Austrian Gebirgsjägerjacke (1960’s – 1980’s?)

Early Cold War (1945 - 1968), Later Cold War (1969 - 1989), Other Uniforms

This type of jacket was worn by Austrian NCO’s and officers from a relatively thin, windproof gabardine fabric. It was likely made and used between the 1960’s – 1980’s. Another term for this type of jacket is “Alpinanorak”, which sellers often translate as “Alpine Jacket” [1].

Patches:

After WW2, Austria codified its neutrality in its constitution [2], so the Austrian Bundesheer’s main foreign deployments have been as part of UN peacekeeping missions. Austria has been contributing peacekeepers since 1960, when they were first deployed to the Congo [3].

Pockets:

Upper pockets.
Lower pockets slanted outwards for improved ergonomics.

The jacket has been heavily used so it has many repairs.

Epaulettes:

Hood:

The hood is stored inside a zippered pocket in the collar like a US M-65 jacket.

Zipper and Button:

All metal zippers are unmarked.

Inside:

Internal document pocket on left side (as worn).
Lower internal pocket on right side (as worn) appears to be for a bandage, similar to the West German BGS jacket.

Internal Document Pocket:

Usage Photo:

1965: Arnold Schwarzenegger and his tank crew during his conscripted service in the Austrian Bundesheer [4]. The second person from the left appears to be wearing a Gebirgsjägerjacke.