RPK Gunner, Recce Wing , 32 Battalion - Angola, 1980's
In addition to the specific camouflage uniform our figure wears one of a number of slightly differing "Chi-Com" -style chest rigs seen among South African special forces. In this case it is of green fabric, the 3 large front pouches and the 2 smaller ones on each side being closed with concealed velcro fastenings.
His web belt supports a number of SADF waterbottles and any one of a number of Eastern Bloc pouches - in this case to accommodate the 75-round drum magazines for the RPK light machine gun which is carried on a very broad sling , here padded and taped for comfort.
His bergen rucksack is packed for several weeks in the bush. It consists of a dark green nylon bag attached to a light weight external metal frame - like a number of contemporary civilian hiking models.
Headbands made from cut-down issue scrin net scarves were popular.