Photo of the Hammock, Jungle, Complete being used by a GI of Company B, 114th Engineer Combat Battalion, 32nd Infantry Division c. 1944. Note the M1 Carbine strapped to the bottom of the hammock compartment as well as the removed pair of boots left and rear of the crate.
Avoiding a "Bungle in the Jungle" and Preventing Damage to Your Jungle Hammock
Recently I tried out one of the alternate methods for fielding the Hammock, Jungle, Complete (more simply "jungle hammock") as described and depicted in FM 20 - 15: Tents & Tent Pitching (1945). Due to deterioration and weakening over time, the use of original jungle hammocks presents risks to the user as well as the hammock. This method allows for the user to effectively eliminate the risk of testing the hammock's structural integrity. Using this method correctly is heavily dependent upon the availability of dry ground within the context of one's impression and the rate at which one's specific unit would have been operating on dry ground. This clearly will not be universal for all Pacific Theater Army impressions. For representation of the standard and most commonly utilized method of set-up, I would recommend limiting use to display purposes only as these hammocks often show signs of deterioration upon their weight-bearing elastic cords. The stitching which attaches the dead - air compartment to the rubberized roof covering is another structural component of the hammock likely to have been weakened by use or by the passing of time.
War Department. FM 21 - 15 : Tents and Tent Pitching, February 1945. (p. 12)
My hammock shows signs of minimal yet concerning deterioration to its elastic cords as well as the stitching which attaches the roof to the compartment. It has also sustained minor damage to its mosquito netting resulting in a coster - sized hole which needs patched. Its original patch pieces, stowed in the internal pocket originally, had been used during its service life elsewhere or have since been discarded. Use will be entirely relegated to static display in its normal configuration or minimal, infrequent use in the alternative role presented here. I had previously explored replacing the elastic components which in itself would not be difficult to do however there is no feasible remedy for the hammock's other weaknesses.
Important historical notes: As per the findings presented in the Supplies and Equipment in Combat Use chapter of The Quartermaster Corps: Operations in the War Against Japan (p. 298-299), the jungle hammock left those who were issued it in the Pacific Theater of Operations with mixed impressions like much of the jungle - specific field gear developed by the QMC. The necessity for frontline troops to remain in the cover of foxholes or slit trenches diminished the usefulness and practicality of the hammock. In the rear - echelon setting, concerns were still had over the individual's exposure to shrapnel while being suspended above ground as well as the concussive effect of artillery or aerial bombardment upon the individual not being firmly planted or resting on the ground. Lastly, the rubberized roof covering and the waterproofing applies along its seams were highly susceptible to sun damage Despite this, the hammock did offer desirable protection against rain, insects, and brackish / static water in swampy bivouac areas which were a fertile breading ground for disease. These qualities proved that the hammocks were among the better pieces of jungle - specific equipment developed by the Army during World War II. Approximately 700,000 of these hammocks were procured and issued beginning in late 1942 through 1945.
Examples of the Hammock, Jungle, Complete in use during World War II
Anecdotal note: Being that this was my first attempt at setting up the hammock in this manner, I was relatively pleased with the configuration, however it is not very roomy for someone of my stature (6'3"). Also in future attempts, I plan to utilize sticks to better form the side edges of the roof covering. I left a fair amount of slack in this first attempt since I was unsure of how well the hammock would withstand this test. It has faired well enough that I plan to use it at a living history event in the future.
References:
War Department. FM 21 - 15 : Tents and Tent Pitching, February 1945. (p. 10 - 13). (link)
Stauffer, Alvin P., Ph.D. The Quartermaster Corps: Operations in the War Against Japan. The Technical Services. Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History, United States Army, 1990. (p. 298 - 299). (link)