Thai Bandolier (1960’s – 1970’s?)

Chest Rigs, Early Cold War (1945 - 1968), Later Cold War (1969 - 1989), United States, Vietnam War, Webbing

Like WW2 US Garand clip pouches, but no method to slip them over a belt or attach suspenders. It is possible that these bandoliers were manufactured by CISO due to similarity in materials with other known CISO products and their usage with Thailand [1], a US ally during the Vietnam War.

Pouch:

Has WW2 style “Lift the Dot” fasteners. The pouches appear to be sized for 20 round M16 magazines (see usage photos below).

Strap:

On main body.
End with buckle.

Tips appear to be sealed with adhesive to prevent fraying.

Buckle:

US ladder style buckle.

Usage Photos:

These bandoliers were used by Thai forces and their advisors during the “Secret War” in Laos during the US Vietnam War.

Thailand (Unity Program):

Thai Forward Air Guide (FAG) in Laos [2].
Left to Right: John Koren, Forward Air Guide Mousetrap, Clyde Howard, Forward Air Guide Smallman [3].
Left To Right: (1.) Thai volunteer (2.) Forward Air Guide Stringbean (3.) Thai commander (4.) Forward Air Guide Smallman [wearing bandolier] (5.) Bill Fitzgerald [4].

For more information about the Unity Program and Thai Forward Air Guides: https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/static/Secret-Warriors-Thai-AirGuides.pdf (PDF Mirror)

Raven Forward Air Controller (Laos, US Advisor):

USAF Captain Robert Kain, a Raven Forward Air Controller (FAC) who was in Laos for about a year total between September 1970 – April 1972 [5].