Modern Forces Living History Group and it aims to faithfully portray the units of MACV-SOG in the period of 1966-1972 during the Vietnam conflict.
The aim of the group is to understand the missions MACV-SOG undertook during the Vietnam War by exploring its tactics and equipment through living history displays, re-enactments and Mil-Sim airsoft events. Our main event of the year is War & Peace in the UK, this year will be our biggest yet. We also try and make it to events in Europe and the US when time and finances allow.
We appreciate comments from SOG veterans and have recently been talking to SOG One-Zeros John S. Meyer, Lee Burkins and John Good (RT Texas & RT Arizona) about how we can make what we do as correct as possible. Here is what John S. Meyer had to say.
We are a non-political organisation. Modern Forces Living History Group is multi period living history group covering post 1945 conflicts, periods we cover include;
Vietnam War: MACV-SOG RT Montana
Iraq/Afghanistan: US and UK Special Forces
Iraq/Afghanistan
Team News & Site Updates
Site Update: RT Montana Shoulder Scroll: 23.06.09:
We have had some Rt Montana shoulder crolls made by our resident patch expert Jeff.
Site Update: LRRP ERDL Beret: 16.06.09:
Local made beret for the LRRP unit of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment (11ACR).
Site Update: PRU Camo Suit: 16.06.09:
A great example of a uniform from the Provincial Reconnaissance Unit..
Site Update: War & Peace Dry Run: 07.06.09:
The team had a dry run fro this years show at Beltring and made some elements of the RT Montana team room, the bunker for Operation Spindown and our Radio Display. It also rained a lot...
Site Update: Soldiers Heart: Lee Burkins: 01.06.09:
We have reviewed the classic book by Lee Burkins, Lee has been kind enough to help us with our Living History display so go and get his book. It is an amazing read!.
Site Update: Halfa DM34 Iincendiary Hand-Thrower: 30.05.09:
An German sourced WP disposable WP grenade launcher trialed by SOG.
Site Update: 46th SF Company Grouping: 22.05.09:
An amazing grouping showing the uniform of a member of the 46th SF Company based in Thailand.
Site Update: RT Ktrait Team Patch: 22.05.09:
An original SOG team patch for RT Krait.
Site Update: ARVN Airborne/Ranger ERDL Shirt: 22.05.09:
Site Update: Green Beret: 22.05.09:
An original 1960's Green Beret, Crest and Flash.
Site Update: M47/52 TAP Jacket: 21.05.09:
A rare French M47/52 Jacket used by French Paras in Indochina, but also by US troops as a party gear.
Site Update: M47/52 TAP Trousers: 21.05.09:
A rare pair of French M47/52 Trousers used by French Paras in Indochina, but also by US troops as a party gear.
Site Update: RT Mamba Pocket Patch: 21.05.09:
Rare original RT Mamba pocket patch
Site Update: CCC Hatchet Force Company B Shoulder Scroll: 21.05.09:
Rare original CCC Hatchet Forces Shoulder scroll, note the spelling mistake...
Site Update: Special Forces OG-107 Shirt: 21.05.09:
Site Update: Robert Van Hall 2nd Pattern Jungle Shirt: 20.05.09:
Another badged Special Forces jungle Shirt belonging to Robert Van Hall. Van Hall was a 1-0 (team leader) on RT Texas.
Site Update: Australian PRU Advisor 2nd Pattern Jungle Shirt: 20.05.09:
A rare badged example of an Australian PRU advisors jungle shirt.
Site Update: "Gold Pattern" Tigerstripe Shirt: 20.05.09:
A Tigerstripe Shirt in the popular and rare "Gold Pattern".
Site Update: "Silver Pattern" Tigerstripe Trousers: 20.05.09:
Tigerstripe Trousers in the popular and rare "Silver Pattern".
Site Update: CISO Tigerstripe Boonie: 20.05.09:
Another example of CISO production this time in Tigerstripe.
Site Update: CISO Black Boonie: 20.05.09:
Another example of CISO production with a black boonie.
Site Update: Duckhunter Jacket: 20.05.09:
An example of early war camouflage know as Duckhunter.
Site Update: "John Wayne Dense" (JWD) Tigerstripe Trousers: 20.05.09:
Another example of Tigerstripe camouflage.
Site Update: "Thai Tadpole Sparse" Uniform: 20.05.09:
Rare original Tiger Stripe uniform in "Thai Tadpole Sparse" pattern.
Site Update: CISO Indigenous Sleeping Bag: 20.05.09:
An example of the CISO produced indigenous sleeping bag.
Site Update: Robert Van Hall 3rd Pattern Jungle Shirt: 20.05.09:
A badged Special Forces jungle Shirt belonging to Robert Van Hall. Van Hall was a 1-0 (team leader) on RT Texas.
Site Update: Special Forces 1st Pattern Jungle Shirt: 20.05.09:
An early pattern badged Special Forces jungle Shirt.
Site Update: Special Forces 1st Pattern Jungle Shirt: 20.05.09:
An early pattern badged Special Forces jungle Shirt.
Site Update: CIA HT1 Village Radio: 20.05.09:
A mint example of the CIA produced Village Radio.
Site Update: CISO Black "Pajama" Suit: 20.05.09:
Counter Insurgency Support Office produced black pajamas that can be seen on early SOG photographs.
Site Update: MAT-49 Sub Machine Gun: 19.05.09:
This is a rare deactivated French MAT-49 Sub Machine Gun, often used by US Special Forces as a "personal" weapon.
Site Update: M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon): 19.05.09:
We have added a deactivated M72 LAW to the site.
Site Update: Silenced Sten: 19.05.09:
We have updated the Sten page with a deactivated Silenced Stena s used by SOG teams for prisoner snatch missions.
Site Update: AK47 Wooden Stock: 19.05.09:
We have updated the AK47 page with a deactivated wooden stock Russian AK47.
Site Update: Frank & Warren, Inc. Type IV Survival Ax: 26.04.09:
Site Update: Video: Green Berets Vietnam: 23.04.09:
Archive footage of Green Berets in Vietnam.
Site Update: RT New York Photo Shoot: 20.04.09:
Our latest photo shoot is a tribute to John St. Martin and Ed Wolcoff of RT New York.
Site Update: Training With the Royal Marines: 12.04.09:
In the interested of getting our Living History display as correct as we can we had a weekend training with the Royal Marines, well South West Wargames which is run by ex Marines and staffed with serving Marines.
Site Update: RT Vermont 1-0 Lee Burkins Recon Boonie: 02.04.09:
The 1-0 of RT Vermont Lee Burkins has kindly allowed us to use pictures of his original boonie from when he was a member of MACV-SOG.
Site Update: MACV-SOG Veterans Stories: Lee Burkins 02.04.09:
The 1-0 of RT Vermont Lee Burkins has kindly allowed us to publish extracts of his book on the website, more to follow.
Site Update: Navy Seal Float Coat: 30.03.09:
Its a not a SOG item but an interesting development in field gear used by Navy Seals during the Vietnam War.
Site Update: Photo Report: Ho Chi Minh Trail: 28.03.09:
A photo report from the Ho Chi Minh Trail museum in Vietnam by team member Jack Krull.
Site Update: Vibram Sole Jungle Boots: 28.03.09:
We have added some 1967 dated vibram sole jungle boots made by Bata.
Site Update: MACV-SOG Veterans Stories: 23.03.09:
We have added a new section to the site on Veterans Stories that will feature stories from MACV-SOG veterans. Our first stories are kindley supplied MACV-SOG 1-0 John "Tilt" Strker Meyer. We would be honoured if other veterans would be kind enough to supply their stories to preserve the memories of those who served in Special Forces. We can be contacted here.
Site Update: Leather "Low Profile" Holster: 08.03.09:
A "Dirty Harry" style shoulder holster inspired by a photo in Frank Greco's book Running Recon..
Site Update: CISO Indigenous Poncho: 01.03.09:
We have added a CISO indigenous poncho owned by SOG collector Derek Struth.
Site Update: New Member: Jack Kull: 28.02.09:
Jack has already sent us some photos of his 1/6 figures but we now have his full biography, Jack Kull serves as the senior Vietnam War policy advisor at the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) in Washington, D.C. Its an honour to have him as a member.
Site Update: FOB 2 Kontum: War & Peace Display Plans: 26.02.09:
A page covering our work so far on our display for this years War & Peace, our recreation of RT Montana at FOB 2 in Kontum.
Site Update: Coleman Duel-Fuel Stove: 26.02.09:
Site Update: John S. Meyer: 17.02.09:
We have been in contact with John S. Meyer, known as "Tilt", and he has been advising us on our depictions of SOG, making sure we get the details right. John was One-Zero of RT Idaho in 1968-70 and has written some amazing books on his time with SOG. A true legend and we are honored to have spoken to him. You can see what he said above.
Site Update: Links Update: 17.02.09:
SOG Veteran John Stryker Meyer has a new site with writing partner John E. Peters. You can buy their great book On The Ground and it also has news that the book Over The Fence is being updated and reprinted.
Site Update: Photoshoot Update: 14.02.09:
A few new shots from our last team photo shoot.
Site Update: Team Update: 14.02.09:
We have a new member, our straphanger from RT Florida, called "Wild Bill". And before you mail us saying no Tiger Stripe in SOG missions over the fence. What we have here is a Hatchet Force mission.
Site Update: Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops along the Ho Chi Minh Trail: 14.02.09:
Site Update: Book Review:Secret Commandos: John L. Plaster: 14.02.09:
Site Update: Militaria09: 06.02.09:
Site Update: Airforce Survival Knife: 03.02.09:
Site Update: M19 Mortar: 02.02.09:
One of the teams weekend purchases was a deact M19 Mortar tube as used by some MACV-SOG teams when running "heavy".
Site Update: Ka-Bar Knife: 02.02.09:
A knife more commonly seen in use by the USMC it was one of the more common knives used by MACV-SOG teams.
Site Update: M1944 Wind/Dust Goggles: 02.02.09:
Not a MACV-SOG item as such but one that was used by team members during Operation Ivory Coast, better known as the Son Tay Raid.
Site Update: Metal Whistle: 02.02.09:
Site Update: Handcuffs: 02.02.09:
Not new page but an updated one with new pictures and details of MACV-SOG prisoner snatch methods.
Site Update: Navy Seals in Vietnam Video: 27.01.09:
Great video highlighting the Navy Seals in Vietnam, includes training footage and lots of shots of Seals in Vietnam.
Site Update: Recon Tips: How to Tie A Swiss Seat: 25.01.09:
Instructions on how to use a rope coil to create a "Swiss Seat" for rappelling or extraction purposes.
Site Update: Links: 25.01.09:
We have added some new Vietnam related links.
Site Update: Project Delta: Special Forces Vietnam Recon Manual: 24.01.09:
We have added what should be the basis for all training for re-enactment groups, this was compiled by members of Project Delta and CCN based on lessons learnt on recon missions.
Site Update: MK13 Mod 0 Signal Flare: 24.01.09:
Another Navy Seal item, but an interesting item.
Site Update: Book Review: SOG: A Photo History of the Secret Wars: 23.01.09:
A book review of the basis of all MACV-SOG photo research.
Site Update: Shot Show Report 2: 23.01.09:
Another report from the Shot Show in Florida, this time the boys are on the range!
Site Update: Note book: 23.01.09:
The updates are coming thick and fast again this week and the newest update are these MACV-SOG (well a general Federal style) note books.
Site Update: Shot Show: SOG Team Member Chance Meeting: 22.01.09:
Modern Forces member Jason was lucky to meet MACV-SOG and Seal Team One veterans at the Shot Show in Florida.
Site Update: Memorial to SFC George "Ron" Brown: 1-0 Spike Team Asp: 16.01.09:
This 1/6 tribute to an MIA 1-0 is by new member Jack Kull, his bio will be added soon.
Site Update: Stoner M63 Weapons System: 15.01.09:
Not a MACV-SOG weapon as such but who could resist the Stoner M63, or the Mk23 Mod 0 as our SEAL cousins would call it.
Site Update: STEN Mk.IIS (STEN Mark 2 Silenced) submachine gun: 15.01.09:
MACV-SOG used the STEN as a prisoner snatch weapon as it could be taken apart and carried in the rucksack.
Site Update: XM177E2 with M203 Grenade Launcher: 15.01.09:
We have updated the XM177 page to show an M203 equiped example.
Site Update: US Army Ammo Crates: 13.01.09:
We have started making some US Army Ammo Crates for our team displays at shows this year. We have two sizes planned but we are still looking for the markings to be printed on the side. Can anyone help, if so please contact us on paul@howsplendid.com
Site Update: XM58 Mini-CS Grenade 13.01.09:
The first update of the New Year and its not even a new item, just forgot to add to the smoke grenade listing page.
Site Update: M34 White Phosphorous Grenade 30.12.08:
Our first post Christmas update and its a good one.
Site Update: CISO Indigenous Poncho Liner 30.12.08:
The CISO made version of the classic poncho liner.
Site Update: Black Dyed Fatigues 30.12.08:
Not a huge update but an example of dyed black fatigues as used by some MACV-SOG recon teams.
Site Update: RT Montana Photo Update 21.12.08:
Added a few more photos to the RT Montana BDA mission photo-shoot.
Site Update:Badged "Base Jacket" 20.12.08:
Not a new item but one that has been updated, my favourite item is the period Nixon campaign badge.
Site Update:M49A2 Mortar Round 20.12.08:
Site Update:RPG 7: 20.12.08:
Site Update: Hanson Rig/A7a Strap: 20.12.08:
Site Update: M17 Gasmask: 20.12.08:
Site Update: M79 Bandoleer: 20.12.08:
Site Update: C Rations: 20.12.08:
Site Update:Book reviews: The Secret War in Laos 19.12.08:
We have added some book reviews covering the "Secret War" in Laos and the plight of the Hmong people.
Site Update:Kark Gustav M/45 "Swedish K": 12.12.08:
Site Update: SOG Recon Knife: 12.12.08:
Site Update: General Ammunition Pouch: 10.12.08:
Site Update: CISO Ammunition Pouch: 10.12.08:
Site Update: Modern Forces Photo shoot: RT Montana: 08.12.08:
This is the forth update from our photo shoot, this time recreating a declassified after action report from RT Montana in 1969.
Site Update: Colt .25 Automatic Pistol: 08.12.08:
Site Update: AT984 Radio Antenna Pouch: 08.12.08:
Site Update: Modern Forces Photo shoot: RT Wyoming: 30.11.08:
This is the third full update from our photo shoot, this time focusing on RT Wyoming in a mix of US and NVA gear.
Site Update: Modern Forces Photo shoot: RT West Virginia: 28.11.08:
This is the second full update from our photo shoot, this time focusing on RT West Virginia in full NVA gear.
Site Update: Modern Forces Photo shoot: HALO History and Team Shots: 28.11.08:
This is the first full update from our photo shoot, we included our impression photos in a history of MACV-SOG HALO operations. MACV-SOG were the first unit in the world to use HALO as a way of inserting teams into enemy territory.
Site Update: Modern Forces Photo shoot: PREVIEW: 23.11.08:
Site Update: MACV/Special Forces Paperwork: 23.11.08:
Site Update: Malvern Military Convention: 23.11.08:
Site Update: LRRP Video: 19.11.08:
Another great video I found on YouTube this time about the Long range Reconnaissance Patrols (Lurps) in Vietnam..
Site Update: Mike Force Video: 19.11.08:
Another great video I found on YouTube this time about Mike Force.
Site Update: MACV Recondo School Video: 18.11.08:
A great video I found on YouTube about the MACV Recondo School at Nha Trang.
Site Update: Montagnard Bracelet: 16.11.08:
Site Update: Hot-Wet Environment Survival Kit: 15.11.08:
This is quite a rare item and we have a boxed and unused example.
Site Update: MK3A2 Offensive Hand Grenade: 15.11.08:
Site Update: Replica John "Tilt" Meyer Modified Jacket: 15.11.08:
We have added a replica of John "Tilt" Meyer's modified jacket, though his jacket had vertical zips on the middle/torso pockets.
Site Update: LRRP Rations: 15.11.08:
We have updated the LRRP Rations page to show the contents, in this case the Chille Con Carne.
Site Update: Carenten Airsoft Event: 13.11.08:
The Modern Forces team went to an WW2 Airsoft Event based around the theme of the town of Carentan.
Site Update: SOG Modified XM177E2: 08.11.08:
I have done a quick update of the XM177E2 page to show a SOG Modified example with fore-grip.
Site Update: M19 Binoculars: 08.11.08:
We have added some temporary shots of the teams new M19 Binoculars.
Site Update: Weekend of Heroes: 03.11.08:
It's not the most recent update but the Modern Forces team met with Sgt. Kenn Miller at this years Weekend of Heroes show.
Site Update: Vietnam Book Review: 03.11.08:
It's not something we have done before but we are going to start reviewing books covering the Vietnam War period, with a natural focus on MACV-SOG and Special Forces.
Site Update: AN/PRC 25 Radio: 01.11.08:
The teams radio has been added, still looking for a battery box and some batteries if anyone has any?
Site Update: One-Zero Jacket: 01.11.08:
Not a new item but I have added a Confederate flag to the arm.
Site Update:Enzo our new "Straphanger": 01.11.08:
A new addition to the team and one that doesn't mind standing on guard at shows for long periods...
Site Update: Special Forces Handbook: 12.10.08:
Site Update: Modern Forces Group ID Card: 12.10.08:
Site Update: M125 Illumination Flare: 12.10.08:
Site Update: Airsoft International MACV-SOG Feature: 04.10.08:
There was a feature on Modern Forces in this months AI Magazine, lots of shots of the magazine and loads of oatcakes.
Site Update: M5 Medic Bag: 29.09.08:
I have added the teams M5 Medic Bag, a work in progress
Site Update: MACV-SOG RPD: 29.09.08:
I have updated the RPD page to show a MACV-SOG example
Site Update: Modern Forces US Trip: Paul Miraldi's War Room: 25.09.08:
The second installment of photos from a trip to Paul W Mirladi's War Room
Site Update: Modern Forces US Trip: Paul Miraldi's War Room: 23.09.08:
The first installment of photos from a trip to Paul W Mirladi's War Room, a truly amazing display
Site Update: Signed John Stryker "Tilt" Meyer Photograph: 21.09.08:
A great signed picture of "Tilt" when he was the One-Zero of Rt Idaho.
Site Update: MACV-SOG CCS Plaque: 21.09.08:
Site Update: RT-10 Radio: 21.09.08:
Site Update: M1949 Glove Shells "Recon Gloves": 21.09.08:
Site Update: Paul Miraldi: Airsoft International Article: 19.09.08:
Honoury member Paul Miraldi has made it into Airsoft International in the first of two articles on MACV-SOG impressions, the rest of the team are in the next issue in a detailed look at the Modern Forces team at a Vietnam themed airsoft event in the UK.
Site Update: C4 and M60 Detonators: 12.09.08:
Site Update: RT West Virginia: NVA Uniform: 06.09.08:
I did a quick photoshoot in Cambodia (well my back garden in South London...) of RT West Virginia in full NVA uniform based on a photo taken in 1971 in Frank Greco's Book Running Recon
Site Update: NVA Uniform & Pith Helmet: 06.09.08:
Site Update: MACV-SOG Black Cap: 06.09.08:
Site Update: War & Peace Photos: 03.09.08:
RT Viper Photo shoot: 25.08.08:
I have added some photos of me as the One-Zero of RT Viper, these were take at Military Odyssey.
Site Update: Minor Surgery Kit: 21.08.08:
Site Update: CCN RT Viper Sprayed and Modified Fatigues: 18.08.08:
Site Update: Named CISO Indigenous Rucksack: 18.08.08:
Military Odyssey: 23.08.08 - 25.08.08:
We have added a quick photo report from this years Military Odyssey.
Site Update: M142 Booby Trap firing Device: 13.08.08:
Site Update: The Team: 13.08.08:
Modern Forces: MACV-SOG has 2 new members.
Airsoft International Photo shoot: 10.08.08:
RT Montana has just got back from a training weekend in Hampshire (not quite Cambodia but training is training) It was also a chance for new team member Jason Veall to help create a photo shoot for Airsoft International Magazine. I haven't got the real photographs back yet but took some pictures on my camera anyway.
War & Peace Photo shoot: 22.07.08:
We attend shows such as War & peace in the UK, the picture above is a photo shoot we did at War & Peace with Rolling Thunder Living History Society. You can see more pictures here.
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