USGI Grenade Carrying Vest

US Army Grenadier Vest

This is the US Army's ammunition carrying vest for 40mm grenades, built for soldiers armed with the M79 grenade launcher or the M203, which mounts under a rifle barrel. The front carries 24 snap-closed pockets, so a grenadier has his rounds spread across the chest instead of in a bag. The open mesh back keeps the vest light and lets a pack ride over it. Collectors, reenactors and anyone building a period-correct grenadier loadout will recognize it as standard US Army issue.

Features

• 20 Grenade Pockets — Two rows of pockets across the front each hold one 40mm round of the kind fired from the M79 and M203 launchers.
• 4 Pyrotechnic Pockets — Longer pockets at the top of the vest take the taller 40mm pyrotechnic cartridges, meaning the signal and illumination rounds.
• Snap-Down Flaps — Every pocket closes with a flap and a metal snap so rounds stay put when you move, kneel or go prone.
• Mesh Shoulders And Back — Open mesh panels at the shoulders and across the back let heat escape and leave room for a pack to be carried over the vest.
• Snap Front Closure — A row of metal snaps runs down the front opening for quick on and off.
• Adjustable Back Strap — A webbing strap at the lower back tightens for a snug fit, and pinching the buckle releases it.
• Olive Drab Nylon — The vest is sewn from OD green nylon, the olive drab shade the US military used across its load-carrying gear, with matching binding on every edge.
• Original Issue Label — A sewn-in label inside gives the nomenclature "Vest, Ammunition Carrying", usage instructions, the size and chest range, the NSN (the military's National Stock Number) and the contract maker.

Issue Specification

The vest was made under US government contract, and the example shown carries a label from Filters Company, Inc. with a federal contract number and stock number. The issue instructions call for wearing it over outer garments, so size by your chest measurement with a jacket on and check the chest range printed on the label. Because it is government-issue kit, it is the correct piece for a grenadier display or impression, not a commercial copy.