This week in 1983….The Invasion of Grenada pitting most of two brigades of the 82nd Airborne, 1st and 2nd Ranger battalions, a Marine MAU, elements of two Seal teams and other assets against 2200~ Cuban and local forces.
It was a turning point in the evolution of the military, coming as the first sharp action after the withdrawal from Southeast Asia and you can really tell from the blending of Vietnam-era and new Reagan era kit. ALICE gear and M16A1s mixing with 1st gen kevlar and woodland BDUs.
Interestingly, the M102 howitzers shown below have been replaced wholesale even in the National Guard for a decade now, but the Air Force still keeps a couple on AC-130 gunships.
Dig the M1 steelpot with the old school ODs.
Dig the Ford M151 MUTT with the wirecutter attachment.
M102 howitzers of 1st Bn 320th FA, 82D Abn Div firing during battle
