Tableau Number 2
The SCR300 Radioman
Date: April 2013
Author: Pat Costa - 88th ID & 5th Rangers Dog Company
90th IDPG Editors - Chris Guska, Lee Mudd, Mike Ellis
Original Photographs - Key Observations
A number of photos have been selected and cropped to focus on details that are important to consider when constructing a radioman impression. The high resolution versions of the non-cropped photo are available by clicking on the photos.
The photos are limited in scope to the European Theater of Operations. Photos were selected for details included and clarity rather than specific unit or campaign.
Web Accessories Use:
The ST-50 strap appears absent in many of the pictures; however, one picture shows the ST-50 being used to attach the BG-150 to the radio. In several of the pictures radiomen had attached a bag to the radio, in one appears to be a meatcan pouch. The need for a carrying pouch makes sense for soldiers in combat as the radio precludes the use of a traditional pack.
Handset vs Headset?
Most soldiers shown in the picture seem to be using just the handset without the headset or the T-45 microphone.
Who's There?
Examining the surroundings of the radiomen provides context to its operational use. Most radiomen are with other groups of men and in several of the picture seem to form an ad-hoc centralized communication center with other radios, particularly the SCR-536. This makes sense as a radioman needed to be near officers who would use the radio to send and receive commands.
The photographs suggest that if units were going to be stationary for a large amount of time the longer antenna would be employed, whereas units engaged in fluid combat would use the shorter antenna.
When radiomen were not being utilized in a communication center, the pictures suggest they were utilized for patrol or artillery observation.
Double Down!As a follow-on to "Who's There?" - Photos showing the close proximity, or dual carry of both a SCR-300 and SCR-536.
From Page 1, SCR-300 = Company Level, SCR-536 = Platoon Level.
Antenna Minutae:
Of note, the AN-150 antenna is hooked up to the radio with a grounding wire in several of the photos.
Packboard Use:
Most of the individuals carrying the radio use the harness system as opposed to a packboard.
Of all the photos observed, only one example of a SCR-300 mounted on a packboard presented itself. It is unclear if a packboard shelf was used.
Personal Weapon:
In terms of weapons used by the soldiers, the pictures are not clear. The easy assumption would be that the M1 carbine would have been used, but other weapons and ammunition pouch combinations are in evidence above.
The TO&E did not provide a radio operator, thus the SCR-300 could have been carried by any member of the unit's command section, among whom carbines were the predominant weapon.
On to Section 4: Notes on Training and Use
Introduction
Section 1: By the book - TO&E
Section 2: Notes from the manuals on equipment
Section 3: Original Photographs - Key Observations (you are here)
Section 4: Notes on Training and Use
Section 5: Putting it together - Modern Interpretation
Section 6: Adapting the SCR-300 for Reenactment Use
