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N.O.S. GREENBRIER INDUSTRIES, INC. COLD WEATHER FLYERS’ JACKET MIL-J-83388A

Jorgeenriqueaguilera

Well-Known Member
Gents,

Today I wanted to share a N.O.S. example of the first pattern from the Cold Weather Flyers’ Jacket; the MIL-J-83388A. It was established by the Department of Defense on September 5, 1973. This model was adopted as the successor to the MA-1 and WEP jackets for USAF and USN pilots respectively. It became their main cold protection flight jacket, and since it was given the name of CWU-45/P later in 1977, it has undergone several spec revisions until present.

Based on the bitter experience of the Vietnam War, this is an intermediate flight jacket that uses flame-resistant fiber; Aromatic Polyamide (Aramid) for the first time. Quilting is used for the internal lining for heat retention.
It includes an inner pocket with velcro closure that comes with an Indian Orange rescue panel. This early pattern also features a bi-swing back for effortless arm movement.

The condition of this example is immaculate, which is rare considering it is over 45 years old. Serval zippers are working perfectly, and still retain their black paint. Knits are mint. Inside lining is spotless and the original inner pocket with the orange rescue panel is present. As a bonus, the cutter tag is still attached to the wind flap.

This pattern is extremely comfortable and probably one of the most practical flight jackets ever designed.

That being said, hope you guys enjoy it!

Regards,
Jorge
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MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
Outstanding! CWUs are way too underrated.
Fire, chemical, radiation, and abrasion resistant; but not water resistant!
Who the hell cares though; it's so g*ddamn cool.
 

YoungMedic

Well-Known Member
Is there something about the pleated back that differentiates the model of CWU type jackets? I have an unlabeled Aramid jacket with the pleated back and scoville gripper zippers, I assumed it was just a CWU 36
 

Jorgeenriqueaguilera

Well-Known Member
All MIL-J-83388 and some of the MIL-J-83388B came with the bi-swing back. After that (early 80's) they switched to the plain back that you see currently in use. I'll be doing a review covering all the series soon.

1975
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1995
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2010 (matte)
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