In every WWII war movie, you always see some guy grabbing a bazooka to blow up a German tank or the occasional Japanese one. However, you never see the entire kit in the movie, but you can at the National Infantry Museum.

Granted, in the heat of combat, you don't expect the average GI to don mask and vest, but here is an example of the complete US 2.36" bazooka kit in use. I am going to guess, and probably erroneously, that the pocket on the back of the vest would be used to carry more rounds, although it is likely to catch more rain and mud than anything else.

A close up of the mask, complete with goggles. If you want to know the difference between research and development and actual use, consider the warning on the box holding the mask.

"Use this mask for protecting the face when firing the rocket launcher. Avoid scratching the precision surfaces of the lenses by cleaning regularly with a soft cloth. Use very light pressure when cleaning."
--American Optical Co., Southbridge, MA

I suppose when faced with a decision on whether to take the time and don a mask to protect against rocket sparks or the tank bearing down on you, the mask was a secondary thought.

The rocket "74M126" lies atop a pack. Rounds available: High Explosive Anti-Tank, Smoke, and Incendiary. The effective range was about 100 meters with a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds a minute.

More Fort Benning

Introduction
Outside: Tank and APC Park
Outside: Vehicle and Artillery Park
The Early Years: Jamestown to Mexican American War
The American Civil War: Yanks and Rebs
Spanish-American War to World War I
World War II to Vietnam
Special: US World War II 2.36-inch Bazooka Kit

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