2003 Invasion Of Iraq: 3rd Infantry Division; grenadier

3rd Infantry Division


The exhibit of 3rd Infantry Division grenadier during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. His main weapon (Not shown) would’ve been M203 (40mm grenade launcher) mounted on M-16A4 and in some cases, M4. 

In this timeframe soldiers had mixture of new and old equipment system as US. Military had started transitioning from ALICE or LC-2 which was issued since 70’s and at time, new MOLLE equipment. He is wearing a JLIST (or known as MOPP) suit over his standard Desert Combat Uniform with leg pouch containing gas mask in an event Chemical (WMD) attack occurs.

Modified Desert Combat Uniform and Beret of the 75th Ranger Regiment ’02-’05

75th Ranger Regiment,

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The 75th Ranger Regiment, unlike to other US. Army units, lacked the shoulder sleeve insignia on their deployment uniforms. The regiment had everyone modify their desert combat uniform to Rangers’ specifications (Lower pockets moved to upper sleeves, with black velcro rectangles sewn on pockets with additional of small velcro square for the glint (reflective) square. Typically Rangers would have worn either reflective or standard US flag patch on right sleeve. Callsign patch with infrared/reflective numbers/letters would’ve be mounted  on left sleeve velcro (not shown). The reflective/infrared patches were used to aid with identification of friendly or foe while wearing a night vision goggles during night operations.

US. Army Special Forces, Kabul, Afghanistan 2001-02

Special Forces

After the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, US. Army Special Forces were one of few first US units to be deployed to Afghanistan, at the time, under control of Taliban regime, who offered the safe haven to Al Qaeda, the terrorism group responsible for the 9/11 attack. The Special Forces worked closely with Northern Alliance Fighters (predecessor to Afghan National Government, the alliance consisted of multiple different tribes who rivaled Taliban and Al Qaeda). Special Forces soldiers needed to blend in with the local population and Alliance fighters, so instead of their standard issue equipment and accessories, they opted for equipment/ clothes/accessories popular in Afghanistan such as Chinese made AK chest rig, traditional pakol hat, and shemagh. They even grew beards.