BBA097 “Command Set”
This 2-man set includes the Squad’s radio man carrying the ‘SCR-538’ backpack radio with a telephone handset.
Because of the extra weight of the radio and its batteries most radio operators carried the lighter M1 Carbine as a personal weapon.
Most ‘Squad Leaders’ were corporals however some sergeants would also take up this role.
Chances are, our Squad Leader is a ‘Sergeant’ as he’s carrying the Thompson submachine gun which was a rare weapon for junior NCOs to carry.