Rothco or Truspec including other ripstop uniforms in Tiger Stripe of any kind
- 80s to Modern Duck Hunter Set/Cut including gear
*Note: Uniforms should be sterile or at least without regular infantry unit SSI. We will specifiy a way around this in the buyer’s guide.
UNDERSHIRT
Preferred
- Plain cotton T-Shirt in OD green or white
- No shirt
Accepted
- Plain cotton tank top in white or OD green
NOT Accepted
- Underarmor or other modern undershirts
- Any shirts with patterns, labels, or designs printed on them
FOOTWEAR
Preferred
- Original USGI jungle boots, olive drab color; any sole type (Vibram or Panama)
- Post-War Issue USGI jungle boots, olive drab color; any sole type (Vibram or Panama)
Accepted
- Repro USGI jungle boots, olive drab color; any sole type (Vibram or Panama)
- Palladium in Green or Black
NOT Accepted
- Modern combat or hiking boots
WEAPON
Preferred
- M16A1 rifle
- XM177
- M60 machine gun
- M79 “Thumper” Grenade Launcher
Accepted
- M14
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- M1A1 Thompson
- M3 Grease Gun
NOT Accepted Any Longer
- CAR-15 (SOG-68) “The Snowflake”
NOT Accepted
- ANY AK variant
- ANY AR-15 variant that is not an M16A1 or that has any attachments
- Dragunov SVD rifle
- RPK or RPK-74 machine gun
- PK or PKM machine gun
- M60E3 or M60E4 machine gun
M16 MAGAZINE
Preferred
- Mid-Cap (100-140 bb) “20RD” magazine “Shorties” for M16
Accepted
- Mid-Cap (100-140 bb) “30RD” magazine “Banana” style for M16
NOT Accepted
- High-Cap of any kind
- Magpul or KWA Tryhard Hex style Mags
CANTEEN
Preferred
- USGI 1QT plastic canteen in M56 canteen cover
- USGI 2QT plastic canteen in 2QT M56 canteen cover
Accepted
- USGI 2QT plastic canteen in 2QT ALICE canteen cover
NOT Accepted
- Camelbaks
- Nalgene bottles
- Disposable PET bottles
- LC-1 or ALICE 1QT covers
LOAD CARRYING EQUIPMENT
Preferred
- USGI M56 load bearing suspenders
- USGI pistol belt
- USGI M56 ammo pouches
- USGI mag bandoleer
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- M67 Canteen Pouches
- M67 Ammo Pouches
NOT Accepted
- Plate Carrier
- Molle
- ALICE load bearing equipment
RUCKSACK
Preferred
- USGI lightweight or tropical rucksack
Accepted
- ARVN rucksack
- USGI mountain rucksack
- CISO rucksack
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- USGI Medium ALICE rucksack with frame removed, olive drab color
SLEEPING GEAR
Preferred
- USGI wool blanket, olive drab color
- OD or ERDL USGI poncho liner
Accepted
- Woodland USGI poncho liner
- USGI M1949 sleeping bag
- Generic brown or grey wool blanket
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- Modern sleeping bag inside of a USGI olive drab sleeping bag cover
NOT Accepted
- Modern sleeping bags brightly colored
- Modern tents
COLD/WET WEATHER GEAR
Preferred/Accepted
- USGI rubber poncho
- USGI wool field shirt
- USGI wool sweater
- USGI M65 field jacket
- USGI M51 field jacket
- USN Cold Weather Deck Jacket
NOT Accepted
- Modern poncho
- Modern rain suit
MESSKIT
Preferred
- USGI steel mess kit
- Canteen cup
Accepted
- Generic metal utensils
SHELTER
Preferred
- Shelter half x2 for a complete “pup” tent (You will need to carry it in)
NOT Accepted
- Modern tents
HEADGEAR
Preferred
- NVA pith helmet, with or without camouflage net
- NVA style cotton boonie hat
NOT Accepted
-
- “Rice farmer” style hat
- US-style boonie hat
UNIFORM
Preferred
- NVA enlisted man’s uniform (available on Moore’s Militaria), shirt tucked into pants
Accepted
- Dickie’s brand work pants and long sleeve work shirt, khaki color
- French F1 uniform
NOT Accepted
- Tan-colored civilian clothes
- “Black pajamas” or other black colored clothing
Uniform shirt shall be worn tucked into uniform pants, uniform pants shall be worn over boots (not tucked in)
UNDERSHIRT
Preferred
- No undershirt
Accepted
- Plain cotton T-shirt in black, grey, white, or olive drab color
- Plain cotton tank top in black, grey, white, or olive drab color
NOT Accepted
- Underarmor or other modern undershirts
- Any shirts with patterns, labels, or designs printed on them
FOOTWEAR
Preferred
- Chinese type 65 “liberation” boots, high cut (available on ebay)
Accepted
- Canvas Palladium brand “pallabrouse” ankle boots, high cut
- USGI jungle boots, olive drab color
NOT Accepted
- Modern combat or hiking boots
WEAPON
Preferred
- AKM or AKMS rifle
- Type 56 or Type 56-1 rifle
- PPSh-41 or PPS-43 submachine gun
- Mosin Nagant rifle
- SKS rifle
- RPD machine gun
- Browning 1919 machine gun
- Browning M1918 BAR machine gun
- RPG-2 rocket launcher
- RPG-7 rocket launcher
- Tokarev TT-33 Pistol
- M1911A1 Pistol (in correct USGI Vietnam-era configuration)
Accepted
- Any AK with: Wood handguards, wood or stamped metal stock, stamped metalstyle mags, no muzzle device, no attachments (scope, bipod, light, etc)
- M16A1 rifle
- M60 machine gun
NOT Accepted
- ANY AK variant that does not fit the above requirements
- ANY AR-15 variant that is not an M16A1 or that has any attachments
- Dragunov SVD rifle
- RPK or RPK-74 machine gun
- PK or PKM machine gun
- M60E3 or M60E4 machine gun
Other AK variants will be accepted ONLY under the following conditions:
- The stock is either wood, or steel underfolding
- The pistol grip is either wood or bakelite
- The handguards are wood
- No muzzle device other than an AK-47 muzzle nut or AKM slant brake
- No optics, side or top rails, or any accessories
- AK-47 style stamped steel mags are used
SLING
Preferred
- Chinese canvas AK/SKS sling with leather tabs
- Soviet canvas AK/SKS sling with leather tabs
Accepted
- Soviet canvas Mosin Nagant sling
- USGI canvas M16 sling
- USGI General Purpose strap
NOT Accepted
- Any nylon sling
- Any modern sling
BELT
Preferred
- Chicom-style trouser belt (available on Moore’s Militaria or KeepShooting)
- Vietnamese copy of USGI pistol belt (available on Ebay)
Accepted
- USGI M1936 or M1956 pistol belt
NOT Accepted
- ALICE pistol belt
CANTEEN
Preferred
- NVA/Chicom-style canteen with canvas yoke (no painted pictures on the side)
Accepted
- USGI M1910 aluminum canteen in an M1936 or M1956 canteen cover
- USGI 2-quart canteen in USGI M1910 “meat can” mess kit pouch
NOT Accepted
- Camelbaks
- Nalgene bottles
- Disposable PET bottles
AMMUNITION CARRYING EQUIPMENT
Preferred
- 3 pocket chicom AK chest rig
- 10 pocket chicom SKS chest rig
- Chicom SMG shoulder pouch
- Chicom type 53 mosin nagant pouch
- Chicom stick grenade pouch
Accepted
- 4 pocket chicom AK chest rig
- USGI M1928 general purpose pouch
NOT Accepted
- Vietnam-era USGI load bearing equipment
RUCKSACK
Preferred
- NVA rucksack (available from sampan imports or Ebay) (no painted flags or pictures on it)
Accepted
- Soviet veshmeshok (available on Ebay)
- USGI M1936 musette bag
- USGI Mountain rucksack
- Czech M60 rucksack (available on KeepShooting)
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- USGI lightweight or tropical rucksack
- USGI Medium ALICE rucksack with frame removed, olive drab color
SLEEPING GEAR
Preferred
- USGI jungle hammock
- Generic olive drab colored hammock
- USGI silk parachute blanket
- USGI wool blanket, olive drab color
- Soviet Plash Palatka
Accepted
- USGI pup tent
- USGI rubber poncho
- OD or ERDL USGI poncho liner
- USGI M1949 sleeping bag
- Generic brown or grey wool blanket
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- Modern sleeping bag inside of a USGI olive drab sleeping bag cover
NOT Accepted
- Modern sleeping bags
- Modern tents
COLD/WET WEATHER GEAR
Preferred
- NVA quilted warming vest
- USGI parachute silk scarf or cape
- Checkered Vietcong-style identification scarf (available from sampan imports)
- Soviet Plash Palatka
Accepted
- USGI rubber poncho
- USGI wool field shirt
- USGI wool sweater
NOT Accepted
- Modern poncho
- Modern rain suit
MESSKIT
Preferred
- Ceramic or enameled metal bowl
- Ceramic or enameled metal cup or mug
- Wooden or metal chopsticks
- Wooden or metal spoon
- Cotton “elephant trunk” tube for carrying rice
- Metal cooking pot
Accepted
- USGI M1910 mess kit
- Soviet or German mess kit
- Generic metal utensils
HEADGEAR
Preferred
- NVA style cotton boonie hat
- NVA pith helmet, with or without camouflage net
NOT Accepted
- US-style boonie hat
- Non-Combat Exception – “Rice farmer” conical hat (NOT TO BE WORN DURING COMBAT OPERATIONS) used to blend in with populace.
UNIFORM
Preferred
- Vietnamese Civilian Garb long sleeve “Black Pajamas” (available on ebay and vendors)
Accepted
- Dickie’s brand “scrubs” pants – black with Dickie’s brand black long sleeve work shirt
NOT Accepted
- Black-colored tactical or civilian clothes
It is encouraged (but not required) to wear a checkered black colored Vietcong-style identification scarf (can be found on ebay).
UNDERSHIRT
Preferred
- No undershirt
Accepted
- Plain cotton T-shirt in black, grey, white, or olive drab color
- Plain cotton tank top in black, grey, white, or olive drab color
NOT Accepted
- Underarmor or other modern undershirts
- Any shirts with patterns, labels, or designs printed on them
FOOTWEAR
Preferred
- Chinese type 65 “liberation” boots, high cut (available on ebay)
Accepted
- Canvas Palladium brand “pallabrouse” ankle boots, high cut
- USGI jungle boots, olive drab color
NOT Accepted
- Modern combat or hiking boots
WEAPON
Preferred
- AKM or AKMS rifle
- Type 56 or Type 56-1 rifle
- PPSh-41 or PPS-43 submachine gun
- Mosin Nagant rifle
- SKS rifle
- RPD machine gun
- Browning 1919 machine gun
- Browning M1918 BAR machine gun
- RPG-2 rocket launcher
- RPG-7 rocket launcher
Accepted
- Any AK with: Wood handguards, wood or stamped metal stock, stamped metal style mags, no muzzle device, no attachments (scope, bipod, light, etc)
- M16A1 rifle
- M60 machine gun
- M1 Garand
- M1 or M2 Carbine
- M3 Grease Gun
- M1 Thompson submachine gun
- K98
- MP44
- MP40
- Tokarev TT-33 Pistol
- M1911A1 Pistol (in correct USGI Vietnam-era configuration)
NOT Accepted
- ANY AK variant that does not fit the above requirements
- ANY AR-15 variant that is not an M16A1 or that has any attachments
- Dragunov SVD rifle
- RPK or RPK-74 machine gun
- PK or PKM machine gun
- M60E3 or M60E4 machine gun
Other AK variants will be accepted ONLY under the following conditions:
- The stock is either wood, or steel underfolding
- The pistol grip is either wood or bakelite
- The handguards are wood
- No muzzle device other than an AK-47 muzzle nut or AKM slant brake
- No optics, side or top rails, or any accessories
- AK-47 style stamped steel mags are used
BELT (Not mandatory with “Pajamas”)
Preferred
- Chicom-style trouser belt (available on Moore’s Militaria or KeepShooting)
- Vietnamese copy of USGI pistol belt (available on Ebay)
Accepted
- USGI M1936 or M1956 pistol belt
NOT Accepted
- ALICE pistol belt
CANTEEN
Preferred
- NVA/Chicom-style canteen with canvas yoke (no painted pictures on the side)
Accepted
- USGI M1910 aluminum canteen in an M1936 or M1956 canteen cover
- USGI 2-quart canteen in USGI M1910 “meat can” mess kit pouch
NOT Accepted
- Camelbaks
- Nalgene bottles
- Disposable PET bottles
AMMUNITION CARRYING EQUIPMENT
Preferred
- 3 pocket chicom AK chest rig
- 10 pocket chicom SKS chest rig
- Chicom SMG shoulder pouch
- Chicom type 53 mosin nagant pouch
- Chicom stick grenade pouch
- USGI M1928 Garand or BAR cartridge belt
- USGI 3 or 5 cell Thompson magazine pouch
Accepted
- 4 pocket chicom AK chest rig
- USGI M1928 general purpose pouch
NOT Accepted
- Vietnam-era USGI load bearing equipment
RUCKSACK
Preferred
- Basket Carrier (Homemade)
- NVA rucksack (available from sampan imports or Ebay) (no painted flags or pictures on it)
Accepted
- Soviet veshmeshok (available on Ebay)
- USGI M1936 musette bag
- USGI Mountain rucksack
- Czech M60 rucksack (available on KeepShooting)
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- USGI lightweight or tropical rucksack
- USGI Medium ALICE rucksack with frame removed, olive drab color
- ARVN rucksack
SLEEPING GEAR
Preferred
- USGI jungle hammock
- Generic olive drab colored hammock
- USGI silk parachute blanket
- USGI wool blanket, olive drab color
- Soviet Plash Palatka
Accepted
- USGI pup tent
- USGI rubber poncho
- OD or ERDL USGI poncho liner
- USGI M1949 sleeping bag
- Generic brown or grey wool blanket
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- Modern sleeping bag inside of a USGI olive drab sleeping bag cover
NOT Accepted
- Modern sleeping bags
- Modern tents
COLD/WET WEATHER GEAR
Preferred
- NVA quilted warming vest
- USGI parachute silk scarf or cape
- Checkered black colored Vietcong-style identification scarf (available from sampan imports)
- Soviet Plash Palatka
Accepted
- USGI rubber poncho
- USGI wool field shirt
- USGI wool sweater
- 1960s or earlier civilian sweater in a solid, subdued color
NOT Accepted
- Modern poncho
- Modern rain suit
MESSKIT
Preferred
- Ceramic or enameled metal bowl
- Ceramic or enameled metal cup or mug
- Wooden or metal chopsticks
- Wooden or metal spoon
- Cotton “elephant trunk” tube for carrying rice
- Metal cooking pot
Accepted
- USGI M1910 mess kit
- Soviet or German mess kit
- Generic metal utensils
HEAD GEAR HELMET
Required
- M1 “Steel Pot” Helmet (Mitchell Pattern cover preferred)
NOT Accepted
- Modern-style Tactical Helmet
HEAD GEAR SOFT COVER
Accepted
- US-style boonie hat
- US-style hot weather field cap
NOT Accepted
- Modern-style boonie hat
- Baseball cap
UNIFORM
Preferred
- Original Jungle Fatigues Uniform 1st, 2nd or 3rd pattern
- High Quality Repro (Moores, Hessian Antique) Jungle Fatigues Uniform 1st, 2nd or 3rd pattern
Accepted
- Rothco Jungle Fatigues Uniform Ripstop 3rd Pattern
- OG 107 Sateen Utility Uniform
NOT Accepted Any Longer
- Original Jungle Fatigues Uniform in ERDL
- High Quality Repro (Moores, EAS, Sessler) Jungle Fatigues Uniform in ERDL
NOT Accepted
- Modern BDUs (Green, Woodland)
- Tiger Stripe of any kind
UNDERSHIRT
Preferred
- Plain cotton T-Shirt in OD green or white
- No shirt
Accepted
- Plain cotton tank top in white or OD green
NOT Accepted
- Underarmor or other modern undershirts
- Any shirts with patterns, labels, or designs printed on them
FOOTWEAR
Preferred
- Original USGI jungle boots, olive drab color; any sole type (Vibram or Panama)
- Post-War Issue USGI jungle boots, olive drab color; any sole type (Vibram or Panama)
Accepted
- Repro USGI jungle boots, olive drab color; any sole type (Vibram or Panama)
NOT Accepted
- Modern combat or hiking boots
WEAPON
Preferred
- M16A1 rifle
- XM177
- M60 machine gun
- M79 “Thumper” Grenade Launcher
Accepted
- M14
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- M1A1 Thompson
- M3 Grease Gun
NOT Accepted Any Longer
- CAR-15 (SOG-68) “The Snowflake”
- XM-607
NOT Accepted
- ANY AK variant
- ANY AR-15 variant that is not an M16A1 or that has any attachments
- Dragunov SVD rifle
- RPK or RPK-74 machine gun
- PK or PKM machine gun
- M60E3 or M60E4 machine gun
M16 MAGAZINE
Preferred
- Mid-Cap (100-140 bb) “20RD” magazine “Shorties” for M16
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- Mid-Cap (100-140 bb) “30RD” magazine “Banana” style for M16
NOT Accepted
- High-Cap of any kind
- Magpul or KWA Tryhard Hex style Mags
CANTEEN
Preferred
- USGI 1QT plastic canteen in M56 canteen cover
- USGI 2QT plastic canteen in 2QT M56 canteen cover
Accepted
- USGI 2QT plastic canteen in 2QT ALICE canteen cover
NOT Accepted
- Camelbaks
- Nalgene bottles
- Disposable PET bottles
- LC-1 or ALICE 1QT covers
LOAD CARRYING EQUIPMENT
Preferred
- USGI M56 load bearing suspenders
- USGI pistol belt
- USGI M56 ammo pouches
- USGI mag bandoleer
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- M67 Canteen Pouches
- M67 Ammo Pouches
NOT Accepted
- Plate Carrier
- Molle
- ALICE load bearing equipment
RUCKSACK
Preferred
- USGI lightweight or tropical rucksack
Accepted
- ARVN rucksack
- USGI mountain rucksack
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- USGI Medium ALICE rucksack with frame removed, olive drab color
- CISO rucksack
SLEEPING GEAR
Preferred
- USGI wool blanket, olive drab color
- OD or ERDL USGI poncho liner
- Sleeping cot (modern is ok)
Accepted
- Woodland USGI poncho liner
- USGI M1949 sleeping bag
- Generic brown or grey wool blanket
RELUCTANTLY Accepted
- Modern sleeping bag inside of a USGI olive drab sleeping bag cover
NOT Accepted
- Modern sleeping bags brightly colored
- Modern tents (tentage will be provided)
COLD/WET WEATHER GEAR
Preferred/Accepted
- USGI rubber poncho
- USGI wool field shirt
- USGI wool sweater
- USGI M65 field jacket
- USGI M51 field jacket
- USN Cold Weather Deck Jacket
NOT Accepted
- Modern poncho
- Modern rain suit
MESSKIT
Preferred
- USGI steel mess kit
- Canteen cup
Accepted
- Generic metal utensils
SHELTER
Preferred
- Shelter half x2 for a complete “pup” tent
- GP Small or Medium (Will also be provided)
NOT Accepted
- Modern tents
Minimum North Vietnamese Army Kit
The purpose of this guide is to help you purchase equipment to pass the 10ft rule standards held by Broken Arrow Event’s staff at Operation Junction City or similar events. Please notice that this is based on a kit that meets the MINIMUM requirements to attend. We prefer and advise to buy original or high quality reproductions if your budget allows to do so. With creativity, the NVA kit can be completed fairly cheap.
Head Gear:
Pith Helmet:
After World War II, the communist Viet Minh and later the People’s Army of Vietnam of the North based their helmet design on the French pith helmet of the former colonial power and adopted it as their own. Pith helmets were issued to NVA soldiers so it’s just as common as a boonie.
Amazon Search: CLICK HERE
Soft Cover:
NVA Boonie Hat:
The style of the NVA boonie differs from other types and styles of boonie hats, especially the American styles of the era. They were built using panels that you’d see on a beach ball sewn into each other from the brim to the top. They come in all types of colors, tan, green and even some camo patterns. Moores and Combat Sports Supply have variants of this hat for $25.
Moores Militaria: CLICK HERE
Combat Sports Supply: CLICK HERE
Civilian Hat:
Conical Rice Hat:
Known as rice hats, farmers hats or coolie hat, these are worn by the populace in Asian countries to protect from the harsh sun. The Viet Cong and NVA as much as movies want you to believe, did not go marching into battle wearing them. If you show up wearing a conical hat, ready to fight, your cadre will ask you to remove them. They will have a use throughout the operation though.
Amazon: CLICK HERE
Uniform:
The cheapest and easiest options for an NVA soldier would be dickies work shirts and pants, in tan. They can be found on amazon for decent prices. With a little dirt they look pretty good.
Dickies Work Pants on Amazon: CLICK HERE
Dickies Work Shirt on Amazon: CLICK HERE
An honorable mention is this site called Vietnam Surplus. They sell a full Green NVA kit for about $38.99. We never ordered from them but the outfit looks pretty good. In fact they have a lot of nice items for an impression. CLICK HERE
Boots:
We don’t expect you to wear sandals. Though there are some hard core participants that have worn them, we understand wanting to keep your toenails. One option for NVA footwear are USGI jungle boots. A little history lesson reveals that the US did indeed drop these into the jungles for them to be picked up for the NVA and VC. This was intended to mask the tracks of LRRP teams operating in the area. Most economic options are post war boots since they haven’t changed much and aren’t too expensive, around $50 on eBay or surplus sites. The best answer for saving money though are Rothco’s or Fox’s repro. They do have a bad reputation about being flimsy and uncomfortable. They do the job and most people we know that do use them haven’t had a problem with them. They will run you about $30-$40.
eBay Search: CLICK HERE
Repros on Amazon: CLICK HERE
PLA or Paladium Boots:
The standard issue boot for the NVA were similar to Paladium boots. They are sort of look like Converse sneakers. You can also get the new and now trendy Paladium boots for about $40. On eBay for about $25 is a pair of Chinese PLA 65 boots. They are fantastic, comfortable and quiet.
Type 65 PLA Boots on eBay: CLICK HERE
Paladium Boots on eBay: CLICK HERE
Load Bearing Equipment:
A chicom chest rig costs anywhere from $15-$25. Make sure it is the 3-cell type not the type 81 four cell though. These were designed to carry AK47 banana shaped magazines. Depending on your rifle, an SKS rig could be more appropriate. Those are even cheaper than chicom rigs usually.
3-Cell Chicom Chest Rig on eBay: CLICK HERE
SKS Chest Rig on eBay: CLICK HERE
Rucksack:
There aren’t many choices when it comes to PAVN rucksacks. You could go with the NVA rucksack for anywhere from $20-$50. Or you can make something homemade. You could get creative and make something out of a basket or a canvas sack.
eBay Search for NVA Rucks: CLICK HERE
Rifle:
The PAVN forces had a wide range of weapons to choose from. From the AK47 to the Mosin Nagant to American WW2 weapons. Listed is the CYMA AK47 but there are more expensive options like Tommy Guns, MP40s or PPSHs. Browning BARs are a good choice as well. Again, this guide is for the cheapest possible kit and currently the CYMA AK47s are the best rifle for the price. Also as a streamlined unit, you’d most likely have an AKM or AK47.
AK47 or AKM:
One of the most produced weapons in the world. There are a few variants that would be found in 1960s Vietnam. CYMA AK47s are great shooters and can be found relatively inexpensively.
Evike link: CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE
AK47 Magazines:
The basic AK47 mags that are all black and not the newer orange/brown type are the ones you need.
Airsoft GI Magazine Pack: CLICK HERE
Basic NVA Kit Pricing
- NVA Boonie Hat: $25
- Tan NVA Uniform (Dickies): $35
- PLA Type 65 Boots: $25
- Chicom: $20
- NVA Rucksack: $30*
- AK47 Rifle: $100^
- 5 Magazines: $40
-
- Total: $230-$300
-
- *homemade is free
- ^on sale for $69
Minimum Viet Cong Kit
The purpose of this guide is to help you purchase equipment to pass the 10ft rule standards held by Broken Arrow Event’s staff at Operation Junction City or similar events. Please notice that this is based on a kit that meets the MINIMUM requirements to attend. We prefer and advise to buy original or high quality reproductions if your budget allows to do so. A really well done Viet Cong kit is probably the least expensive impression when it comes to Vietnam loadouts.
Head Gear:
Pith Helmet:
After World War II, the communist Viet Minh and later the People’s Army of Vietnam of the North based their helmet design on the French pith helmet of the former colonial power and adopted it as their own. Pith helmets weren’t common among the ranks of the Viet Cong but they were used by the better supplied units. If you were looking for a hard cover for your Viet Cong kit, then a pith helmet is an ideal route.
Amazon Search: CLICK HERE
Soft Cover:
NVA Boonie Hat:
The style of the NVA boonie differs from other types and styles of boonie hats, especially the American styles of the era. They were built using panels that you’d see on a beach ball sewn into each other from the brim to the top. They come in all types of colors, tan, green and even some camo patterns. Moores and Combat Sports Supply have variants of this hat for $25.
Moores Militaria: CLICK HERE
Combat Sports Supply: CLICK HERE
Civilian Hat:
Conical Rice Hat:
Known as rice hats, farmers hats or coolie hat, these are worn by the populace in Asian countries to protect from the harsh sun. The Viet Cong as much as movies want you to believe, did not go marching into battle wearing them. They were used to blend in with the civilians in the area not to mention most VC acted as civilians during non operational times. If you show up wearing a conical hat, ready to fight, your cadre will ask you to remove them. They will have a use throughout the operation though.
Amazon: CLICK HERE
Uniform:
The most typical uniform for the Viet Cong would be civilian garb. That means the famous “black pajamas” that pretty much everyone in the countryside wore. The cheapest option for putting together a set of Vietnamese black pajamas are dickies work shirt and dickies scrubs, both in black. They can be found on Amazon for reasonable prices. Avoid the scrubs with cargo pockets and choose the drawstring style. About $15 gets you the pants. Another $20 gets you a shirt, rip the tag off and you have a set of black pajamas for $35.
Dickies Scrub Pants on Amazon: CLICK HERE
Dickies Work Shirt on Amazon: CLICK HERE
There are vendors on eBay and surplus sites that sell actual Viet Cong black pajamas out there for about $50-$100. The Dickies “Black Pajamas” will pass the 10ft ruling. Please don’t show up wearing all black tactical BDUs or clothes that makes you look like you’re about to rock out at a Metallica concert… You’re impression is to look the part of a local guerrilla fighter from 1960s Vietnam.
An honorable mention is this site called Vietnam Surplus. They sell a full VC kit for about $38.99. We never ordered from them but the outfit looks pretty good. In fact they have a lot of nice items for an impression. CLICK HERE
Boots:
We don’t expect you to wear sandals. Though there are some hard core participants that have worn them, we understand wanting to keep your toenails. One option for VC footwear are USGI jungle boots. A little history lesson reveals that the US did indeed drop these into the jungles for them to be picked up for the NVA and VC. This was intended to mask the tracks of LRRP teams operating in the area. Most economic options are post war boots since they haven’t changed much and aren’t too expensive, around $50 on eBay or surplus sites. The best answer for saving money though are Rothco’s or Fox’s repro. They do have a bad reputation about being flimsy and uncomfortable. They do the job and most people we know that do use them haven’t had a problem with them. They will run you about $30-$40.
eBay Search: CLICK HERE
Repros on Amazon: CLICK HERE
PLA or Paladium Boots:
The standard issue boot for the NVA were similar to Paladium boots. They are sort of look like Converse sneakers. You can also get the new and now trendy Paladium boots for about $40. On eBay for about $25 is a pair of Chinese PLA 65 boots. They are fantastic, comfortable and quiet.
Type 65 PLA Boots on eBay: CLICK HERE
Paladium Boots on eBay: CLICK HERE
Load Bearing Equipment:
This is something you could skip out on entirely and carry around a satchel or bandolier. Either way a chicom chest rig costs anywhere from $15-$25. Make sure it is the 3-cell type not the type 81 four cell though. These were designed to carry AK47 banana shaped magazines. Depending on your rifle, an SKS rig could be more appropriate. Those are even cheaper than chicom rigs usually.
3-Cell Chicom Chest Rig on eBay: CLICK HERE
SKS Chest Rig on eBay: CLICK HERE
Rucksack:
There aren’t many choices when it comes to PAVN rucksacks. You could go with the NVA rucksack for anywhere from $20-$50. Or you can make something homemade. The best part about being a Viet Cong is that you can get really creative. Perhaps make something out of a basket or a canvas sack.
eBay Search for NVA Rucks: CLICK HERE
Rifle:
A Viet Cong fighter has a wide range of weapons to choose from. From the AK47 to the Mosin Nagant to American WW2 weapons. Listed is the CYMA AK47 but there are more expensive options like Tommy Guns, MP40s or PPSHs. Browning BARs are a good choice as well. Again, this guide is for the cheapest possible kit and currently the CYMA AK47s are the best rifle for the price.
AK47 or AKM:
One of the most produced weapons in the world. There are a few variants that would be found in 1960s Vietnam. CYMA AK47s are great shooters and can be found relatively inexpensively.
Evike link: CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE
AK47 Magazines:
The basic AK47 mags that are all black and not the newer orange/brown type are the ones you need. If you wanted to save money, you can buy 2 mags as most VC were lucky to even be issued that many.
Airsoft GI Magazine Pack: CLICK HERE
Basic VC Kit Pricing
- NVA Boonie Hat: $25
- Black Pajama Uniform: $35
- PLA Type 65 Boots: $25
- Chicom: $20
- NVA Rucksack: $30*
- AK47 Rifle: $100^
- 5 Magazines: $40
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- Total: $230-$300
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- *homemade is free
- ^on sale for $69
Minimum USGI Kit
The purpose of this guide is to help you purchase equipment to pass the 10ft rule standards held by Broken Arrow Event’s staff at any Immersive Vietnam event. Please notice that this is based on a kit that meets the MINIMUM requirements to attend. We prefer and advise you to buy original or high quality reproductions if your budget allows to do so. We will also provide runner up ideas that pass as well as gear you could skip out on to save a buck. But doing so really hurts your impression so it is advisable to buy what is listed.
Head Gear:
Helmet or Hard Cover:
The M1 Helmet was the standard issue hardcover equipment every GI was given. That is why it is a required item. Originals can be very expensive but with patience and luck you can usually find great deals on eBay or facebook groups. You can also find real post war M1 helmets for fair prices that would be better than the repros. Prices for post war could be found for $40-$60. Prices for originals are found from $80-$150+.
eBay Search: CLICK HERE
If you aren’t patient or haven’t had the greatest luck, here are some alternatives.
Amazon has several repros for sale and honestly even though with a plastic liner and nylon chin straps they aren’t the worst. With a mitchell helmet cover that would pass. Without one they do look a little funny. Price usually runs between $40-$50 for these repros.
Amazon: CLICK HERE
eBay does have cheap repros as well. These look like they may be the same helmet as the Amazon option. Similar pricing as well, $40-$50 for these.
eBay: CLICK HERE
Helmet Cover:
Mitchel Helmet covers can be found on eBay or other sites for anywhere from $15-$30, original or repro.
What Can You Skip On?
Helmet Covers – You could go bare helmet if you wanted to as this wasn’t as common but done enough.
Softcover:
Boonie Hat:
Military boonie hats were first introduced to units in Vietnam around 1967 and were issued to replace the patrol caps used since WW2.
The cheapest option for a boonie hat that we have seen is the Rothco repro for under $15. Make sure you get the Vietnam War style boonie hat, there are many variants out there that wouldn’t be found in 1960s Vietnam. As we’ve said before though, you can find and we advise finding higher quality repros or originals.
Amazon: CLICK HERE
Avoid the Tru Spec brand with the velcro patch pads. Not only are they the wrong style but GIs weren’t issued items with velcro yet. Also avoid anything Tigerstripe as a regular GI would NOT be issued something like that.
Patrol Cap or Hot Weather Cap:
Patrol or Hot Weather Caps were often worn around camps when soldiers did not have the cumbersome steel pots on their heads. Even though boonies were starting to be issued in 1967, the patrol cap was worn until well after the Vietnam War.
We haven’t really seen any cheap repros out there. And that may be a good thing. Moores Militaria has a great option for $20, though it is post war issue. As with boonies, be careful of hats claiming they are Vietnam styled patrol caps, just because they are green and have a flat brim doesn’t mean they aren’t farby.
Moores Militaria: CLICK HERE
A search on eBay brings up some results: CLICK HERE
Uniform:
Jungle Fatigues or OG-107 Utility Uniform:
For this article the uniform consists of your top (shirt) and bottom (pants). There are a lot of repro choices out there if buying original is not an option. The most economic choice is probably the Rothco jungle fatigues. The Jungle Fatigue uniform was introduced in the mid 60s during the war mostly issued to front line troops. OG 107 uniforms are also a sensible option as well. These were still in use and had a similar variant issued up into the 80s. They are known as Utility Uniforms if you are searching.
A basic rundown of differences between the Jungle Fatigues and Utility Uniforms is the pockets. The Jungle Fatigues has 2 sets of pockets where the chest pockets are slanted. Utility Uniforms have one set of pockes that are straight. The Utility Uniform jacket was also designed to be tucked in.
The Rothco version of Jungle Fatigues is modeled after the 3rd pattern rip-stop version.
A Rothco top goes for about $45 on Amazon: CLICK HERE
A pair of Rothco pants goes for about $40 on Amazon: CLICK HERE
The OG-107 uniform shirt could be found on Ebay for anywhere from $15-$50 for a top: CLICK HERE
A pair of OG-107 pants goes for about the same: CLICK HERE
PLEASE avoid the green modern BDU cut uniforms out here. Just because it’s green doesn’t mean it was in Vietnam. Modern cut uniforms will not pass the 10ft ruling, they wouldn’t even pass a 100ft ruling!
A uniform is something we suggest not skimping out on though. Search for originals or buy a high quality repro like Moore’s. The Rothcos will pass even though the color is off and they are a little baggier than the real thing. Plus for the $70-$80 you could spend a little more and get a nice uniform for about $130.
Boots:
Starting in the 60s, the M-1945 Tropical Combat Boot from the 40s was phased out and replaced by the iconic M-1966 Jungle Boot. We are going to sound repetitive and say go for original but we understand money restraints. You can go post war since they haven’t changed much and aren’t too expensive, around $50 on eBay or surplus sites. The best answer for saving money though are Rothco’s or Fox’s repro. They do have a bad reputation about being flimsy and uncomfortable. They do the job and most people we know that do use them haven’t had a problem with them. They will run you about $30-$40.
eBay Search: CLICK HERE
Fox Repros on Amazon: CLICK HERE
Rothco Repros on Amazon: CLICK HERE
Remember, do not get the all black option. You want to get the Olive Drab style. Do not settle for modern combat boots either. This style boot is really your only option for a Vietnam impression.
Another tip you should follow for these types of boots, especially the Rothco repros is wool socks. They will provide cushion for your feet as you wear those boots for a few days straight.
Load Bearing Equipment:
The M-1956 Load-Carrying Equipment is your best bet. We haven’t really seen any great repros out there so you’ll need to search for originals. Thankfully it really isn’t that expensive.
LCE or load carrying equipment can attest to most of the farby equipment we see people buy. That is mainly because ALICE or LC1 gear is wrongfully sold as Vietnam gear, it’s green, it must be Vietnam. In other words avoid ALICE gear. An ALICE canteen cover can be identified as being Nylon not Canvas, having horizontal stitching and has a side pocket for iodine tablets. ALICE ammo pouches would look to be in the same style as the canteen covers; Nylon, has a large plastic clip and has two side pouches for grenades. Please avoid these.
Not to be confusing, the M-1967 LCE looks very similar to ALICE with vertical stitching. Your best bet is to purchase the canvas M56 and maybe at most some pieces of M67 as most soldiers were never issued a full set of the M67 if you’re heart is set on Nylon goodness…
eBay will be your best source for a good price on a set of LCE. Some posts have a full complete set but at times they are more expensive than putting one together piecemeal.
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- A standard or basic set of LCE consists of:
- Pistol Belt (Three holes not two)
- H-Suspenders
- Two Canteen Covers (Canvas)
- Two Canteens (without NBC top)
- Two Ammo Pouches (Canvas)
eBay search: CLICK HERE
What Can You Skip On?
If you really had to, you could skip out on having two canteen covers and keeping one, though you’d rarely if ever see that, as soldiers were issued two. You could also skip out on suspenders and just wear the belt, good luck keeping it up though.
Rucksack:
Field Pack “Buttpack”:
For the BAE events, a Field Pack or “butt pack” will suffice in place of a traditional rucksack. And this will be your most economic option given the price of Vietnam Era rucksacks. You can normally find one for about $30 on eBay and they often come included when buying a set of M56 Web Gear.
ALICE Pack:
An ALICE rucksack is reluctantly accepted for our events. It’s worth noting but we feel you are better off with using a “Buttpack”. They are reasonably priced and often sold as “Vietnam” rucksacks to trick the untrained eye.
eBay search: CLICK HERE
WW2 Mountain Rucksack:
You can also pick up a WW2 style Mountain Rucksack for anywhere from $40-$100 so it is worth looking for. These were used by frontline troops into the height of the conflict in Vietnam.
eBay search: CLICK HERE
Rifle:
M16a1:
The iconic rifle for the US forces was the M16a1. With the triangular handguard and non-removable carry handle, it was the most issued weapon mid to late war. A decent airsoft replica for the price is the JG M16a1 VN. Note that the carry handle cannot be removed and the rear iron sights can only be adjusted horizontally which is correct for the M16a1.
Evike link for JG M16a1: CLICK HERE
CYMA also has a decent looking M16a1 for $135 as of this writing. It’s all polymer but it looks to shoot hard as CYMAs usually do.
Evike link for CYMA M16a1: CLICK HERE
BEST DEAL! For a few bucks more at $150 you can get an all metal CYMA with the correct handguard and pistol grip. Probably the best option out there now for a decent rifle under $200.
Evike link for metal CYMA M16a1: CLICK HERE
M14:
The M14 is not preferred but is accepted at BAE Namsoft events. The ONLY M14 variant accepted is the wooden style not the EBR or Delta Force black. The rifle was used from the Korean War up until 1968 in Vietnam. Also, units were still issued it beyond that as well. You can get the correct M14 from evike for about $125.
Evike link: CLICK HERE
20 Round “Shorty” M16 Magazines:
The 30 Round magazines weren’t issued yet. Though not required, we feel the 20 round “shorty” magazines really make the impression. They sell mid-caps in boxes for decent prices.
Evike link: CLICK HERE
MAG Brand at Evike: CLICK HERE
Basic US Kit Pricing
- Helmet: $40 without Cover
- Soft Cover: $15
- Uniform: $75
- Boots: $30
- M56 LCE: $100 (Pistol Belt, H-Suspenders, 2x Ammo Pouch, 2x Canteen Cover, 2x Canteen)
- Field Pack (Buttpack): $30*
- M16a1 Rifle: $150 – $189
- 5 Short Magazines: $50
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- Total: $400-$529^
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- *may be included with M56 lot
- ^price based on a rough estimate, market values change frequently
