Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/861022
BDU field coats were used both as a part of both BDU and cold weather uniforms. Throughout the production, there were some minor details changed and some of them depended on individual manufacturers. First of all both zippers were initially brass and the labels were white. But that was not a strict rule, since from the very beginning of the production a plastic zipper in the collar was also used. The brass was used until 1986. After that year, all zippers were plastic. Throughout the whole production, depending on the year and the manufacturer, various types of lining were used. First, they were made of thin cotton with oxford or rip-stop weave – they were susceptible to abrasion. That is why they were later on replaced with a strongly impregnated material (80% cotton 20% nylon) as in the hood Another major change in the design of the coats was introduced since 1999. The storms flaps were removed and the shape of adjustment flaps was changed to square one. The BDU field jacket was produced until 1 August 2006 (SPM100-05-C-1102). BootS AR670-1 ordered the use of black leather Combat Boots with almost all types of uniforms. Anyone who wore any of them knew that, in practice, they are not the perfect solution for all circumstances. However, soldiers who did not serve in a tropical or arctic areas did not receive boots other than the standard issue ones. They were allowed to wear other allowed boots or military boots but paid from own money. Most often, it referred to Hot Weather boots, commonly known as Jungle Boots, which were cheap and easily available. There were no regulations that would ban the use of any type of boots produced after 1967. That is why even after 2000, wearing good old Jungles was not considered a problem, if only someone owned a pair in good condition. During the OIF and OEF use of desert boots of various types (but issued ones) with BDU Woodland was allowed BooTs, ComBaT, dIreCT molded sole NSN 8430-00-782-XXXX and 8430-01-030-XXXX They were issued from the 1960s to 1985 (last contract DLA100-85-C-4267). They were made of black, grain leather that was resistant to dampness. The boots had a Direct Molded Sole that was placed on the boot with a press working under high pressure. The outersole has characteristic "chevron pattern". The boots were 10-inches high and used a standard lacing system divided into two sections of holes – four on the bottom and five on the top, along the fold. Boots of that type were issued until late 1980s and were still in use in the 1990s. BooTs, ComBaT, mIldeW and WaTer resIsTanT, dIreCT molded sole NSN 8430-01-198-XXXX Standardized on 5 January 1985, produced since May 1985 [5]. The boots were slightly modified. The most distinguishable element was the speed lace system that consisted of a set of 9 to 10 (depending on the size) brass, Teflon-covered grommets and special, very long (over 200 cm) shoelaces with square transection. Such a solution was to allow tying the boot with one strong pull (actually, it required some practice). The 10- inch upper was changed. A soft cushion was added on the top. The outersole was changed to self-cleaning one and the applied pattern reminded of a Jeep tire. Grooves of the sole were egg-shaped. The sole of the boots had heels fixed with nails and adhesive, which allow replacement. The boots had inserts made of Saran mesh covered with fabric. They hep the keep feet dry and worked really well. A great attention was paid to the waterproofing of the leather and the antifungal properties – it must be admitted that the chemicals used for tanning perform perfectly. Even after 30 years of use, it is difficult to make the boots start to smell badly. www.fragoutmag.com