G.I. Spoon

Back about a million years ago when I first joined the U.S. Army, I volunteered for Airborne Training and ended up in the 2/505th Infantry, Scout Platoon , with the 82nd Airborne Division.

One of my fondest memories of that tour was going to the Central Issue Facility (CIF) to get my TA-50 Issue of gear from Uncle sam.

As a 19year old kid, I was amazed at all of the cool gear the Army was giving me. But most of it went unused due to weight and bulk etc. One of the items I did use a lot of was my G.I mess kit spoon.I have used this spoon for digging holes, making fish hooks from wire, fixing my weapons, to make jewelry ,and even to eat with.

Before I enlisted in the Army, I would listen to the stories of the old WW2 vets, one fella told me that besides his weapon and ammo he valued his canteen and cup, Mess kit spoon, Zippo lighter and pocket knife.

So keeping this in mind I bought my first multi bladed Swiss Army knife at the PX along with my 1st Zippo Lighter, and my first watch with a luminous dial....but for some reason what clinched it for me about keeping and using this spoon, was when I saw and old E6 in the motor pool with a G.I. spoon clipped on his key chain.

anyhoo, long story short,in 1978, when the time came for me to out process from the 82ns Abn Div for an assignment over seas, I kept my Canteen cup and G.I. Mess kit spoon. I still have both of those items today. The spoon in the picture is my original 1976 issue spoon and it has been around the world and will continue to travel with me from now on.

Tomahawk - scouts out!