Question on US WW1 Equipment, 1917-1918

[Doc Twilight]

Hello, all...

When the African-American troops were sent to Europe as part of the AEF, I know that some received American kit, while others did not (Helen has pointed out that many trained in French gear and only later received their full kit). So, I'm curious - if I were to paint up some American troops for the Western Front (Black troops), how early could I justify having them equipped fully with American kit?

In other words - can one justify having African-American units in AEF kit throughout the entirety of the AEF's combat experience of the war, or is it only late in 1918 that they become so equipped?

I already have some of the Brigade Harlem Hellfighters (great figures, as always), but I would like to vary my collection a bit and pick up some Great War miniatures, so this is the basic reasoning for my question.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

-Doc/Alex

[joroas]

Ron Field did an Osprey on Black units in WWI, might be worth a looksie..........