There is a lot of information scattered in many threads here about the various Heer field uniforms. It's a pretty big topic with lots of little known pieces, which means it's difficult to find quick answers to simple questions when so much of the information is scattered and incomplete. I'm sure it would be very helpful if we could llist all the different mass-issued (i.e. not experimental, not Gebirgs, not KSK, etc.) Heer field uniforms together in one place along with official dates of use.
I'll get the ball rolling with everything I can think of and some approximate dates which, admittedly, are mostly off the top of my head. If I'm really unsure of a date I put a ? after it. I am also including only a few key details to distinguish what is what instead of trying to detail all unique features.
I will periodically take people's comments and work them into a new summary post. When we're complete, perhaps even Sticky it to the top of this Forum?
Steve
Field Uniform - Summer
1. Leibermuster 1954-1955
Jacket, trousers, and hood based on the failed ESV pattern. Quickly dropped.
2. Splittertarnmuster 1956-1959 (worn unofficially until mid 1960s)
Jacket, trousers, hood, and mitten shells. Came in Blue and Green variations. Production ceased in 1957. Special variants for FJ, LL, and GJ.
3. 1st Model Filizlaus 1959-1962 (see note in Winter section)
Brown wool shirt with pointed epaulletes, trousers based loosely on US M51, sidecap.
4. 1st Model Moleskin 1962-1969
Thick gray cotton jacket with rounded epaulettes and elbow reinforcements, trousers cut similar to Filzlaus, and M43 type field cap.
5. 2nd Model Moleskin 1970-1985
Simplification of 1st Model. Elbows no longer reinforced, trouser leg pockets no longer with pleats.
6. 3rd Model Moleskin 1986-1991
Jacket pockets bellowed with straight cut flaps, trousers and cap same as 2nd Model.
7. 1st - 6th Model Early Flecktarn 1991-1994
Jacket, trousers, and M43 cap in Flecktarn. Many significant variations, however the differences aren't radical. Easiest things to look for on the jacket are which arm has a pocket, brass vs. plastic faced snaps, velcro location/stitching for pocket flaps, and if there's an internal chest pocket. Trousers varied less, but look for snaps and pocket velcro like the shirt. Lots of other things moved around, added, or dropped. These aren't really experimental per se because they are standard issue. It's just that the BW kept changing the specs based on feedback and probably cost issues.
8. Standardized Flecktarn 1994-present
Similar to above, but with standardized features of black plastic faced snaps, no velcro on pockets, no internal chest pocket, and arm pocket on left sleeve. Other differences, but those are the major ones.
9. Tropentarn 2003 - present
Jacket, trousers, and boonie hat. Different cloth, so color tend to look more muted. Jacket has no zipper and mesh in armpits. Trousers are basically the same. M43 field cap is also still used, but it is the same one issued with the standard Flecktarn uniform.
10. Wüstentarn 2003 - present
Identical to #9 except in desert camouflage colors but with the addition of a M43 cap in desert colors.
11. Under armor Wüsterntarn Shirt 2006?-present
Camo sleeves with large pockets and velcro, tan/brown torso.
Field Uniform - Winter
1. Teddyfutter 1956-1959
Fake fur liners worn under the Splittertarn jacket and trousers. A US style "flap cap" was also issued.
2. 2nd Model Filzlaus 1962-1970?
Same as the earlier 1st Model but with rounded epaulettes. Perhaps some other cosmetic differences.
3. 1st Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1959-1961
Gray colored long parka with flapped hand pockets and slash chest hand pockets. Lined with Teddyfutter. Trousers are basically same as Filzlaus but in gray cotton. My guess is there was no liner for the trousers because the Filzlaus trousers were worn underneath. A revised flap cap with Teddyfutter cloth was issued along side, I think. Or perhaps the earlier US style one was still worn.
4. 2nd Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1962-1969
Gray "snorkel" medium length parka with snap/button in Teddyfutter liner. Distinctive feature is reinforced ovals on elbows. Trousers have pass through hand pockets, a leg pocket only on the right, and an integrated belt. Same cap as described above.
5. 3rd Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1970-1986
Similar to 2nd Model but without elbow reinforcements. Trousers lack integrated belt. I don't think the hat was any different. Same cap as described above.
6. 4th Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1986-1991
Parka shell with similar style to the 3rd Model Moleskin. Liner is quilted polyester material with thick collar and zipper. Can be worn independently of the parka, the parka independently of the liner. I am not sure if there were trousers or if the soldier was supposed to wear the wet weather trousers. There is a liner and I think it was issued around this time, if not earlier. Same cap as described above.
7. 1st - ? Model Early Flecktarn Parka 1991-1994?
Similar in concept to 4th Model above, but in Flecktarn. Appears to have gone through the same changes that the jackets went through. No special trousers that I'm aware of. My understanding is the wet weather trousers are supposed to be worn when necessary. There was, and perhaps maybe still is, a polyester liner that can be worn. Same cap as described above, but in Flecktarn cloth.
8. ? Model Standardized Flecktarn Parka 1994?-present
Pretty much the same as #7 above, but with black plastic snaps and arm pocket on left sleeve. Same cap as described above, but in Flecktarn cloth.
9. 1st Model Wüstentarn Parka 2003-present
Identical to #8 above, but in desert Flecktarn cloth. No winter cap in desert Flecktarn.
Work Uniform
1. Arbeitsanzug 1955-1962 (also worn as field uniform)
Olive drab HBT cotton uniform with pointed epaulettes and big pleated pockets on trousers legs. Under special conditions it was allowed to be used as a field uniform, but technically speaking that was not its intended purpose. The fact that it was used so much as a field uniform simply is a reflection of how unhappy soldiers were with Filzlaus. Came with M43 cap in matching cloth.
Wet Weather Uniform
1. Olive Drab Goretex 1986?-1991
Zip up front with snaps and velcro on sleeves for rank. Trousers are very similar to the 4th Model Winter Trousers.
2. Flecktarn Goretex 1991-present
Nearly identical to #1 above but in Flecktarn.
Reversible Snow Camouflage
1. 1st Model Top and Bottom 1962-1970?
Two piece set with everything buttoned. Solid white on one side, pine needle clusters on the other.
2. 2nd Model Top and Bottom 1970?-present
Two piece set with snaps and zippers instead of buttons. Same printing, but the cloth might be a little different than 1st Model.
3. Poncho 1962?-1970s?
One piece hooded poncho with ties to fit over equipment and arms. Like the two piece types, it is reversible.
Armored Vehicle Crew Coveralls
1. 1st Model Olive Drab 1959?-1962?
Gray cotton with lots of zippers. Zippers have leather tabs on them and the legs have front thigh pockets with horizontal zippers. No lower leg pockets. I assume there was a liner for this. Filzlaus wool beret was also issued. I'm pretty sure without the hard shell.
2. 2nd Model Olive Drab Coveralls 1963?-1986
I don't know when this started to be issued, but it was probably in the 1960s. There may be a model inbetween this and #1 above. Same basic design but with different details. Had a button in Teddyfutter liner. Filzlaus wool beret with hardshell liner was issued. I think it was dropped when the wool berets were adopted BW wide.
3. 3rd Model Olive Drab Coveralls 1986-1991
I don't think it was much different, or even any different, than #2 above. However, the liner changed to the same style quilted polyester type that was adopted for the Parka. Like the Parka, the liner was independent of the Coveralls and could be worn separately, though I'm not sure if it ever was.
3. 1st Model Flecktarn Coveralls 1991-present
Same design as #3 above but in Flecktarn camo cloth.
4. Wüstentarn Coveralls 2003?-present
Identical but in desert camouflage.
I'll get the ball rolling with everything I can think of and some approximate dates which, admittedly, are mostly off the top of my head. If I'm really unsure of a date I put a ? after it. I am also including only a few key details to distinguish what is what instead of trying to detail all unique features.
I will periodically take people's comments and work them into a new summary post. When we're complete, perhaps even Sticky it to the top of this Forum?
Steve
Field Uniform - Summer
1. Leibermuster 1954-1955
Jacket, trousers, and hood based on the failed ESV pattern. Quickly dropped.
2. Splittertarnmuster 1956-1959 (worn unofficially until mid 1960s)
Jacket, trousers, hood, and mitten shells. Came in Blue and Green variations. Production ceased in 1957. Special variants for FJ, LL, and GJ.
3. 1st Model Filizlaus 1959-1962 (see note in Winter section)
Brown wool shirt with pointed epaulletes, trousers based loosely on US M51, sidecap.
4. 1st Model Moleskin 1962-1969
Thick gray cotton jacket with rounded epaulettes and elbow reinforcements, trousers cut similar to Filzlaus, and M43 type field cap.
5. 2nd Model Moleskin 1970-1985
Simplification of 1st Model. Elbows no longer reinforced, trouser leg pockets no longer with pleats.
6. 3rd Model Moleskin 1986-1991
Jacket pockets bellowed with straight cut flaps, trousers and cap same as 2nd Model.
7. 1st - 6th Model Early Flecktarn 1991-1994
Jacket, trousers, and M43 cap in Flecktarn. Many significant variations, however the differences aren't radical. Easiest things to look for on the jacket are which arm has a pocket, brass vs. plastic faced snaps, velcro location/stitching for pocket flaps, and if there's an internal chest pocket. Trousers varied less, but look for snaps and pocket velcro like the shirt. Lots of other things moved around, added, or dropped. These aren't really experimental per se because they are standard issue. It's just that the BW kept changing the specs based on feedback and probably cost issues.
8. Standardized Flecktarn 1994-present
Similar to above, but with standardized features of black plastic faced snaps, no velcro on pockets, no internal chest pocket, and arm pocket on left sleeve. Other differences, but those are the major ones.
9. Tropentarn 2003 - present
Jacket, trousers, and boonie hat. Different cloth, so color tend to look more muted. Jacket has no zipper and mesh in armpits. Trousers are basically the same. M43 field cap is also still used, but it is the same one issued with the standard Flecktarn uniform.
10. Wüstentarn 2003 - present
Identical to #9 except in desert camouflage colors but with the addition of a M43 cap in desert colors.
11. Under armor Wüsterntarn Shirt 2006?-present
Camo sleeves with large pockets and velcro, tan/brown torso.
Field Uniform - Winter
1. Teddyfutter 1956-1959
Fake fur liners worn under the Splittertarn jacket and trousers. A US style "flap cap" was also issued.
2. 2nd Model Filzlaus 1962-1970?
Same as the earlier 1st Model but with rounded epaulettes. Perhaps some other cosmetic differences.
3. 1st Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1959-1961
Gray colored long parka with flapped hand pockets and slash chest hand pockets. Lined with Teddyfutter. Trousers are basically same as Filzlaus but in gray cotton. My guess is there was no liner for the trousers because the Filzlaus trousers were worn underneath. A revised flap cap with Teddyfutter cloth was issued along side, I think. Or perhaps the earlier US style one was still worn.
4. 2nd Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1962-1969
Gray "snorkel" medium length parka with snap/button in Teddyfutter liner. Distinctive feature is reinforced ovals on elbows. Trousers have pass through hand pockets, a leg pocket only on the right, and an integrated belt. Same cap as described above.
5. 3rd Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1970-1986
Similar to 2nd Model but without elbow reinforcements. Trousers lack integrated belt. I don't think the hat was any different. Same cap as described above.
6. 4th Model Winter Parka and Trousers 1986-1991
Parka shell with similar style to the 3rd Model Moleskin. Liner is quilted polyester material with thick collar and zipper. Can be worn independently of the parka, the parka independently of the liner. I am not sure if there were trousers or if the soldier was supposed to wear the wet weather trousers. There is a liner and I think it was issued around this time, if not earlier. Same cap as described above.
7. 1st - ? Model Early Flecktarn Parka 1991-1994?
Similar in concept to 4th Model above, but in Flecktarn. Appears to have gone through the same changes that the jackets went through. No special trousers that I'm aware of. My understanding is the wet weather trousers are supposed to be worn when necessary. There was, and perhaps maybe still is, a polyester liner that can be worn. Same cap as described above, but in Flecktarn cloth.
8. ? Model Standardized Flecktarn Parka 1994?-present
Pretty much the same as #7 above, but with black plastic snaps and arm pocket on left sleeve. Same cap as described above, but in Flecktarn cloth.
9. 1st Model Wüstentarn Parka 2003-present
Identical to #8 above, but in desert Flecktarn cloth. No winter cap in desert Flecktarn.
Work Uniform
1. Arbeitsanzug 1955-1962 (also worn as field uniform)
Olive drab HBT cotton uniform with pointed epaulettes and big pleated pockets on trousers legs. Under special conditions it was allowed to be used as a field uniform, but technically speaking that was not its intended purpose. The fact that it was used so much as a field uniform simply is a reflection of how unhappy soldiers were with Filzlaus. Came with M43 cap in matching cloth.
Wet Weather Uniform
1. Olive Drab Goretex 1986?-1991
Zip up front with snaps and velcro on sleeves for rank. Trousers are very similar to the 4th Model Winter Trousers.
2. Flecktarn Goretex 1991-present
Nearly identical to #1 above but in Flecktarn.
Reversible Snow Camouflage
1. 1st Model Top and Bottom 1962-1970?
Two piece set with everything buttoned. Solid white on one side, pine needle clusters on the other.
2. 2nd Model Top and Bottom 1970?-present
Two piece set with snaps and zippers instead of buttons. Same printing, but the cloth might be a little different than 1st Model.
3. Poncho 1962?-1970s?
One piece hooded poncho with ties to fit over equipment and arms. Like the two piece types, it is reversible.
Armored Vehicle Crew Coveralls
1. 1st Model Olive Drab 1959?-1962?
Gray cotton with lots of zippers. Zippers have leather tabs on them and the legs have front thigh pockets with horizontal zippers. No lower leg pockets. I assume there was a liner for this. Filzlaus wool beret was also issued. I'm pretty sure without the hard shell.
2. 2nd Model Olive Drab Coveralls 1963?-1986
I don't know when this started to be issued, but it was probably in the 1960s. There may be a model inbetween this and #1 above. Same basic design but with different details. Had a button in Teddyfutter liner. Filzlaus wool beret with hardshell liner was issued. I think it was dropped when the wool berets were adopted BW wide.
3. 3rd Model Olive Drab Coveralls 1986-1991
I don't think it was much different, or even any different, than #2 above. However, the liner changed to the same style quilted polyester type that was adopted for the Parka. Like the Parka, the liner was independent of the Coveralls and could be worn separately, though I'm not sure if it ever was.
3. 1st Model Flecktarn Coveralls 1991-present
Same design as #3 above but in Flecktarn camo cloth.
4. Wüstentarn Coveralls 2003?-present
Identical but in desert camouflage.
Hopefully people will eventually find issues to correct or add to. I find it such a chore to not have all this info in one place and sure of its accuracy.
) told me that the 2-colour Snow Camo is out of use and they get a US-Type single colour white one now.
Evidence of that is the moleskin trousers I just noticed weren't the same. And of course my dates are probably wrong in many places.
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