M65 Jacket

The M65 jacket was originally created for the use of the United States Army personnel. It is also otherwise known as the M-1965 Field Jacket. The name basically indicates when the jacket was introduced and put to use. It is actually one of evolutions of the field jackets that were in use during World War II.

Origins

The M-1965 Field Jacket owes its origins to the M-1943 Field Jacket. Of course, modifications had to be made from there and the new modified version was introduced in 1950, the M-1950. Only minor modifications were made to the M-1943 like the addition of inside buttons, which was to be used with the liner.

However, the modified version was quickly replaced just a year later. The new M-1951 Field Jacket was introduced as other modifications were added. A zipper now replaced the closure buttons in the front. The buttons for the closure of the pockets were also replaced by metal snaps. It appears that these changes were introduced as flaws in the original design were revealed in combat or field experience.

Introduction of the M65 Jacket

As stated earlier, the M65 jacket was introduced in the year 1965. It was part of the latest design series in the army. Some refer to it as M-65, M1965, or M-1965 field jacket. Well, all these terms just refer to the very same jacket design.

Later changes were also made but the changes did not deal so much with the design but concerned specific details. For example, some M65 jackets had camouflage patterns while others were in olive drab.

The M65 jacket is the most successful design series of jackets that was ever used in the army. It was broadly adapted by many and was even copied not only for military purposes but also for commercial use as well. Nowadays, you can buy a jacket that comes in this design though not always in the same pattern or detail as the ones used in the military.

Evolution and Change

As the years went by, the M65 jacket went through some changes. The changes in the jacket’s design came out of the experiences of field personnel during the Vietnam and Korean wars. Several upgrades and improvements were made as a result from its use in these aforementioned incidents.

Design and Features

The design and features of the M-1965 field jacket pretty much borrows a lot from its predecessor, the M-1943. You will still have all four cargo pockets. It still has the draw string waist that is internally tied. The closures however use Velcro, which makes it easier to attack and detach.

The pockets on this military jacket have metal snaps and a heavy zipper on the front. The collar has an attached hood that is tucked in and closed by a zipper. All you need to do is unzip the collar and pull out the hood when it rains. The throat can be closed via a storm flap that also uses a Velcro tab.

The original issue of this military jacket was in olive drab. However, as wars were also fought in different environments, other patterns such as the desert camouflage were also introduced and put to use. The camouflage pattern either uses the tan/brown desert colors or green/brown woodland colors. Average shipping weight of each jacket is around 4.2 pounds.

A separate item from the jacket is a field jacket liner. It is made of an outer shell made of quilted nylon and is filled with five ounce polyester. This liner is buttoned into the M-1965 field jacket.

End of Usage and Replacement

In the year 2009, after many years of successful service, the M-65 was finally replaced. The replacement is known as the ECWCS or Extended Cold Weather Clothing System. This new replacement comes in Generation II and Generation III series. Nevertheless, nothing will replace the M-65 as one of the more successful military jackets ever used.

Buyer’s Tips

Like any other piece of clothing, you should know which features and details of the M-65 design you will need. Decide on the color and additional features that manufacturers may introduce. You should also check the price since jackets of this design can have a price range from $20 to $50 on average. Compare the prices you find in stores and the ones you find online.