Posted 13 years ago
tlmbaran
(136 items)
Nice snap shot measuring 3" X 4". Pre WWII, but not by much. These soldiers are wearing the M-41 field jackets, and have the M-1917A1 "kelly" helmets. Soldiers have a variety of holdge-podge field equipment, and carry the M-1903 Springfield Rifle. Great thing about this photo, is the soldier clowing around, pointing his rifle directly at the head of his fellow soldier.
Being former military my self, and those of us who served, KNOW that this type of behavior is a BIG NO-NO!! Even if the rifle was unloaded. Being that this is pre-war, I doubt that those are "training rifles". Over all, a great snap shot from the past, and makes a nice addition to the collection....
Hems303-That is a very good question. Pre WWII the US ARMY ranks were thin. I was a Navy man my self, but if I had to guess, I would say that these are reservest, judging only on the hodge-podge field gear, and old equipment. Not to mention the clowning around. Unless this photographer was regular Army and just got a new camera, I would say it was a reservest taking photos of a "fun & exciting" weekend....
Perhaps Scott or Chris can give us more better of an evaluation, being that they were both retired US Army....
Thanks for the comment!