In January 1942 the United States Marine Corps “Raider Battalion” was formed.  The raider units were highly skilled and their training rivaled that of the British Commandoes and the Chinese Guerillas.  The raider unit’s primary mission was to destroy the Japanese supply and reinforcement lines.  Because of their outstanding training and preparation the Marines were able to keep the Japanese at bay.  LT Col Evans F. Carlson and about 200 other elite Marines landed on Makin Island with the conviction to complete their mission.

This figure wears the uniform and equipment that was issued to the 2^nd Raider Battalion prior to their raid. The uniform is a standard issue khaki uniform that was expeditiously died black to aid in camouflage.  A standard M-1 helmet was also worn along with a standard issue Pacific Theater camouflaged field jacket.  The jacket has an interior map pocket sewn into the hem.   Black ankle high boots were worn instead of the standard issue brown field boots. 

This figure also comes with M1936 harness suspenders, M1924 USMC pattern First Aid pouch, an M1941 USMC canteen with crossed straps, M1936 M1A1 ammo pouch, M1911 Colt sidearm with leather flap holster and a standard issue Kabar knife.

The figure comes boxed in the standard vintage style window-box with the Andy and George advertisement placed on the rear.  The ad size has been slightly reduced to better replicate the standard size of a comic ad.  The artwork on the box was done by famed GI Joe/Hasbro artist, Sam Petrucci to assist in the vintage feel.

The figure comes with a blonde crew cut sculpt mounted on a 40^th Anniversary Hasbro body.  The material the head is made from is a perfect match for the “gray” coloring of the 40^th body.  The figure’s joints are tight and he holds a pose well.  Like the other crew cut offerings, there are variants with gray hair issued as Comic Con exclusives.  The gray headed variations usually go for around $10 more due to the limited numbers.  These figures retail for (around) $50 commercially. 

The uniform is a nice rendition of the unique uniform worn by the 2^nd Btn.  The black trousers and blouse have almost a brownish tint when the light hits them which create the feel of a dies khaki uniform.  The boots are the same short black lace ups that were issued with the Navy Ordinance Handler. 

The web gear is some of the better looking examples I have seen on a GI Joe product in some time.  The belt is made of a similar fabric as the clothing instead of the woven more sturdy materials we have seen used on other cloth belts.  But the slider and hook closure are two of the nicest I have seen.  One of the things I was disappointed in on the Tanker was the use of a more modern plastic fastener on the belt. This belt has an awesome in scale closure more attuned to the era. 

The helmet is a standard Hasbro plastic M-1 version with a small round pad glued inside so the helmet sits at the right height while displayed on the figure.  I was surprised not to find a die-cast helmet in this set but when I placed the helmet on the figure my disappointment turned into a smile.  This vintage style helmet looks very nice on the figure.  The helmet had a pebble finish to it with a faux leatherette strip crossing the brim similar to what we have seen on the Easy Company figures previously released by Dreams and Visions.

The accessories are sparse, the 1911 Colt pistol being the only weapon included.  In regards to the pistol, I would like to comment on the holster.  It is a real leather holster and VERY thin.  The brown finish and rawhide strap really look good on the belt.  This is not a standard molded holster; the leather really looks good and is textured to scale.  The Kabar has hand painted details and a sheath made of the same material as the holster.  Sadly, the manual references the Raiders being issued grenades and machineguns prior to the raid, neither of which was included in the set.  I added a spare Thompson and a few extra grenades I had in my parts bin to round out the figure. 

These Crew Cut addition figures are a welcome relief for those of us who look forward to vintage (or vintage style) figures.  Again, I am blown away by the small details that are unseen on the figure.  These figures are a loss to collectors if they are left packaged.  Mine is currently standing tall on my Marine shelf alongside his vintage brothers and he fits right in.