An original helmet with sprayed camouflage pattern and strips of Velcro added for various of attachments including NVG mount accessories or patches. Special Operations Forces (SOF) troops typically customize or personalize their helmets to meet their operational needs or individual preference. This TC2000 is made by CGF Gallet, the original manufacturer of the helmet series before the company was bought out by MSA. The CGF version was the first TC2000 adopted by US. Military exclusively for SOF units while the conventional units still had PASGT helmets.

The Personal Ballistic Protective Vest or PBPV for short, was one of the most advanced body armor designed in late 1990’s, manufactured by Pointblank Body Armor, inc. It has soft armor inserts and six hard plates. It also has optional groin protector.

The PBPV was issued only to US. Army’s Direct Action/ Counter-Terrorism (DA/CT) units such as Delta Force and Special Forces Groups’ Combatant Commanders In-extremis Force (CIF) companies.

The PBPV has seen action from the Kosovo war, up to early Global War on Terror. PBPV saw limited uses in Afghanistan and Iraq, however, it notably saw action in Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines when the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) deployed to Philippines on January 2002 under the umbrella of Global War on Terror. The Special Forces troops assisted the Philippine forces by providing them Counter-Terrorism training and supported their operations against Al Qaeda afflicted terror groups; while did humanitarian missions. PBPV was seen worn by 1st SFG’s CIF company on that deployment.

The body armor in the collection is rather unique; it has been modified by operator. The cummerbund was cut off and buckles were added in its place for convenience and ease of use. Additionally, two buckles were added on top chest to accommodate the chest rig made by AWS, inc. (I don’t own one but actively hunting for one). The such modification was typically associated with CIF companies.

(Comment to airsofters and impressionists: Just because there are modified examples, it doesn’t mean you should cut up and modify the original PBPV cummerbund! Those are rare enough already.)

The Load Bearing Vest (LBV) in desert tan color was issued to US. Army Special Forces and Delta Force.  The LBV at the time was considered as high speed, and was issued exclusively to US. Special Operation Forces, and very few conventional units had the luxury. Those LBVs were only available in woodland camouflage pattern. In early 1980’s US. Military started to get more involved with the Middle East, as a result they needed LBVs in desert tan to match the environment, so limited number of tan LBVs were made by the manufacturer, American Body Armor. It was first seen used by US. Army Special Forces and Delta Force during Operation Desert Shield/ Operation Desert Storm (The 1991 Gulf War). The ABA LBVs eventually saw some action in Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 (Operation Enduring Freedom) with the 5th Special Forces Group. Few men from the ODA 595 (Well-known as “Horse Soldiers” or “12 strong” from book and film) were seen wearing them, based on actual photos.

This is a unique case where Desert Storm display is included on this page due to the long history of this piece of gear.