Smock Windproof DPM
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The Smock, Windproof, DPM' (or, DPM Windproof Smock) was issued alongside 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 it 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 1990 DPM jackets had epaulettes on the shoulders); and it had bellows pockets. However, the version issued and worn by the Royal Marine Commandos and Army units assigned to the AMF(L) for arctic warfare replaced epaulettes with button-on rank tabs on the chest and back, as well as a wire 'stiffener' for the hood. The standard 95 Pattern (Soldier 95) shirt and combat jacket both followed this trend, omitting the rank tab on the back which tends to snag on rucksacks, camouflage netting and so forth). 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.
