M65 Jacket

The M65 jacket (or the M-1965 field jacket) is a field jacket made for the US military. The jacket was first used in 1965. The original M-1965 has a rolled up hood that can be put in a pouch at the neck’s back. Thanks to its various appearances in TV and films, the jacket has become very popular and now available in various styles.

Historical Background

The field jacket replaced the M-1951 field jacket and it was widely used by the US military in Vietnam. It was used by many troops in the Central Highlands especially during the cold weather. Its design helped soldiers keep warm during the monsoon rains.

At the end of the Vietnam War, soldiers continued to wear them. Eventually it became popular and copied by many manufacturers. The jacket became even more fashionable to wear following its use in movies like Terminator, First Blood and Rocky.

Basic Design of the Jacket

The original jacket is an olive green 107, (now it is available in chocolate-chip desert camouflage, Universal Camouflage Pattern, Woodland camouflage, navy blue, Australian Disruptive Pattern Camouflage etc).

The front part of the jacket has a couple of large hip pockets and two breast pockets of medium size. The back portion of the

neck and jacket collar has a zipper. This section has the hood. The M65 jacket may also be joined with button-in insulated lining for use in cold environments.

The following are some of the companies that sell versions of the M-1965 field jacket.

Ultra Force

The City Camouflage jacket has several pockets that snap shut easily, and it comes in various sizes. It has a drawstring waist and the hood is hidden, just like the classic jacket.

The liner can be removed if the weather is warm. The jacket is designed for soldiers and civilians alike. Another jacket by Ultra Force is Army Digital Camo. Made of cotton twill, the jacket is tailored to precise government specs.

The jacket is water repellent and has a nylon quilted button-in liner. The zipper is brass and comes with bottom drawstrings. There are four snap-up pockets and loop cuffs.

Out In Style, Inc.

The Out In Style, Inc. military jacket is made up of 50% nylon/50% cotton. The jacket is water repellent and the cuffs are fitted with Velcro to connect the gloves and cover the hands. The jacket is made by 139 sewing operations.

Other features include bellows breast pockets, snap fastener closures, hood and bottom drawcords and a brass zipper. The sizes range from XS to 5XL. The jacket is available in many colors, including navy, olive and black.

Notes

Some of the vintage jackets do not have water repellent features. It is the more commercial types that have the water repellant features built in. Read the product specs (features, sizes, etc) carefully before you buy.

The M65 jackets are now available online, in military surplus stores and other manufacturers. Because they are available in many shades and styles, you can find one to suit your tastes easily.

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