25257 - U.S. Infantryman Standing with Raincoat over Equipment

U.S. Infantryman Standing with Raincoat over Equipment

The poncho was introduced as rain gear to irregular U.S. military forces operating on the western plains in the 1850s. However, raincoats were also widely used by the U.S. Army and came in both mounted and dismounted versions – several different patterns were used during WWII. This soldier wears the Olive Drab synthetic resin coated raincoat. It was made using rubber coated or resin impregnated fabric, with seams glued and sealed together using high strength cement. The raincoat was often worn over other uniforms and even equipment to reduce the effects of rain, although prolonged exposure would still result in the soldier getting wet.