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5th RANGER INFANTRY
BATTALION
REQUIRED UNIFORMS, GEAR, AND
WEAPONS
UNIFORMS
The primary
interpretation of our unit is that of the 5th Ranger Battalion in Europe
from 1944-1945, ranging from their birth under fire on D-Day to the waning
days of the war and winter combat. As a rule of thumb, we only wear M1937
wool uniforms. This is not only to portray a sense of uniformity, but
because all photographic, textual, and verbal evidence points to the 5th
Rangers only wearing wools in theatre, unlike their brethren in the 2nd
Ranger Battalion who are noted for their use of gas impregnated HBT
fatigues over their OD's for the D-Day invasion. Additionally, it is important to note that every
uniform shirt or jacket is to have the Ranger insignia sewn exactly 1/2
inch from the left shoulder seam (specifications on which shoulder sleeve
insignia is appropriate for which garment is listed below). Required items
will be highlighted in crimson 
while optional items will be
seem next to a black 
box.
Complete "issue" 5th Ranger uniform.
From top left, polished Corcoran russet Jump Boots, M1941 field jacket,
M1938 winter combat jacket, M1937 "mustard" wool trousers
(pocket flap NOT required), M1937 wool shirt with "special"
collar, and M1937 pleated Overseas Cap (Infantry Piped).
Class
B/Combat Uniform
M1937 Garrison "Overseas" Cap with blue Infantry piping
(issue-pleated or private purchase-pointed styles acceptable)
M1941
wool-knit "Jeep" Cap for wear under M1 Helmet
M1941 Field Jacket
M1938 Winter Combat "Tanker's" Jacket for late-war and winter
scenarios
M1937 Wool
Uniform Shirt (standard or M1942 "special" collar)
M1937 Wool
Trousers (light, mustard shade only: trousers should have one or no
butt-pocket flaps)
M1937 Wool
Trouser Belt in OD#3 or OD#7 canvas with black, "open-framed"
buckle
M1938 Winter Combat "Tanker's" Overalls for late-war and winter
scenarios
Unit and
Personal Rank Insignia
The M1937 wool shirt, M1941 field jacket, and M1942 four-pocket service
tunic utilize the Ranger Diamond insignia
The M1943
"Ike" Jacket utilizes the 5th Ranger scroll insignia
Due to its
use as a late war jacket, as well as photographic evidence pointing to
late 1944/early 1945 use of the Ranger diamond and 5th Ranger scroll being
worn concurrently, either insignia is acceptable on the Tanker's jacket.
If you plan on wearing this jacket for any earlier scenarios, however
(I.E. it is appropriate for an Officer or Senior NCO to wear this as their
standard field jacket), you should choose the diamond insignia as it will
be good for the entirety of the interpretation.
Class
B/Combat Footwear
World War II Russet Brown U.S. Army Jump Boots (two pairs recommended)
To be
highly polished and maintained at all times; Rangers were elite and proud
of it! These are also worn with Class A
Elastic Blousing Bands are highly recommended for the most even/perfect
looking blouse and for comfort
Boots must
have 72 inch brown flat, waxed laces or rawhide leather laces, the cotton
waxed being preferred
PT Uniform
Period-correct plain white t-Shirt or unit-made Camp Forrest, TN. t-shirt
100% Royal Blue cotton running shorts or original half-belted khaki PT
shorts
Plain white cotton socks
All-black Converse brand cotton and rubber sneakers. Must have white laces
indicative of WWII era PT sneakers.
Class
B Officer's Combat Uniform (for those appointed as Commissioned Officers)
M1937 "chocolate" or "mustard" Elastique Garrison
"Overseas" Cap with gold/black Officer Corps piping and insignia
M1941 Field Jacket or M1938 "Tanker's" Jacket Acceptable for
Field Jacket, must have full insignia
M1937 Wool Uniform Shirts and Trousers are to be worn in the field with
Officer insignia, and must be of correct Officer Regulation private
purchase quality and pattern, belt should have brass-roller-buckle
M1 Helmets must be painted with appropriate insignia on the front and rear
**All other standards, including field gear and weapons, remain the same
as enlisted men**
 
 
From left: basic required 5th Ranger combat uniform, basic D-Day invasion
kit including gas brassard and M7 gas mask bag, basic late war/winter
uniform with optional M38 winter combat jacket, and basic combat medic
equipment (geared for D-Day invasion).
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