USMC MODIFIED RDF Jacket Grouping - 80s Grenada Urgent Fury Panama Force Recon

Description

The Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) was a defunct concept for a rapid reaction force in case the Cold War ever went hot after the Vietnam War.  It included the US Marine Corps, the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division, and various Special Forces, among many other support personnel.  Fortunately, it was never activated for its intended purpose, but it did result in a specially made RDF uniform that was like a transitional intermediate between the Vietnam War jungle fatigue and the later BDU.  Many of these RDF uniforms were made in ERDL camouflage fabrics, even reusing wartime surplus fabric to cut costs, resulting in an interesting mixed appearance.  Until the Woodland BDU was introduced in 1981, these uniforms were often the only official camouflage items in the supply chain so they were widely used in Grenada (Urgent Fury), Panama, and Central America during the Reagan era brushfire wars.
You will receive BOTH of the jackets shown in the pictures.  They were found together with USMC pocket stamps and have collar insignia pin holes, which is why they are being sold together as a grouping.  Both jackets are in small sizes (modified one is Small Long, stock one is Small Regular) The less faded example is in brown dominant ERDL and has been modified by removing the lower pockets and having the back taken in with darts so it can be worn like a shirt, for example on parade or out on leave.  The other unmodified one is made from mixed green and brown dominant ERDL fabric lots and has been heavily used in the field as seen by its very salty condition.  There is extensive fraying on the collar and  bottom hem, and the lower right pocket (as worn) has a small rip and is missing a button.  Modified RDF jackets are extremely rare, and "clown suit" mixed ERDL fabric examples are very desireable items to collectors.  This is pretty much a ready-made collection.  Buy now to own a real piece of history!
Please see my other listings for more awesome militaria items, including LINCLOE pouches from the same period as this grouping.  If you buy or win multiple items from me, please message me about combined shipping.