Rob may have the background for this request. Several months ago, Army Times printed a supplement to the weekly paper that was a collection of photos from the opening stages of OIF. One in particular caught my eye as a diorama basis: an Engineer M113 poised in front of a roadway direction sign with Baghdad listed on the sign. The M113 was either a worn desert tan camo, or a NATO camo that was extremely dirty/dusty.

What I'm trying to discern from the photo is (a) what was the camo, NATO or tan, with appropriate weathering, and (b) can anyone make a positive interpretation of the unit bumper markings? From the photo, I can't make a complete reading, and would not want to mis-identify the proper unit.

I already made the equipment racks and other small modifications. Is there a source for rolled concertina wire? I saw that AEF has an OIF conversion listed that is a new addition to their line. It has the same photo for their reference, and lists the concertina wire as part of the package. It can be done??

Sad part is, I thought I was doing an original item based on the photo, but AEF seems to have beat me to it. Drive on!

Jim Peterson

Concertina Wire Thread

Hello Jim,
If you still have the pictures can you identify any of the numbers in the bumper number? I might be able to help you with the unit. Ready for a curve ball? The engineers in question could be with the USMC! I know they are in a M113 but the 125th ARCOM's 478th Engineer Battalion supported the Marines in the drive north towards Baghdad. If you have the still have the numbers drop me a note to [email protected] , I will see what I can do for you.