Does anyone know when the Army stopped using trunks and began using the duffel bags that are used today?

Question

I acquired an old Army trunk that I am really interested to know the history about.

This is a metal footlocker that I would really like to trace history on. I found a dogtag in it as well. The dogtag is not written the same as my husband (active Army) so I am not sure how to read it. The name however, is a Jesse H Rainwater in case this name rings a bell with anyone. Please help me trace this piece of history, this could mean a lot to this soldier's family! Thank you!

Answer 1

They still used both. Footlockers are usually plastic or fiberglass now. I had two when I went to Iraq last year. I also had a few duffel bags. Footlockers are mainly used in the living quarters, but the new ones are more water proof and durable then duffel's are, so they are being used alot more. Footlockers are more expensive though, then duffel bags and are not usually issued. If the trunk you found was metal, it might not had been a footlocker. You may have found a storage container for equipment or supplies or a field desk. I have never seen a metel footlocker just wooden ones and the new ones.. But I have seen large metal trunks, that are used for kitchen equipment, and for sensitive equipment like radios.

Answer 2

First, they are not trunks...they are called Footlockers.

My father had a wooden one with his Name, Rank, Serial Number, and Company painted on the lid. He had this footlocker during WWII. When the Korean conflict occurred, my father reenlisted and he was issued a wooden footlocker again.

My father retired in July 1959 and had a metal footlocker, so, my best guess is sometime between 1951 and 1955 the Army changed to metal footlockers.

I enlisted in January of 1971 and the military was using duffel bags. Exactly when the transition began ... I don't know, but at least now you can narrow the time frame down to twenty years. Good Luck in your search.

Answer 3

This is just a guess but the duffel bags have GOT to be easier to carry. You could throw it over your shoulder and still have your hands free. I would think carrying a trunk would take 2 hands.

Answer 4

In 1960-68 I had both. One was to carry my clothes and gear, the other was for storage in the barracks!

I doubt if they stopped using trunks unless you are talking about something different

Answer 5

in the 60s i think they used both. duffel bag for clothes and stuff they took w/them to nam for example and a footlocker that was stored in Guam or Okinawa i think.

Answer 6

we still use foot lockers (trunks)