The Vietnam War was a war of mobility. Australian soldiers spent much of their time patrolling and on operations away from the Task Force Base. This often involved carrying a rifle, ammunition, Claymore mines, water bottles and other personal equipment. These items were mounted on webbing belts and packs around the soldier's body. A piece of scrim fabric was invaluable as a sweat-rag and a toggle rope had numerous improvised uses.
Soldier's kit varied through the course of the war and in accordance with their role and personal preferences. The design of Australian uniforms changed under the influence of American equipment. Lighter fabric, better suited to tropical conditions, was introduced in 1966.
This uniform belonged to Second Lieutenant Robin Hunt, who was called up for National Service in 1969 and selected for officer training at 1 Officer Training Unit (1 OTU), Scheyville. 1OTU was created to meet the rapidly expanding Army's personnel needs, by training National Servicemen as officers in a short and intensive course.
In December 1970, Hunt was sent to Vietnam to become a Section Commander with 107 Field Battery. While he was in Vietnam the battery operated from the Task Force base at Nui Dat and Fire Support Bases in Phuoc Tuy Province in support of Operation Cung Chung III.
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