Before the M-65, There Was the M-43 and M-51 (1943–Early 1960s)
M-43 (WWII era): Debuting on the Normandy beaches in 1944, it served until WWII's end in 1945. Crafted from cotton sateen, it features a lapel and functions as a true combat jacket—yet as demand for enhanced functionality grew, it was gradually replaced by subsequent versions.
M-51 (released in 1951): Based on the M-43, this jacket features windproof and waterproof 9oz cotton sateen and a detachable hood. This jacket uses the color scheme of the OG-107. It fastens with buttons and has a shirt-style collar instead of a zipper.
Vietnam War Deployment: The Birth of the M-65 (1965–Late 1970s)
The M-65 was specifically engineered for the harsh combat conditions of the Vietnam War. It featured specialized upgrades tailored to the region's humid, hot days and cold nights: retaining the M-51's OG-107 color scheme and windproof cotton construction, while introducing a stowable hood and a removable thermal lining. It also included brass zippers, snap closures, and Velcro-adjustable cuffs to boost utility. Like the field jacket, the fishtail parka saw updates after the M-51 iteration: it introduced a removable hood and collar, and traded animal fur for synthetic fur.
Primarily designed for combat troops—infantry among them—who required layering it over other garments, the parka offered insufficient protection against "dry cold" conditions (temperatures below -10°C) when worn alone. Thus, fishtail parkas were crafted with a roomy fit, intended to layer over combat uniforms and other attire.
Postwar Cultural Icon (1970s–Present)
After the Vietnam War, soldiers returning to civilian life continued to wear their issued M-65s, a fact Hollywood quickly took notice of, further cementing the jacket's status as a cultural icon. Robert De Niro's character, Travis Bickle, dons a patched-up M-65 in "Taxi Driver," while Lindsay Weir embraces hers as a symbol of rebellion in "Freaks and Geeks." Rock musicians, punk icons, and anti-establishment activists embraced the M-65 as a uniform of rugged individuality.
The M-65 is more than military surplus—it represents functional design elevated to a cultural icon. Its blend of practicality, history, and timeless style ensures it remains a staple in wardrobes worldwide.
M-65 Series Products in Different Styles
US Army 1st Model M-65 Field Jacket
1969 M-65 Field Jacket - Taxi Driver
1969 M-65 Field Jacket
1970s JWD Tiger Stripe M-65 Field Jacket
U.S. Army M-65 Parka - Experimental Sample Type