British military combat jackets have undergone significant changes from the 1949 Pattern Battle Dress Blouse to the modern MTP Windproof Smock. These jackets reflect the evolving needs of soldiers across different conflicts, climates, and operational requirements. In this guide, we explore the key developments in British Army combat jackets, including the 1949 Pattern, 1960 Pattern, 1968 Pattern, 1985 Pattern, 1990 Pattern, 1994 Pattern, Soldier 95 Combat Jacket, 2005 PCS Smock, and the latest MTP Windproof Smock.
1949 Pattern Battle Dress Blouse
The 1949 Pattern Battle Dress Blouse was a refinement of the World War II-era 1940 Pattern Battle Dress, featuring a short-waisted wool design. It was warm but restrictive, designed primarily for European conditions. While durable, it was gradually phased out in favor of more practical combat smocks.
1960 Pattern Combat Smock
The introduction of the 1960 Pattern Combat Smock marked a major shift in British military outerwear. Constructed from heavy-duty cotton, this jacket was designed for field operations, offering improved freedom of movement and a longer cut for better coverage. Featuring four front pockets and an olive green finish, it set the standard for later designs. Later variations of the 1960 Pattern Smock were produced in DPM camouflage, adapting to modern battlefield requirements.
1968 Pattern Combat Smock (DPM Introduction)
The 1968 Pattern Combat Smock was the first standard-issue jacket to feature Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) camouflage from the outset. Made from cotton gabardine, it provided better concealment and protection from the elements. With its four-pocket design, it remained a staple for British troops throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.
1985 Pattern Combat Smock
The 1985 Pattern Combat Smock was an update to the 1968 Pattern, retaining the DPM camouflage but incorporating larger pockets, Velcro cuffs, and reinforced elbows. It was designed for use with modern body armor and load-bearing equipment. The 1985 Smock was widely issued throughout the late Cold War and early conflicts of the 1990s, including the Gulf War.
1990 Pattern Combat Smock (Gulf War Era)
With the onset of the Gulf War, the 1990 Pattern Combat Smock was introduced, utilizing a ripstop fabric for improved durability. This version was better suited for desert operations, incorporating ventilation eyelets for better airflow in hot climates while maintaining the familiar four-pocket design.
1994 Pattern Combat Smock (Fleece Lining & Ventilation Enhancements)
The 1994 Pattern Combat Smock addressed the need for greater cold-weather protection by incorporating a fleece lining and enhanced ventilation. The design was looser-fitting, allowing for layering, and became widely used throughout the Balkans conflicts of the 1990s.
Soldier 95 Combat Jacket
The Combat Soldier 95 (CS95) Combat Jacket was introduced as part of the Soldier 95 system, featuring a lighter-weight ripstop fabric, improved ergonomic design, and rank slide on the chest. This jacket became standard issue for British forces in the late 1990s and early 2000s, offering better adaptability for modern combat conditions.
2005 PCS (Personal Clothing System) Smock
The 2005 PCS Smock was part of a larger overhaul of British military clothing. It introduced a more ergonomic cut, additional pockets, and improved storm-proofing. Designed to complement modern body armor, it represented a step toward greater modularity in British Army clothing.
MTP Windproof Smock (Modern Era)
The MTP Windproof Smock, the current British Army issue, features the Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP), replacing DPM as the standard camouflage. Made from lightweight, windproof, and water-resistant fabric, it is designed for versatile combat environments, offering multiple pockets, reinforced stitching, and compatibility with modern load-bearing equipment.
Conclusion
The evolution of British Army combat jackets, from the 1949 Pattern Battle Dress Blouse to the MTP Windproof Smock, highlights the changing demands of modern warfare. With innovations in materials, camouflage, and functionality, these jackets have adapted to different climates and operational needs, ensuring British soldiers remain well-equipped on the battlefield.
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