I was thinking about doing a cargo truck that was used by the UN, when they were in Somalia was it??? Right before Black Hawk Down took place. What I was wondering is were any 5ton trucks used during this operation. Such as the Italeri 5ton trucks.

Another thing I was wondering is what is a good color to use for the White color.

Another thing I was wondering is was the M249 used during this time?

thanks,
Mike

Mike,
The M925 and M923 5Tons were used by US forces under UN auspice in Somalia. They were used by US Marines, the US Army's 24th Infantry and 10th Mountain Divisions, and US Special Ops (Rangers and Delta). US vehicles are not painted white during UN operations. The trucks are either painted sand for desert environs or left camo. Both paint schemes were seen in Somalia. I do not know of any other countries using the BMY chasis 5Ton truck.
Secondly, the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) was used during this time. The newer A1 version was being fielded about '93. Though most units still had the older version with a telescopic butt plate. This type is the version included with most modern and desert storm era DML figure sets. The Modern Army Special Forces set by DML includes the M249A1 with solid butt stock.

Thanks for the info. I have the DML Weapons set so I dont have to worry about getting that. And were any of the cargo trucks ever painted white?

Mike

Mike,
No, the US Forces do not paint our equipment white for UN operations. Kind of a pride thing that we retain our own colors and markings on our vehicles. They will usually have some type of "UN" marked on them somewhere though. UN in black on sand vehicles and white on camo vehicles.

And just for reference,

Other UN countries have been known to keep their vehicles in their own colors when they are part of rapid reaction units.

Examples are in Bonia as part of SFOR.

Ok thanks guys, just one more question. Were there any kind of UN trucks that were painted white, besides the Panhard VBL?

Mike