Smock Windproof DPM
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The Smock, Windproof, DPM' (or, DPM Windproof Smock) was issued alonside the standard DPM Combat Jackets by the British Army. The Special Air Service Regiment was the first unit to adopt its own design of DPM Windproof Smock which it wore in preference to the 68 Pattern and later combat jackets. Aside from being made from a windproof material, it differed from the standard combat jackets in being cut to fit more loosely, allowing if to fit over other layers of clothing more easily, and in having an integral hood. Later, a standardised DPM Windproof smock was introduced, which other units or individuals might wear in the field in preference to the combat jacket. In addition to the windproof material and the integral hood, this differed from the standard combat jacket in other ways. It had no epaulettes (the standard, 1968 to 1995 DPM jackets had epaulettes on the shoulders. The SAS had adopted the practice of wearing all ranks insignias on slides on the epaulettes, but had moved the epaulettes to the chest and back. The standard 95 Pattern (Soldier 95) shirt and combat jacket both followed this trend). Also, where the standard jackets were closed by a full-length zipper, covered by a buttoned flap, and buttoned cuffs, the windproof smock used velcro to close the flap over the zipper and to fasten the cuffs. The buttons fitted to the Windproof Smock (on the four, expanding front pockets, and the small arm pocket for the First Field Dressing) were all of an overlarge type, to ease use by cold or gloved fingers.
