history M-51 field jacket
The original M-1951 field jacket was made from an olive-drab, wind- and water-resistant cotton sateen cloth. It featured a snap wind flap at the zip, a drawstring at the waist and a detachable hood, and was equipped with a separate liner that could be buttoned in.
history M-51 field jacket
The M-1951 field jacket (also abbreviated M-51) was introduced in the 1950s as part of the U.S. army uniform. Used into the 1960s – mainly during oversees missions – the olive-drab garment was made from a 9-ounce cotton sateen cloth that offered both wind and water resistance. The design was based on the earlier M-1943 model, but had snap buttons and a full-length dual zip closure instead of regular buttons.
Intended to offer versatility and protect against cold, the jacket was equipped with a separate liner that could be buttoned in, a snap wind flap for extra warmth around the zip area, a drawstring at waist, and a detachable hood. The four large cargo pockets were ideal for storing small on-the-go items. The jacket was worn with matching M-1951 field trousers made from the same material.
The style was gradually replaced by the current M-65 field jacket with a stand-up collar – although many soldiers were said to have liked the M-51 model better as it has a pointed collar that presented a sharper appearance when starched.