How did they sleep in it?

dod03-52 · Post by **dod03-52** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:46 am

I bought 2, 1952 and 51 army pup tent halfs to carry in my M38 to cover the cab in case of a rain shower or to keep people out if needed. I buttoned the halfs together and measure the width---end flap to end flap---5 feet 2inches ! How did a average soldier sleep in the tent, much less a 6-4 Ranger! Vets, let us know.

whydahdvr · Post by **whydahdvr** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:07 am

Your feet stick out the end. If you have the kind with the angled flap they actually connect and it forms a trapezoid - two pointed ends.
At least that's the way mine was when I was in Basic 8 years ago. We were still using a lot of old equipment.

Cacti_Ken · Post by **Cacti_Ken** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 9:24 pm

Usually in Basic and AIT (advanced infantry training) each soldier had thier on separate pup tent. So wasn't a problem for one man.
In Vietnam we didn't have pup tents. We used our ponchos to make a tent. Before we would arrive at a night location we would pick up sticks to support the ponchos and stack it. Four lean men could lie down in it if we had too and some times did especially at night in a down pour. All four ponchos made the tent. Two for the tent and one on each end to close it up. Many nights we had three men at a foxhole. Three men sleeping and one on guard. A tight perimeter. I once had a photo showing that, but can't find it now.

whydahdvr · Post by **whydahdvr** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 11:39 pm

Ken,
You reminded me of the hooches we used to make. I had forgotten about those with our modern air conditioned Army. Here in Baghdad it's a bummer day if the electricity is out or you get kicked off the internet! How things have changed in just a few years.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:50 am

How things have changed in just a few years.

And not all for the better. I recall more Booze and women and freedom of movement in SEA then you guys have in Iraq!

whydahdvr · Post by **whydahdvr** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:54 am

Wes, You got that right! Defintely was a better deployment in SEA than SWA. #@$%@ cultures! Seems like the changes are usually not for the better. But it is what it is right now. Maybe when we go to war in the Horn of Africa it will be better, but I doubt it. Too much PC. And while I've heard stories about the fun that was had in previous years here, that's led to the current restrictions too.