Page 1 of 1
USAF Forward Air Controller M38A1 photo
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 3:55 pm
by 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
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:58 pm
by 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.
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:59 pm
by 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.
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2024 6:06 pm
by 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 ... 1-2018.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.