The East German military, known as the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), issued a variety of specialized uniforms, with the Blumentarn camouflage combat suit being a notable example. Introduced in uniform regulations between 1959 and 1960 alongside the rain cape, this two-piece suit featured the distinctive “Blumentarn” or “splotch” pattern, often referred to as “potato” pattern due to its irregular shapes. Designed for wear over the standard service uniform, it was paired with a grey web belt and Y-straps to support the matching Blumentarn camouflage assault pack system.
The jacket was constructed with a generously sized, attached camouflage hood and incorporated numerous loops for attaching foliage, enhancing its camouflage effectiveness in diverse environments. The initial design of this 1st pattern camouflage combat suit notably lacked provisions for shoulder boards. Rank insignia, in this early iteration, was intended to be displayed via a series of cloth bars sewn directly onto the left sleeve. However, documented instances of this sleeve-mounted rank insignia on camouflage suits remain scarce, suggesting it may not have been widely adopted in practice. Later versions of the combat suit were modified to include shoulder boards, allowing for conventional rank indication. The accompanying camouflage trousers were designed to be worn loosely over boots, providing comprehensive coverage.
Historical accounts from Keubke and Kunz indicate that the Grenztruppen (Border Troops) played a significant role in testing and refining the Blumentarn camouflage pattern. Early versions of the Blumentarn combat suit were indeed used by the Grenzpolizei (Border Police), undergoing several modifications and variations throughout its service life. These variations included adjustments to the shape and placement of foliage loops, different button types, hood variations, and methods for displaying rank. Subsequently, Grenztruppen troops also evaluated the second pattern of camouflage, known as Strichtarn, or “rain pattern.” Soldiers often referred to the Strichtarn suit as the “one-stripe-no-stripe-suit” due to its unique linear design. The Strichtarn rain pattern combat suit was officially adopted as the “DV-10/5. edition 1965” field service outfit. Despite the introduction of Strichtarn, the Blumentarn pattern suit continued its production and issuance until the late 1960s, highlighting its enduring role within the East German military.
The 1st pattern Blumentarn camouflage combat suit, exemplified in the images below, represents an early style worn by both the KVP (Kasernierte Volkspolizei – Barracked People’s Police) and Grenzpolizei. This particular camouflage suit is identified by property markings indicating it belonged to the MdI (Ministerium des Innern – Ministry of Interior) and is dated 1959. A distinguishing feature of this early model is the inclusion of flapped vertical slits on the chest, designed to provide access to the wearer’s tunic pockets underneath. This feature was later discontinued in subsequent versions. The hood is equipped with metal clips intended for attachment to the steel helmet, aiding in keeping it securely in place. Additionally, a face net is rolled up and stored within the edge of the hood. This early version is characterized by plastic buttons and lacks any provision for shoulder boards, reflecting its initial design phase.
DDR 1st camo jacket.JPG
DDR 1st pattern Blumentarn camouflage jacket, front view.
Close-up view of the DDR 1st pattern camouflage jacket, showcasing the Blumentarn pattern detail.
DDR 1st pattern camo jacket worn with grey web belt, illustrating typical field configuration.
Plastic buttons detail on the early DDR Blumentarn camouflage jacket.
Hood detail of the DDR 1st pattern Blumentarn jacket, showing foliage loops and helmet clips.
[
