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Military Letters & Numbers

18K views 60 replies 22 participants last post by  Beastmaster 
#1 ·
Are there certain numbers and letters that should be used when ordering the Military decals? I know I want the last 4 of the vin anything else?
Thanks!;)
 
#3 ·
I researched the markings several places and tried to be as authentic as possible:
http://www.stugiii.com/images/US_Vehicle_Markings.pdf
WWII Unit Identification Markings for U.S. Military Vehicles, Jeep and Truck Bumper Markings (LoneSentry.com)
U.S. Military Vehicles: Markings

As for the numbers W-2009015-S, this is where I had fun doing the research:

W = War Department
20 = Reconnaissance Jeeps & Trucks
09015 = Last 5 digits of my VIN
S = Suppressed for radio

The last 5 digits was actually the Jeep's production number (for the first 99,999 vehicles and then it went to 6 digits) but I figured my VIN would work here.

As far as the "suppressed" designation; when I was doing my research I couldn't find a definition of what they meant. It didn't click until I remembered my first Jeep (a '59 Willy's Station Wagon). When I installed an AM/FM radio I would get a buzzing sound when I accelerated. I had to install spark arresters on the spark plugs to "suppress" the ambient electricity.

 
#10 ·
I think only those that actually serve or have served in the U.S. Military should honor thier jeep in this way.
 
#12 ·
Placing these letters and numbers also allows the driver to represent the great military heritage the Jeep has, and wether they were in the military or not, they can still support keep the Jeep tradition going. I personally wanted to this because I wanted to represent the Willys, and show support to the military, as I'm joining the Guard (sorry I'm no big bad Marine, respect all military!) next summer, but even if I wasn't, I would still put the stickers out of respect and support of the military.
 
#13 ·
X34755876586752472342347532 on the ONLY those that served. I was looking at doing 300Winchester long rounds for my KIA's but couldn't do to issues..
 
#15 ·

I was really considering putting something like this on my True Blue JKU but I have to go on Military bases at times for work. I don't need any hassles at the front gate. Could it be "impersonating a govt. vehicle" or something? I know stuff like flashing blue and red lights are already against the law for non emergency vehicles. But this...I'm sure it would be enough to give some SP or MP having a bad day enough justification for a full cavity search or something! :surrender:
 
#20 ·
None of the branches of military have used door numbers for a long time. This is evidenced by the numbers in the picture: The first 2 numbers on the door indicate it was purchased in fiscal year 1989 (1 Oct '88 - 30 Sep '89) ;)

So I don't think anyone will hassle you any more than they would me with my 1941 Army Air Corps markings. :thumb:
 
#16 ·
I think only Veterans should do this... as a Veteran myself, I wanted to do this but passed because I didn't want to be associated with those who did it simply for style reasons. Not trying to sound douchy or anything but it seems like such a cool way to honor our own service has kind of been the most recent "sell out" Jeep style as of late.
 
#18 ·
:thumb:
 
#17 ·
I personally think somethings should be earned not just bought.
 
#21 ·
There's no hard and fast rule to numbers on a civilian Jeep as far as I know. On my 1986 M1009 CUCV I went with my Presidential Service Badge # 7522 that I earned in 1983 (USMC 752283).

Whatever has some meaning to you is what works best I feel.

PS, If you guys want the real deal no BS military decals contact Rick Larsen at www.militarystencils.com His stuff is top notch and easy to work with.
 

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#23 ·
I didn't serve but my father and grandfather did so I was thinking of making mine as a tribute to them. I plan to put them above the rear fender, each side will be different. I want to list the branch, USAF and USMC, with the MOS for each and the last two digits of the year they entered the service.
 
#25 ·
Just moved over to the JK from my old TJ. TJ was done in OD as WWII, sadly family changes forced me into the JKU. The color we went with was the blue, so decided to honor the other side of my family (USAAF) with the look. Could use a little help on decisions here, base was from a Titan missile site I visited (not many USAF Jeeps left).

Invasion star on hood.
Yellow numbering on sides of hood (yellow (#edb402) was support vehicles).
Stars on rear quarter panels.

Door is tough, can't find any that still had their doors, the few I found were soft with nothing on them. Talked with the people on the bases and they had no idea what was standard back then, some thought they were like other vehicles that had the USAF star-and-bar insignia, but weren't sure if it was full color or muted.

Anyone have any thoughts?

BTW, newbie on the forum.
 
#26 ·
Well @PaHiker , it depends on how authentic you are wanting to go. I'm going to overload you with historical info as well as some non-standard suggestions and let you decide what works for you.
When the AF became their own branch in '47, they went in a whole new direction in vehicle markings than the Army. They painted their vehicles blue (the color was actually called "strata blue" as I recall) they also did away with any stars and the vehicle number was on the door.
You have the colors right, the lettering was yellow and was 3 lines on the door: "U.S. Air Force" followed by the vehicle number (2 numbers indicating the year, 1 letter indicating the purchase contract and 5 numbers identifying that vehicle) and the words "For Official Use Only" on the bottom.

When the became a separate branch, they kept their vehicles and just re-painted them. If it was an M38, it didn't have doors so they painted it like this:


You mentioned Titan Missiles so here is an M-151 Mutt with a hard top. Looking at the front license plate, it looks like it is at the Titan Missile museum here in Tucson.


You may even want to add an aircraft star on the hood or doors:
 
#27 ·
BM, thanks, that matches a lot of what I've found (sketchy tho it is). I was thinking of the star on the doors, but was concerned about the blue background of the Jeep and the blue of the star & bar making it difficult. Same problem the Navy Air Corp had, blue jets with the blue star. What I read never said how the Navy handled the situation.


BTW, where are the settings to get notifications? I never received notice of your post, even though I have "Immediate Notification" set, is there another setting?
 
#28 ·
BTW, where are the settings to get notifications? I never received notice of your post, even though I have "Immediate Notification" set, is there another setting?
Top of the screen is a drop-down menu labeled "quick Links", in the menu select "Edit Your Details". On the left of the screen, at the bottom of the menu options you'll see a block marked "User Tagging" just select "Settings" and you will have several options there.
 
#33 ·
I'm really saddened but some of what I read here. My father served, Navy WWII. My beloved uncle's, Air Force WWII and Army WWII. My oldest brother, Navy Vietnam. My nephew with whom the relationship is more like father son, Navy Gulf War. I was not privileged to serve. Ironically I get stopped often in public places and thanked for my service. I maintain a military bearing and make sure my gig line is straight at all times just as my father taught me. I quickly correct those who say this to me. No stolen valor desired. I do however want to honor those I love and their service as well as the military and country I deeply respect. If I choose to do this with my Jeep, those I hold in high regard would see me as a hack, a bum, a wannabe, a man without honor. Conflicted to say the least. Broken hearted for certain.
 
#36 ·
I hear what you are saying @DaddyDaddy but I believe its a much different thing with a vehicle that with a uniform. You're right, stolen valor with someone wearing a uniform they didn't earn is despicable. If someone wears camouflage clothing, that's a fashion statement. If they are not a vet and wear uniform clothing with badges, rank, name tag, etc, that's wrong.

I don't see any problem with someone putting military type decals on their vehicle as long as they don't try portray themselves as a veteran. My JKU is done up as an Army Air Corps Jeep but I'm not trying to say to anyone that I'm and Air Corps vet. If someone puts a Rubicon decal on a Sahara Jeep, that's just posing. If someone puts a star or hood numbers on a Jeep, I feel that's just paying a tribute to the rich Jeep history.

Okay, I'm stepping down from my soap box. DaddyDaddy, I thank your family for their service. I really appreciate your comments here because you're right, military decals can portray the wrong message if not used properly.

Hopefully people will think before they stick. (decals, that is)
 
#38 ·
DD dont worry about what a few people here say about how you paint or sticker your Jeep. If you put a football team's sticker on it you arent saying you played for the team, you are only representing them. Put what you want on there and if someone thanks you then you have the perfect way to tell them about your family members you are representing. Thats just my two cents.
 
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