This month, we celebrate Field Olive—a color forged in the WWII battlefields and Vietnam jungles. Once the hallmark of military uniforms, it now defines the enduring style of modern workwear.
OD (Olive Drab) – The WWII Standard
Olive Drab was the U.S. military's iconic color during WWII. OD No. 3, a brown-tinged green, suited the European and Pacific landscapes. By 1944, OD No. 7 replaced it, offering superior camouflage and durability, becoming synonymous with the M-1943 jacket and USMC P-Series uniforms. This shift wasn’t just about color—it was a tactical choice to blend seamlessly into battlefields.
OG-107 – The Cold War Icon
In 1952, the U.S. Army introduced OG-107, a deeper, less brown green, designed for the tropical and temperate climates of Cold War and Vietnam combat. Lasting nearly 30 years, the OG-107 uniform became one of the longest-issued in U.S. history, evolving from heavy cotton sateen to a lighter, breathable polyester-cotton blend for Vietnam.
M-Series: The Evolution of the Field Jacket
The M-Series field jackets showcase the U.S. Army's ongoing pursuit of superior protection and functionality.
- M-1943: Introduced during WWII, featuring a stand-up collar, drawstring waist, and four large pockets. Its OD No. 7 color became iconic, with a detachable hood (M-1944) added as an accessory.
- M-1951: A streamlined update to the M-1943, introduced for the Korean War with better insulation.
- M-65: The most famous, introduced in 1965 for the Vietnam War. It featured a stowable hood, Velcro cuffs, and a storm flap, all made from durable Nyco fabric. The M-65 stayed in service through the Gulf War and Afghanistan, officially retiring in 2009.
P-Series: USMC’s Pacific War Uniforms
Developed for the brutal conditions of the Pacific Theater, the P-Series uniforms evolved to meet the demands of tropical combat.
- P-41: The first P-Series uniform, featuring loose-fitting HBT fabric in OD No. 3. Designed for heat and dense jungle, it prioritized breathability with large cargo pockets for supplies. It lacked reinforced knee panels, which came later.
- P-42: A refined version with minor updates to pocket placement and fabric for water resistance, plus the iconic frog skin camouflage—reversible for jungle and dry terrain, a key advancement in military camouflage.
- P44: The most durable of the series, featuring OD No. 7 fabric for better camouflage, reinforced grenade pockets, knee panels, and a heavier HBT blend. While rare in combat, the P44 became a symbol of tactical design, built for the Pacific's harsh conditions.
