USAF Forward Air Controller M38A1 photo

[Kendall]

I recently came across this poster (it measures 15"X20") at a flea market and bought it. Original M38A1 US Air Force jeep. Notice how small the hood numbers are! It is a later M38A1 because it has the strap for the battery box lid. The Captain is wearing his government issue revolver on his hip.
Can anyone narrow down the possible year based on their uniforms (the buttons on their shirts are the flat type)? Post 1962 since they are carrying M16 rifles (the officer's is in the back of the jeep).
Enjoy,
Kendall

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1951 M38
1952 M38
1952 M38A1
1942 Dodge WC-55
1951 M100 trailer
1942 Ben Hur trailer

[RonD2]

Hi Kendall,
Nice photo!
I can't seem to blow it up to get many details.

Not much help, but I can identify the antenna as the AS-390/SRC used for UHF ground-to-air radio, 225-400MHZ, common band for FAC's, ADC, and of course ATC.

I've seen old Navy documents referencing this antenna in service during the early 1950's, and believe it's still in limited service today.
Worked with many of them during my USMC service 1972-2001.

It's a little odd seeing a radio jeep like this with only one antenna.
Usually they have more than one radio and antenna on board, including maybe a VHF set.
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Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

[wesk]

Good points Ron. Also I think there would be at least one VHF antenna whip probably out of site at the left rear corner of the jeep. They were needed to contact ground units they were supporting. When you google some of the FAC terms there is a ton of info just in the Wiki reports.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[RonD2]

Did a little searching on USAF FAC jeeps using the M38A1 and came up with this:

Page 9 top photo on right side, M38A1 with MRC-108 Radio Set: https://www.collinsradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Q1-2018.pdf

And should you want to buy (yikes!) the AN/MRC-108 Radio Set: https://www.ebay.com/itm/133417757837

It's a large radio set that includes HF and VHF radios as well as UHF. All bases covered with that!

I agree with Wes' comment there must be other antennas set up off the jeep and out of sight in the photo.

It seems the MRC-108 transitioned from the M38A1 to the M151 jeep pretty early.
Lots more hits of it mounted on the M151.

I agree, dating the photo sometime 1962-1965.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari