Taliban insurgent display

This display has all original parts acquired in the year indicated:
-Man jams (top and bottom) from Parwan (2010)
-Pakol (2007) and scarf (2009)
-vest (2008)
-Russian belt with Afghan etched buckle (2007)
-camel hair blanket (2008)
-shoulder holster (2012)
-grenade carrier (2012)

Enjoy!
Tom

Very interesting display, thanks for sharing. Where I was located was a poor area even by afghan standards so never got to see any of the more elaborate stuff.

Very nice, each of its parts are bring-back items of war and this makes insuperable display. If you decide to get rid of this, let me know.

Very nice

ALCON, Thanks for the comments! Now, I need an F1 grenade for the carrier and a Makarov for the holster. I'll put together another display for this site. My goal is to illustrate the evolution of insurgent gear over the years as they adapted to their mission needs as well. It is evident in their chest rigs more so than in other items. You also see it in the additional items each cell/element started carrying over the years (ie, medic bags/satchels, ammunition vests vs siple chest rigs, boots vs sandles/running shoes, camo uniform items, and jackets vs blankets during the winter months.

Tom

Top notch display!

Very nice display, Tom!

Fascinating display, first chance I've ever had to study the gear close up.

Re: the afghan etched buckle, 2 questions:

1. What does the inscription say?
2. Is this buckle, or something like it, typical or commonly worn?

Bluehawk,

I have not had it translated so I do not know what it states. I'm betting it is a religious script/phrase. I have seen only a few of these (ie 2-3)during my three tours in AFG and all were in markets. However, because they are based on the Russian military belt buckle they are likely more common with the Russian-AFG of the 1980s vs OEF and would likely be worn by older men. During my earlier AFG deployments, Russian belts (leather, cotton web and the coated cotton web type) were quite common in the markets for $5 (belt and buckle) but now you don't see them as often and when you do they are about $20-$30.

Thank you for that insight.

Very interesting indeed...

very interesting stuff