South African Recce Operator Uniforms (1980’s – 1990’s?)

These solid colored uniforms were produced for the South African Special Forces during the Border War. Like other Recce-specific items, these were almost completely sterile with only minimal markings for size; the “official designation” is unknown.

The green colored version appears to be the most commonly available on the market and most commonly seen in photos.

Green Version:

The green version is made from a herringbone twill (HBT) material.

Jacket:

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Generic 4-pocket jacket with an obvious resemblance to the US M65 and other M43-derived field jackets commonly in seen in military use. No markings remain on this example. The jacket is probably the most commonly encountered part of this type of uniform.

Pockets:

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Cuffs:

Armpit Vents:

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Inside:

Buttons:

Pants:

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Waist Belt:

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Nylon webbing attached to ladder buckle used to tighten and secure waist.

Inside:

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Markings have been worn away. See tan version (below) for what it would have had when new.

Waist Pocket:

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Slash waist pockets have velcro on inside of bag.

Cargo Pockets:

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Thigh Pocket:

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Loops:

Each leg has 4 loops for holding foliage or tying objects to.

Tan Version:

The jacket and the pants are made from a thick, tightly-woven twill drill material, unlike the HBT of the green version. The tan hat is made from HBT material (source: https://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/562010162/mint_new_hereto_unknown_unseen_SADF_era_Recce_copy_camo_beige_HBT_trg_uniform_mint_flap_cap.html, sample below).

Jacket:

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Same as green HBT version above, except in khaki tan drill material.

Stamp:

The size stamp is the only marking on the jacket.

Upper Pockets:

Lower Pockets:

Armpit Vents:

Inside:

Cuffs:

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Buttons:

Buttons have multiple shades.

Pants:

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Stamp:

Sticker:

A warning about not using the items in public is printed onto a sticker on the inside waist that is meant to be easily removed.

Waist Belt:

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Nylon webbing attached to ladder buckle used to tighten and secure waist.

Buckle:

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Buckle is completely sterile.

Inside:

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Button:

Same as tan jacket.

Waist Pockets:

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Slash waist pockets have velcro on inside of bag.

Cargo Pockets:

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Thigh Pocket:

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Loop:

There are four loops for holding foliage or tying things to on each leg.

Ankles:

Hat:

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Made from HBT material like the green version jacket and pants.

Flap:

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Top:

Inside:

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Snaps:

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Usage Photos:

Due to the clandestine nature of Recce operations, very few photos show this type of uniform in use.

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There is a photo of a full green version set in use in medical training during the late 1980’s (information from accompanying text) on page 506 of South Africa Special Forces: The Men Speak by Jonathan Pittaway and Douw Steyn.