USGI Tropical Combat Uniform Coat, Class 2, 5th Pattern, NLABS-1

Description

Please note some tops may contain a USMC/EGA printing on the left chest pocket, there is no hand select and we cannot guarantee if you will receive one with such markings.

This is a Class 2, 5th Pattern NLABS-1 Tropical Combat Uniform Top. NLABS-1, often referred to Brown dominant ERDL or “Highlands” ERDL, is one of three primary versions of the ERDL pattern. The designation “Highlands” was a play on the coloring of the uniform that was believed to be more effective in the highland mountain regions of Vietnam. Both green and brown dominate ERDL were widespread usage throughout the Vietnam War, and after, until they were replaced with the NLABS-2/ RDF ERDL in the later 70s. The overall cut of the Class 2 uniform top is generally the same as its earlier OG-107 jungle top counterpart. Tops feature a cotton/poplin ripstop fabric, button shirt closure, adjustable button cuffs and 4 front pockets (2 slanted chest pockets and 2 straight waist pockets. These NLABS-1 tops are getting harder to find and are great for collectors of Vietnam memorabilia.

Please note some tops may contain a USMC/EGA printing on the left chest pocket, there is no hand select and we cannot guarantee if you will receive one with such markings.

Features

• Clothing Button Closure – Has buttons for the closure.
• Adjustable Sleeve Cuffs – Sleeves have either a button or hook and loop adjustable cuff for fit and wear.
• Chest Pockets – Has pockets on the front of the chest.
• ERDL Camo Pattern – The Engineer Research and Development Laboratory pattern was designed as a general purpose camo for jungle environments. The camo consists of organic shapes with black branch shapes on top of a solid color background. The pattern dates bate to 1948 and was revived in 1962 for testing. The camo would see initial use with recon and special forces units in the early years of the Vietnam War and would be used by the USMC later on during the war as well. The pattern camo in two versions. The “lowlands” pattern had a green dominant scheme and the “highlands” pattern had a more brown scheme. The pattern would mostly be issued in the “highlands” variant and would see use after the war in limited amounts as well. After the war the RDF, Rapid Defense Force, would use a final variation of the camo pattern. This RDF ERDL as it is called in some circles is similar in color to what would replace it, the Woodland Pattern aka M81 BDU. The pattern is much more defined and improved with better fabrics as well.
• This is Fancy – This item has been deemed Fancy by the Cataloging Team.

Manufacturers

• Various Government Contractors – This item is manufactured for the US government by various contractors.

Country of Manufacture

USA – This product is manufactured in the #1 country, the USA.

Issue Type

USGI – These are genuine US government issued items made to military specification (mil-spec).