Military Clothings

From: “Wikipedia”

An anorak or parka is a type of heavy jacket with a hood, often lined with fur or fake fur, so as to protect the face from a combination of freezing temperatures and wind. This kind of garment, originally made from caribou or seal was invented by the Caribou Inuit, Inuit (Eskimo) of the Arctic region, who needed clothing that would protect them from wind chill and wetness while hunting and kayaking. Certain types of Inuit anoraks have to be regularly coated with fish oil to keep their water resistance.

The words anorak and parka are now often used interchangeably, but when first introduced, they described somewhat different garments, and the distinction is still maintained by some. Strictly speaking, an anorak is a waterproof jacket with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs, and a parka is a knee-length cold-weather jacket or coat; typically stuffed with down or very warm synthetic fiber, and with a fur-lined hood. Originally an anorak specifically implied a pull-over jacket without a zipper, button or frogged opening, but this distinction is now largely lost, and many garments with a full-length front opening are now described as anoraks. The anorak and parka have been developed from their traditional forms into a number of different designs using modern materials, notably the Fishtail and Snorkel parkas and the Cagoule, a form of lightweight anorak.

Amauti Two young Inuit mothers wearing amautit (angajuqtaujaq)

The amauti (also amaut or amautik, plural amautiit) is the traditional eastern Arctic Inuit parka designed to carry a child in the same garment as the parent so that the child is warm and safe from frostbite, wind and cold. The amauti can be made from a variety of materials including sealskin, caribou skin or duffle (a thick woollen cloth) with a windproof outer shell. Children continue to be commonly carried in this way in the eastern Arctic communities of Nunavut and Nunavik, but the garment is sometimes seen in the Northwest Territories, Greenland, Labrador and Alaska. Traditionally the mother or female care-giver wears an amauti, but the garment may also be worn by fathers or male care-givers. A male who wears an amauti is said, in the south Baffin tradition, to be probably more successful when next hunting for certain species of animals.

The word ‘parka’ is derived from the Nenets language. In the Aleutian Islands the word simply means “animal skin”. It first entered the English written record in a 1625 work by Samual Purchas. The word ‘anorak’ comes from the Kalaallisut word anoraq. It did not appear in English until 1924; an early definition is “gay beaded item worn by Greenland women or brides in the 1930s”. In the early 1950s it was made from Nylon, but changed to poplin by 1959, when it featured in Vogue magazine as a fashion item. In 1984, the Observer newspaper used the term to refer to the type of people who wore it, and “an anorak” became a derogatory term for trainspotters or nerds.

N-3B (“Snorkel”) Parka US Air Force, Snorkel Parka

The original Snorkel Parka (USAF N-3B parka, which is 3/4 length and has a full, attached hood; the similar N-2B parka is waist-length and has an attached split hood) was developed in the USA during the early 1950s for military use, mainly for flight crews stationed in extremely cold areas, designed as it was for temperatures down to -60 deg. F. Originally made with a sage green DuPont flight silk nylon outer and lining it was padded with a wool blanket type material until the mid 1970s when the padding was changed to polyester wadding making the jacket both lighter and warmer. The outer shell material also was changed to a sage green cotton-nylon blend, with respective percentages 80–20, 65-35, and 50-50 being used at various times. It gained the common name of “Snorkel Parka” because the hood can be zipped right up leaving only a small tunnel (or snorkel) for the wearer to look out of. This is particularly effective in very cold, windy weather although it has the added liabilities of seriously limiting the field of vision and hearing. Earlier (Vietnam-era) hoods had genuine fur ruffs on the hoods; later versions used synthetic furs. Original manufacturers of this parka for the government included Skyline, Southern Athletic, Lancer, Greenbrier, Workroom For Designers, Alpha, and Avirex. Older nylon-shell parkas have a tendency to exhibit a change in color from the original sage green to a shade of magenta due to long-term cumulative exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. To some in the military, this is personally desirable, as it lends to its wearer an aura of seasoned experience (referred to as salty by those in the US Navy and US Marine Corps). However, considered in a tactical environment, this is a liability, as it decreases one’s ability to be camouflaged on the ground.

The basic N-3B parka design was copied and sold to the civilian market by many manufacturers with varying degrees of quality and faithfulness to the original government specifications. Surplus military parkas are often available for relatively low prices online and in surplus stores; they compare quite favorably with civilian extreme-cold parkas of all types due to their robust construction, designed for combat conditions, and warmth, at (usually) significantly lower prices. However, one would have to be satisfied with the single color choice of sage green.

In the UK, the snorkel parka attained its popularity high point in the late 1970s to mid 1980s when its cheap and hard wearing properties made it the jacket of choice for school kids. It became so popular that at many schools almost every boy had one. Whilst the original N3B parka lining was un-quilted and the same colour as the outer shell, the school type parkas usually has quilted orange lining.

Brands such as Lord Anthony, Campri, Keynote and Brutus made their names selling snorkel parkas.

In the late 1980s the snorkel parka became unpopular and was associated with geeks and nerds, helping to create the UK term ‘anorak’ for such people. As such it became highly unfashionable and for a time wearers became the subject of ridicule.

In Europe the snorkel parka started to regain popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, being worn by the likes of Liam Gallagher, Kenny McCormick (South Park), and David Beckham. Around 2004, the traditional association with “Anoraks” had faded and the Snorkel Parka became a main-stream fashion jacket once more becoming particularly popular in the indie scene and with now middle-aged people recapturing memories of their school snorkel parkas. It is also once again popular as a school jacket, though at nothing like the same level of popularity as it achieved in the 1970s and 1980s.

Most modern parkas more closely resemble the original 1950s design and have lost the orange quilted lining of the 70′s school parkas, however the old school style are now considered highly desirable selling for high prices in vintage clothing shops.

Snorkel jackets remain very popular within Hip Hop culture being worn by both men and women and also have an association with Indie pop.

Fishtail Parka M-51 fishtail parka. This was a favorite amongst the mods.

The Fishtail Parka was first used by the United States Army in 1951 to help protect soldiers from the elements in the Korean War.

There are two main styles of fishtail parkas; the M-51 fishtail parka; and the M-65. The M stands for military, and the number is the year it was standardized. The name fishtail comes from the fact that the coat is longer at the back than it is at the front. This was so the coat could be tied around the upper legs, much like a Knochensack for added wind proofing as they are not, as some think, waterproof. The hood of the M-51 Fishtail Parka is integral to the jacket and folds down inside the jacket collar when not in use. The M-65 Fishtail parka has a detachable hood. Both types feature a removable liner. Designed primarily for combat arms forces such as infantry, they are to be worn over other layers of clothing; alone, the fishtail parka is insufficient to protect against “dry cold” (as used in the US military; see FM 31-70, Cold Weather Field Manual) conditions. On the other hand, the N-3B parka (above) has more integral insulation and can be worn alone in colder temperatures than the fishtail parka. Because it has less insulation but is designed to fit loosely, it allows infantry more latitude to add or subtract layers underneath to adapt to changing weather or situational conditions than that allowed by the N-3B parka, which was designed for aircrews who typically worked under more static weather and geographic conditions. With proper additional insulating garments in the US military inventory, one can remain warm with the fishtail parka in -60 deg. F. temperatures. The fishtail parka has been replaced in the US military by the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS).

In the 1960s UK, the fishtail parka became a symbol of the mod subculture. Due to their practicality, cheapness and availability from army surplus shops, the parka was seen as the ideal garment for fending off the elements when on the mod’s vehicle of choice, the scooter. Its place in popular culture was assured by newspaper pictures of parka-clad mods during the Bank Holiday riots of the 1960s.

Cagoule (raincoat)

A cagoul, cagoule or kagoule is the British English term for a lightweight, weatherproof anorak or parka, usually without the lining and sometimes coming to knee-length.

A cagoule which can be rolled up into a very compact package and carried in a bag or pocket was invented by Noel Bibby of Peter Storm Ltd. in the early 1960s. It has an integral hood, elasticated or drawstring cuffs, and a few poppers or a short zip at the neck. Like the original Aleut anorak it does not open fully at the front and must be pulled on over the head. In some versions, when rolled up, the hood doubles as a bag into which the rest of the coat is pushed. It became very popular in the United Kingdom during the 1970s.

Federico Scatizzi

www.modamilitare.com

Hi, My name is Federico Scatizzi, I live in Prato and I created the site www.modamilitare.com in order to sell not only the mythical flight jackets Alpha Industries Made in USA but also other lifestyle brands in the military, like Corinth MFG Made in USA, Union Industries, Desert Storm, NFL – NBA, German military clothing, items for Italian Air Force, jackets, patches and more.

How did I get here? I remember the beginning of my career, and I am thinking back over the road that led me to sell military items around the world. As a matter of fact, on tmy web site I wrote something about it. At the beginning of the story (once upon a time…), I was lucky enough to find a friend, that owned a store full of original military items, which are practically impossible to find elsewhere (in my opinion, some are just unique or very rare). I discovered probably the largest stock of products Alpha Industries “Made in USA” in the world! And from there, the path of Alpha Industries started in Italy and Europe.

You can imagine my joy when I saw that all items in the warehouse were (and still are) absolutely brand new and that they were strictly produced in the United States. These items are reserved for true connoisseurs and true collectors. So I thought that to sell them to friends … then I had a new idea, that is selling using an online store. Even if my friend’s store is large and well stocked, some pieces, colors and sizes are now being phased out.

Therefore, in the case of depletion of some articles, I will notify you via e-mail. And then periodically I will arrange special offers. Indeed, at the opening of the site www.modamilitare.com I thought I’d do something really special, so I reserved for you a discount coupon that brings you a discount of 15%, but only until 31 March. So I suggest you take advantage of it immediately. Here is the coupon, as follows: UTKosP0V

I also thought of doing something for the real unique pieces that I have in stock. Maybe an auction, a contest, I will find a way. These unique pieces are jackets also sold online at 500$, 1000$ even 2000$, because they are the rarest, probably you will find them only here. But that’s another story … I’ll talk later about that. I really want customers like you, and I want to inform you about every event I will arrange for you. I recommend you to receive our newsletter, informing about news and updates on these great products. So if you wish to, you should subscribe to our newsletter, You should look at the bottom of our home page, searching for a box titled “Newsletter”. It ‘just give up your e-mail and press the button “Subscribe”. If you then change your mind, you can unsubscribe whenever you want. However, for now I would like to invite you to exploit this great opportunity and take the advantage of the discount that I have reserved for you. Use this coupon at once: UTKosP0V.

My best wishes.

Federico Scatizzi

www.modamilitare.com

Air Force Print News|by TSgt. Luke Johnson

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

This familiar call is one many NASCAR fans hear each weekend as they watch their favorite drivers compete for the checkered flag.

Yet, at Beale Air Force Base, a special chase car’s pursuit down the flightline, tailing a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft at breakneck speeds, would leave any NASCAR fan screaming for more.

“The job is awesome,” said Maj. Luke Lokowich with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. “You get to go 110 miles per hour every day, and (the U-2 is) the only aircraft in the Air Force that has (a person in) a car driving behind it talking a pilot through a landing.”

Not all pilots can chase a U-2 down the runway at speeds of 110 mph.

“First of all, they have to be a U-2 pilot (because) they have to understand what the person in the aircraft is going through,” Major Lokowich said. “When the U-2 pilot is up there in his pressure suit, everything is exponentially more difficult and the simple act of opening a checklist can be extremely difficult and time consuming.”

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The chase car driver provides the pilot with an extra set of eyes and ears on the ground as he or she talks the pilot down from a high-altitude sortie.

“In many ways, it’s just a second crew member, a co-pilot in a single-seat aircraft, able to perform emergency checklists for him, work problems at ground speed zero where you have more time, more resources and more time to devote to any emergencies.” Major Lokowich said.

The U-2 is regarded by many as one of the most difficult aircraft to land and maneuver. By having another U-2 pilot on the ground after a long, high-altitude mission, it’s reassuring for the pilot in the cockpit to know that a fellow aviator has got his back.

“(You come) back from a long mission flying for nine or 10 hours, you are going to be tired (and) stagnant, and your visibility is really hindered in the suit,” said Maj. Pete Van Pelt, a U-2 instructor pilot. “Your ability to feel, your dexterity and couple that with the fact this plane is really difficulty to land on a good day, it’s really nice to have an extra set of eyes outside the airplane during the landing phase.”

During normal missions, the chase car driver, or mobile driver, is responsible for more than just ensuring a safe landing at the end of a long operation. He preflights the aircraft while the mission pilot is getting suited up and he also monitors the weather and provides help in emergencies.

“The plane can be a handful if you have problems,” Major Van Pelt said. “It’s nice to have somebody else read the checklists to you, communicate things to folks on the ground for you.”

Although U-2 pilots race down the runway in high-performance automobiles chasing the aircraft at speeds that would land hefty speeding tickets, they know their job ensures the success and safety of every U-2 sortie.

“It’s a vitally important job to ensure the safety of the flyer and the aircraft, and that is first and foremost,” Major Lokowich said. “(They) don’t have to be up in the aircraft to be an important part of the mission. Just like the maintenance team, the backshop specialists and crew chiefs, (who) are all absolutely crucial to the success of a U-2 sortie, the mobile is just one more aspect of that.”

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Air Force Print News|by Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Mentors touch our lives and help shape us into the people we are today. We value mentorship in the Air Force and both develop it in our subordinates while seeking it from our supervisors.

I like to think that one cannot have enough mentors, nor can one mentor enough. I’ve had many through the years, but one sticks out above the rest. This particular mentor touched my life in two important ways, separated by nearly 40 years.

While a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I struggled to keep my grades up. I was on the dean’s “other list” six of eight semesters. Now, in the end, I managed to defeat my academic demons and graduate with a commission in 1973, but I certainly didn’t do it alone. I owe my success in large part to my academic adviser and mentor, Col. Joe Henjum.

Colonel Henjum wasn’t what I expected when I met him for the first time in 1971. To be honest, I don’t think I knew what to expect. He had been awarded the Silver Star for heroism while flying helicopters in Vietnam. I quickly learned that Colonel Henjum was the kind of person who was easy to look up to and even easier to follow.

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When he took me and my academic worries under his wing, I was proud to be there. I knew that his guidance, combined with persistence and determination on my part, would lead me through the challenge. In the end, it most certainly did.

When I walked across the stage with the rest of the Class of 1973, I strode with the confidence that Colonel Henjum had helped build within me. He had been a crucial part of my Academy experience and, in many ways, part of who I am today. I kept in touch with Colonel Henjum over the years, often thanking him for making a difference in my life. I never imagined that his influence would impact me all over again, especially at this point in my career.

The second time Colonel Henjum touched my life began with tragic news. On Jan. 1 of this year, Colonel Henjum passed away after battling a long illness. His son, Mark, asked if I would speak at his father’s memorial service. I was touched by his request and spent hours trying to find the right words to convey how great a person had just left our earth. I wanted to make sure everyone understood the lasting difference he made in the lives of others.

When it was my turn to speak, it came from my heart. I told the crowd about a man who dedicated his life to serving and helping others. When I finished, his son rose to speak. While listening to Mark’s story, I found Colonel Henjum leading me on another journey. I was touched and want to share the story with you.

A few months ago, Mark accompanied his father to the hospital and they both knew what was about to happen. The doctor was going to tell Colonel Henjum that he only had three months left to live. It was an appointment they were both dreading. While riding up to the doctor’s floor, Colonel Henjum greeted the building janitor who shared the elevator with them. He complimented the janitor for keeping the building so clean. The janitor was shocked; no one had ever thanked him before. Colonel Henjum noticed the building and took the time to notice the janitor. His actions resonated with me. That janitor would never forget Colonel Henjum.

When getting off the elevator, Colonel Henjum introduced Mark to the receptionist. He told Mark about the receptionist’s son who was a Marine and currently flying combat missions in Afghanistan. He reassured the receptionist that her son would come home safely; Marines are excellent pilots. Not only had Colonel Henjum met and talked with the receptionist before, but also he remembered her and took precious time to introduce his son. He even thought to reassure her fears with a son deployed to combat operations.

Now, think about it. Colonel Henjum was riding the elevator to find out he didn’t have much time left. Instead of lamenting his fate, he was concerned about others. That day, he made a difference in their lives. Almost 37 years after graduating from the Academy, Colonel Henjum was once again making a difference in my life.

I always like to tell people that they should strive for two things in life: make a difference in people’s lives and leave the campground better than you found it. Colonel Henjum certainly did that throughout his 75 years. He mentored me as a cadet at the Air Force Academy and once again just this last month. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and friend.

Go and thank those who have guided you through the years and take time to make a difference in the lives of those you mentor. Our Air Force is only as good as those of us who serve. Let’s all work hard to make each of us a little better each and every day. Just as Colonel Henjum did for me and many others.

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Who still thinks that companies today continue to produce “in house” as in the past,  was mistaken and is out of step with the times. All major industries now do not give food to workers in their country.

I remember a case a few years ago, when the company whe I was working was about to buy a computer system of IBM. Also a representative of Olivetti (which at the time marketed computers),came and said candidly: “Buy Olivetti, so you will buy a “Made in Italy” and do good to our country.” Then I showed him the label of an Olivetti typewriter, which was written “Made in Japan”, while I knew (and told him so quickly) that some components of the IBM systems were made in Segrate, in Milan neighborhood, and Santa Palomba (There were produced all types of hard drives IBM). So think about how globalization has created chaos, a chaos that upsets all our beliefs, and what is worse, even our principles. As I said, all big companies do not produce anymore at home with costs that are much higher, but was directed at developing countries, with a strongly growing economy, and at the same time, production costs are much lower, mainly because of less restrictive rules, that do not force companies to adopt effective systems of occupational safety, electrical, air conditioning etc.

How many domestic companies do not produce here, but they are contributing to the development of Romania, China or Poland. Just think about the Fiat plant in Termini Imerese, which has already been sentenced to its final closure. Know why is closed? To transfer to Poland. So, there is nothing to wonder whether in China or in other emerging countries, the products are “our products”, that is what was done in our country until yesterday. We take as a second example the company “Alpha Industries”, the establishment of Knoxville in Tennessee, USA. This industrial giant, a supplier of the whole American Army, Air Force and Navy, since several  years produces its jackets in China, Vietnam and Egypt. What are we thinking? The only sure thing is that these countries make quality products built to American standards, built on commission, they have to meet the quality standards of the manufacturer. And then resign to Polish Fiat cars and Chinese and Vietnamese Alpha Industries jackets.

http://www.alphaindustriesoriginal.com

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Now we are accustomed to this way of thinking, and when we see on some product “Made in China”, our reactions are basically three:

1) The eyes may start to shine because Chinese = low prices = savings, so we dive in buying.

2) We turn to the other side because Chinese = low price = low quality.

3) We are shocked because Chinese = copied product  = FAKE!

As you noticed, in our response we don’t consider the possibility that the Chinese product (or Korean, or Vietnamese, to name some similar) can also be a quality product that we can trust and respect. Usually we buy these products because we can save money, and indeed we are preparing to a short duration and almost immediate problems, all inclusive in the price, even the calculated risk on the quality. We have not considered the fact that some major producer may choose to produce in China or Vietnam because it costs less, but the constructor requires the same quality specifications as for Italy or the United States. This is the case of the famous American company Alpha Industries, which now routinely produces in China, Vietnam and Egypt their flight jackets in the version intended for the civilian market. In fact, only the jackets for the U.S. military units are still manufactured in the United States. So today if you and I want to buy a jacket “original” Alpha Industries, we have to buy it with a label “Made in China or Made in Vietnam, or perhaps Egypt. I know that it may sound strange, but it’s the truth. Perhaps it is one of the effects of market globalization.

Otherwise we have a further possibility: to buy original jackets on Outlet Florence, which owns the largest European store of original American flight jackets, the ones that still belong to the U.S. production of Knoxville, Tennessee. If you can’t stand the Made in China …

http://www.alphaindustriesoriginal.com

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I giorni Sabato 10 Ottobre 2009 dalle ore 10:00 alle ore 22:00 e Domenica 11 Ottobre 2009 dalle ore 10:00 alle ore 20:00 si terrà la prima Mostra-Mercato “Corte Genova” di Arte, Design e Moda Vintage a Prato.

Alla quale parteciperà Fifth Avenue con uno stand tutto dedicato ai Giubbotti di volo e Giacche Alpha Industries Made in USA Vintage.

Esporremmo tutti i nostri principali articoli Alpha Industries Made in USA che potrai vedere e toccare con mano, provare e acquistare direttamente sul posto.

Partecipa all’evento, che sarà completamente GRATUITO, e, oltre ad assicurarti una buona giornata che passerai in armonia sfruttando di un mix di artigianato e arte, design e remake, vintage e arredamento, ti abbiamo riservato un piccolo omaggio che potrai ritirare presentando il nostro invito personale che riceverai riservando la tua iscrizione direttamente sul nostro blog.

Per iscriverti clicca su questo link:

http://www.fifthavenueservice.com/mostra-mercato/

e compila il form che troverai in fondo alla pagina inserendo il tuo nome ed il tuo indirizzo email.

Una settimana prima dell’evento riceverai via email il nostro invito personale che potrai presentare al nostro stand per ritirare il piccolo omaggio (a sorpresa) che ti abbiamo riservato.

Ti aspettiamo!!!

Ciao Federico Scatizzi www.fifthavenueservice.com www.outlet-firenze.it