Future Display

Hello everyone,
    I’m putting together this mannequin for a display in November for Veterans Day.  It’s not quite complete, and I would love some feedback to help make it first rate. I’m not sure what kind of boots I need to complete him, so any help would be greatly appreciated.  Also, any suggestions on what I should add, or remove for that matter, would be greatly welcomed.
I hope you all enjoy the photo. Thanks, Vic

Good looking set up. It would look great as is (boots of course). I might throw a helmet band on there if you have one. As far as boots the good thing is there were so many different makers I'd go with whats easily available and inexpensive.

Thanks for the compliment. I bought a helmet band, but when I got it, it was the wrong color, so I’m on the look out for the proper type. So you think any type of army style boot will do, as long as it’s dated between 04 and 07. I will start scouring the thrift stores this week. Thanks

That's my two cents on the boots for what that's worth. Others may have a different view of it all. I just went through my bag of extras in the garage. Don't have an ACU helmet band but have some tan and green. If that helps you at all let me know.

I appreciate the input. Fortunately I have until November before this will displayed so I’m sure I’ll find what I need. I already have a tan and green band so I’ll just keep scouring the internet for one.

Here are some tips I'd advise:

1. You need a rank on the IOTV and a name (if the uniform has them, you can take them off of that, and put them on the vest)

2. As Bagman said, you might want to consider putting a cateye band on it.  You'll likely want one without any information on it, unless you happen to have the one from the guys uniform you have.

3.  Roll the collar around the neck back down.  No one wore that shit up as it bothered the **** out of your neck.  If you caught hot brass down your neck you just hopped around and got a cool scar.

4.  Whichever side you decide he shoots with (left or right), move some of the pouches from that side, to his non-shooting side.  That way when you're shooting, they won't interfere with your aim.

5.  On the knees, I'd suggest having one knee pad on the shooting knee, and one down around the ankle on the other leg.    Most times when you'll kneel, you'll kneel on the same leg you shoot with.

6. On the boots you can choose Rocky, Belleville, or any other tan boot from manufacturers.  You can choose to use either summer or winter boots, as both were worn/changed out down range.


Other than that he looks pretty good.

Great, thanks, those are exactly the type of suggestions I was hoping to get to make it as authentic as possible. I hope to find a pair of boots this week. As soon as I do, I will make those changes you suggested and repost some new photos.

Consider swapping out the color U.S. flag (on the right shoulder) with the subdued/IR flag

I've got an extra IR flag if you can use it. Give me a day or two to dig through my stuff. I might be able to come up with an ACU name tape and rank as well.

I think it will look great; lots of great suggestions from vets and when completed it will look great!

PM me your address. I'd like to contribute an IR flag, ACU headband (found one), and ACU rank, name, and BoS velcro patches.

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions and the compliments. As soon as I can I will get up some photos of the back so I can get all of your input there.

RedLegGI touched on most of the comments I would have suggested.. good observations.

Roll the collar down and use a IR flag.

Regarding Rank, knee/elbow pads, helmet band.. A wide combination of these have been worn (or not worn), but at a minimum the rank really should be on the IOTV. Some units, especially Reserve/NG guys, didn’t always do this but the vast majority had at least their rank visible. It also makes the display look more complete.

Few people wore elbow pads, and even fewer wore both knee and elbow pads. One knee pad, worn low around the ankle is more authentic.

Between 04-07, Belleville 390s or the basic Panama tread Altama and Welco brand desert boots were among the most commonly worn.

The earpro case is a nice touch.

Thank you, I have my eye on a pair of Welco brand boots with a date of 05, and I am definitely following all of your suggestions, especially about the flag and rank.

You have elbow pads on knees and knee pads on elbows.

Thanks, I will swap those.