USMC pewter "tanker" jacket

[Slobo]

I have a USMC contract pewter lightweight jacket made by Blauer. It's dated 1984 and quite well made. I believe this jacket currently goes by the name "USMC "Tanker" Jacket and is still optional wear with Service B and Service C. It certainly borrows heavily from the WW2 tanker with bi-swing back, knit elastic collar, cuffs and waist, and exposed brass zipper. Differences are a greyer color than khaki and button-down shoulder straps.

 

Questions: does anyone know when this jacket, in this configuration (shoulder straps) was first authorized for wear? Is the color now different than the greyish khaki called "pewter" right on the contract label? Is this jacket still authorized wear as the "USMC Tanker"? Was both enlisted and officer rank always worn on the shoulder straps, or is this a more recent regulation?

[Bob Hudson]

"3015. JACKET, TANKER

1. The tanker jacket, authorized for individual optional purchase and wear,

is made of a pewter gray polyester/wool gabardine material that has been

treated to be water-repellent/resistant.

2. The jacket may be worn with the dress "C"/"D" uniforms, the service

"B"/"C" uniforms and service or blue dress uniform with sweater. When worn

the jacket will be zipped at least to the top (i.e., the highest point) of

the external slash pockets. When worn with the sweater, the sleeves and the

waistband of the sweater will be rolled up or under to ensure they do not

extend below the jacket's sleeves/waistband.

3. Officers will wear their insignia of grade on the shoulder straps in the

same manner as worn on the all-weather coat. Enlisted Marines will wear

metal/plastic insignia of grade on the shoulder straps, single point inboard,

and placed in the same manner as field/company grade officer's insignia.

4. The jacket will not be worn with the all-weather coat, nor will it be

worn with the utility uniform. It will not be worn for inspections,

ceremonial formations, or parades. It may be worn for leave/liberty. The

jacket is authorized for wear, without insignia, with civilian clothing. "

[Slobo]

Thanks Bob. Do we know when this jacket was first authorized?

[usmc-collector]

There were two variants manufactured:

 

Jacket, Man's, Ligthweight, color USMC Green 2242 - no knit fabric on cuffs, collar and waistband, used in 70s to late 80s, maybe earlier (I have documented only examples with 70s and 80s manufacturing labels)

 

Jacket, Man's, Intermediate weight, color USMC Pewter 2246 - with knit fabric on cuffs, collar and waistband, used early 90s to present

 

JAROSLAV

[Slobo]

Mine is most definitely the version in your second photo. I believe it is dated 1984 but now I want to re-check that.