U S Army M-65 Field Jacket

[dilbert123]

Question for you Army vets:

Ex-Navy guy who just got a great-looking M-65 field jacket, always wanted one. I have a question about the sleeves, however. I have rather short arms and I can wear jackets with knit cuffs (like my flight jacket) with no problems as the knits grip the wrist but usually have to have anything else tailored to shorten the arm length. The M-65 comes with an unusual triangular extension inside the cuff of each sleeve along with some Velcro patches. I can't for the life of me figure how to fold this. Does the extra triangular part normally fold inside so as not to be seen or would the jacket ever be worn with the sleeves rolled up on the outside as one would, say, a shirt? What is the purpose of that triangular extension?

Really appreciate any help anyone can give. Many thanks!

 

[Peacoat]

The triangular part is folded inside. The field jacket is never worn with the sleeves rolled up. I have heard some speculation as to the purpose, but can't remember now what it was. I had a field jacket but only wore it a few times, so I can't be much help with those triangular pieces.

 

[David Conwill]

I used to wear M65s almost exclusively (in HS and into college). I always kept that triangular patch folded up inside. I'm not sure if it's some kind of anti-gas flap, or whether it's for cold-weather use.

As an interesting aside, my dad (USAF 1969-74) had the skirt of the jacket he wore most frequently tailored up inside, eliminating the bottom pockets, etc. It looked like an Ike jacket.

 

[Lungomare]

Hi !

The triangular parts are always worne inside, and I assume the function of them is some kind of extra-protection from rain for gloves, wrist watch, etc..

Mine is vintage and fits perfect, but a good tailor can shorten the sleeves without destroying the triangulars by doing the shortening in the shoulder-armpit region!

Maybe you know this yet, if not you'll get some good informations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpApofs1PnU

Kind regards,

Johannes

 

[armorrich]

I'm pretty sure you're on the right track about the sleeve flap. I believe it was used to secure the winter mittens and prevent them from slipping. Another enigma is the button on the wind flap in the center of the chest...never figured what that was for either. I'm a goretex generation soldier!!.......cheers...rich

 

[dilbert123]

Thanks for the replies!!!

It also occurred to me just after posting my question that this jacket was worn by the Marines and Air Force as well- no intention of a slight on my part, so my bad.

 

[bentusian]

.. Another enigma is the button on the wind flap in the center of the chest...never figured what that was for either. I'm a goretex generation soldier!!.......cheers...rich

The front botton on the wind flap is for attaching M-51 fur hood (not sure about M-65 parka hood) onto the field jacket, although M-51 hood doesn't fit quite neatly.

FYI, this is how it looks with the hood:

I still don't know why they retain this botton into the 21st century version of the M-65s, though.

I myself also served in a first-gen goretex ECWCS parka, but when it was really cold I always went for my M-65..

 

[Aerojoe]

Well, these are the m-65 mittens;

I never figured out how triangular flaps fit with them. On the other hand, I think the m-65 system was for both, cold and extreme cold whether. Perhaps this flap was designed for any other kind of gloves. There used to be a manual but I never found it.

 

[Phantomfixer]

The winter hoods never did fit perfectly, but with the liner and the fur hood, these field jackets became a parka..... very warm.
John