NVA Strichtarn (line camouflage pattern) jacket 1965.

[Jack59]

The NVA in 1965 introduced of the so-called "Combat Suit 64" in the then new line camouflage pattern.
The "Combat Suit 64" was the first model of the then new type of field service clothing in a line camouflage pattern.
Trials for this new uniform were started in 1963 by the border guards.



The nationwide introduction of this new uniform was schedule to be completed by the end of 1969.
Note that the "Flächentarn" pattern uniform was still manufactured until 1970.


The main difference with this new uniform is that it is no longer going on top of the service or drill uniforms.
It is now worn by itself with the system of collar tie.


Note the press cardboard buttons to attach the collar tie.
The cardboard button-collar tie system was also adopted from
the German field blouses of the Second World War.


The line camouflage pattern was developed as a project at what was then
the Karl-Marx-Stadt Research Institute for Textile Technology.


The fabric was made of polyester/cotton.
The base material was indanthrene-dyed (lightfast and washfast).
Small brown broken lines at 0.5 cm and 1 cm intervals were printed on the base color.


As it only recently became known (November 2021), the dye came from Switzerland,
the Federal Republic of Germany (!) and Czechoslovakia.


Arm sleeve camouflage loop & it's interior reinforcement (note the usage of Flächentarn pattern material)


Back camouflage loop, no inside reinforcement.


Manufacturer stamping on the pistol pocket.
Note the simplicity of the waist drawstring.


Right front pocket inside view.


The bottom closure of the jacket could be adjusted.


The hood/helmet cover could be attached to the "Strichtarn"
jacket combat suit 64 only from 1964/65 to 1966.
After that period the helmet cover was autonomous.




New item tag example.


Most of the information comes from Flächentarn Krauß wonderful web site.
More info & photos: Flachentarn Krauss

[James C]

Superb display and informative post Jack and nice to see some small section of the Flächentarn material was still in use here and there ,my strichtarn set is dated 1966 and is devoid of the hood attachment buttons so must of been phased out by then confirming your dates in use for the hood attachment ,the collar liner really does smarten up the overall appearance of the jacket ,for my display at the time eleven years ago i wrongly fitted the later UTV gloves

[Jack59]

Let's now have a closer look at these trousers part of the new "Strichtarn" pattern uniform.
As mentioned this new pattern will no longer be "baggy", being now worn by itself.



The pockets to access the uniform are no longer required & have been eliminated.


Giving way to 2 full pockets on each side.


Knee reinforcement.




The iconic suspenders.




The trousers can be adjusted at the waist.


Inside view of the pockets.


Nice view of the work station's identification numbers.


Bottom closure attachment.


The new issue tag, probably the last quality control step.


The "Strichtarn" uniforms will undergo modifications for the next 20 years,
don't be surprise to see different models.

[Jack59]

Superb display and informative post Jack and nice to see some small section of the Flächentarn material was still in use here and there ,my strichtarn set is dated 1966 and is devoid of the hood attachment buttons so must of been phased out by then confirming your dates in use for the hood attachment ,the collar liner really does smarten up the overall appearance of the jacket ,for my display at the time eleven years ago i wrongly fitted the later UTV gloves

Thanks for your comment James, it is so easy to do mistakes with the uniforms & equipment. Lucky me members will put me back on the good track. As often, things that look simple ends up a bit more complicated, similar to home repairs, ha ha!.. The gas mask seen on your nice display reminds me that I haven't got any yet, I'll have to work on that. Jack

[Eschborn]

There is nothing to say, very beautiful uniform uniform, size and date and in excellent condition!
The color is typical of this period, more ocher than green.
The hood became very independent in 1966 but in the second half of the year. I and II quarter still have the buttons on the collar.

[Steelhead10]

Very Nice displays and lots of great information.

Thank you Jack and James for sharing.

Matt

[Watchdog]

This is an under-subscribed area of militaria collecting but if you have a look through this sub-forum you will see a lot of interesting stuff and of course as with everything else the prices are climbing.

The Strichtarn pattern is one I am very familiar with from my own army service in Germany especially regarding the Grenztruppen der DDR. I think somewhere I have Strichtarn magazine pouches with internal dividers made from Flachentarn (aka Blumentarn) material. I must dig them out.

Regards

Mark

[Sleepwalker]

Hello.

Here is an impression from an NVA book from 1969.

Jacket 65 with early helmet cover.

[Jack59]

Thanks for the period photo Sleepwalker.
Nice view of the helmet covers. We can also see inside the collars part of the collar tie "Kragenbinde" confirming that the new uniforms are now worn by themselves, no longer on top of the service uniform. That practice being a WW 2 legacy with camouflage smocks.

Regards
Jack

[Sleepwalker]

another view of a early Strichtarn Typ1 helmet cover