The McGuire Rig:

CCN Team at Phú Bài 

 

Named after its inventor, Sgt Maj Charles T.McGuire, a member of
project Delta circa 1964-1965. The McGuire rig was a device for
extracting up to 3 patrol members in one go from area's in the jungle that were inaccessible, or where enemy fire prevented a normal helicopter extraction.
The rig was basically a 2in wide webbing sling, which was attached to the end of a rope, which was in turn lowered from a hovering
helicopter. The individual(s) would then place the web sling around
their buttocks (sitting in it), and slip their hands through the wrist
loops that were attached to the sling. These would tighten up to
prevent the person from falling as he was hoisted away by the
helicopter.
The main limitations with the McGuire rig were that it had to be
fitted while standing upright, and that the users hands were NOT free to untangle themselves, fire a weapon, or use a radio. The rig was also uncomfortable and impaired the blood circulation, for these reasons it was normally used only in dire emergency situations which involved short distances of flight.
The STABO rig:
A direct descendant of the McGuire rig and was first demonstrated by the Special Forces MACV RECONDO school on the 1st of October 1968. The STABO rig was a more efficient extraction harness.
The new rig was developed by Maj. Robert Stevens, Cpt. John Knabb, and Sfc Cliff Roberts, all of whom were instructors at the Nha Trang RECONDO school. This new extraction harness was called the STABO rig, a name derived from the initials of its creators. The first test rigs were locally produced, when these were deemed satisfactory the 5th SFG put in a priority request for 1000 rigs on the 30th of June 1969.
The STABO rig was made from nylon webbing and resembled a parachute harness, and the infantry mans standard load bearing equipment.
The main lift harness straps formed an "X" across the wearers back,
the leg straps were kept secured rolled up with elastic bands, in
order to stop them from dangling loose. These would only be buckled up via metal "D" rings under the wearers crotch when he was to be extracted. The harness replaced the normal pistol belt suspenders. The pistol belt itself was threaded through the loops in the harness and allowed various items (waterbottle, ammo pouches, etc) to be attached to it in the normal way.
The Army dragged its feet here a bit by instituting a long and drawn
out state-side series of safety tests which were not completed until
31st of March 1970. In the meantime Special Forces had to rely on a limited supply of approx 500 STABO rigs. These had been produced by the 2nd logistical command on Okinawa and purchased through the counterinsugency support office. Eventually regular Army funds became available, and Natick labs began procurement procedures.
An overall improvement over the McGuire rig, and a much safer means of achieving a helicopter extraction (although this method of extraction could still give even the toughest "Ombre" the "pucker factor" big time!), the STABO rig was a good piece of kit. It could be used to extract a man who was unconscious, and if not unconscious would permit the individual to still fire his weapon or use a radio if needed.
From the 16th of October to the 31st of December 1970 approx 3,300 STABO rigs were sent to the 5th SFG and MACV-SOG in Vietnam, and to the 46th SF Co in Thailand.  
Sources:  US Army Special Forces 1952-1984 by G.L.Rottman.
Vietnam US Uniforms in colour photographs by K.Lyles.
Special Forces of the US Army 52-82 by LTC I.D.Sutherland.
US Army Uniforms of the Vietnam War by S.Stanton.
MARTIN.....A non vet, interested party, and collector of such thing
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Martin Tingey , Got Zips in the wire!!!/ Phu Bai is alright !!!