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 (source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1726441960963865/posts/3234144306860282/?comment_id=3234172906857422) and their usage with Thailand, 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):

For more information about the Unity Program and Thai Forward Air Guides: https://www.cia.gov/static/e7d567cf0ac40081bd6eee0dcca2dde4/Secret-Warriors-Thai-AirGuides.pdf.

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 (from https://www.gunboards.com/threads/laos-bringback-type-54-tokarev-and-east-german-makarov.1027578/).