Forgotten Forces Living History Association

M61 and M70 Kampfanzug (KafAz)

Camouflage Combat Uniforms: the M61 and M70

For the combat troops of the Swiss army - infantry (footborne, mechanised, motorised, etc.), bicycle troops, fortress crews, 'train' (horse transport) troops, and so on and so forth, the M61 and M70 Kampfanzuge were the standard from the early-1960s onwards. This iconic piece of kit, first trialled in the late-1950s, features an integral load-bearing system - no webbing was issued to wear with the uniform, and, instead, all of a soldier's personal field equipment would be carried within the many pockets of the jacket and trousers, or in a rucksack which hooked directly onto the jacket itself, with no other straps.

The M61, the first version to go into mass-production and widespread issue, was the first item of Swiss kit to be issued with the distinctive 'Alpenflage/Alpentarn' pattern (these are common names among collectors, there being no official Swiss Army designation. Soldiers typically knew the pattern as 'Pizatarn' [pizza camouflage] or 'vier-frucht Pyjama' [four-fruit pyjamas] due to the colour scheme). This pattern, developed from the 'Leibermuster' pattern trialed by German forces at the end of the Second World War, has a very recognisable mix of colours, with large red areas, which make it effective in Swiss terrain, particularly in forested regions and especially in autumn. The pattern also had anti-infrared properties, deemed important at a time when active-IR scopes were becoming the dominant form of night vision optics in use. The printing machines used to make Leibermuster had been located in Nazi-occuppied Czechoslovakia, and fell into Czech hands at the end of the war. Although some Leibermuster-esque uniforms were produced for the CSLA, they were not adopted as standard and the machinery was sold to a Belgian company in the late 1940s. Here, the pattern was used on a 1955 design for a uniform (which bears distinct similarities to the M61 KafAz) for the proposed European Defence Community. However, with the EDC being vetoed by France, the project collapsed. The EDC Leibermuster uniforms were briefly trialled by the fledgling West German Bundeswehr, but they too elected not to adopt the pattern, and it is at this point that the design somehow made its way to Switzerland, where it found favour with the rapidly modernising Swiss Army. Trials are believed to have begun around 1957, and in 1961 the first Swiss Kampfanzug [combat uniform] was introduced. Reference is often made online to 'TAZ 57' or the 'M57 uniform,' but these terms are both erroneous collectorisms and were never used officially.

There are a number of differences between the two main variants of the load-bearing combat uniform: the M61 and the M70. Most notable among the changes for the M70 are the addition of waterproofed sections on the knees and elbows, and the addition of an extra set of hooks for the rucksack. Other small changes include the braces being joined rather than split, the deletion of the integrated bayonet frog, and subtle changes to the design of the rucksack. The sleeves of the jacket are also almost always shorter on the M61 than for the corresponding size on the M70.

Diagram reproduced by kind permission of Dale Ding.

Swiss Infantryman Impression, c. 1980s:

As new equipment came into service, the combat troops of the Swiss Infantry Corps were often among the first to receive it, and, consequently, the M71 helmet and M70 KafAz were widespread by the 1980s. The setup seen here is marked out as an infantryman by the green base colour of the Achselschlaufen (shoulder loops), while the yellow number indicates battalion (91) and the bottom stripe indicates company (white for VI).

These photos are intended to give a broad representation of what a soldier would have worn, and, as such, the KafAz is worn with the rucksack, although none of the pockets had actually been filled at the time these were taken. The belt for the rucksack is worn around the waist and tightened to stop it bouncing around, and a leather Ceinturon belt is worn over the top of this to support the bayonet in its frog. Over that comes a rubberised gas mask bag, held around the waist on a belt as well. In these photographs, the mask in question is an SM-74 with the appropriate bag. In addition to standard Ordonnanzschühe, a pair of leather gaiters are worn to complete a Dress C setup.

As this is a soldier's combat uniform, a steel helmet is worn - here, an M71. This has an early splinter-pattern cover (with only a drawstring to affix it on the helmet, and designed for the M18), rather than the more common but by no means ubiquitous Alpentarn version. When not in use, the helmet can be hung from the carabiner hook on the front of the jacket, and a side cap worn in its place. The Swiss Army did experiment with helmet nets in the late-1950s, but these were never adopted for general issue and as such only a cover is used.

In addition to the Achselschlaufen, the only other insignia that could be worn with the KafAz are rank insignia (not seen here), which loop over the bottom of the left epaulette and would fasten with a button above the bandage pouch on an M61, but just flap around on the M70.

The rifle carried is a Stgw. 57.

And, finally, here is a picture of me demonstrating 'Tir a l'hanche'/'Huftanschlag' (fire from the hip), as per the manual. Note the sling over one shoulder, both legs bent forward, and the bayonet being fitted.

Packing Instructions, 1981:

Based on the diagrams from the 1981 issue of manual 53.175d (Gepäckvorschrift), we have put together this overview of the items that would be carried by a Swiss soldier in the 1980s. The specifics of this manual do change over time - originally NBC gear was kept in a pocket rather than the gas mask bag, for example - but this can be considered generally representative of the full loadout an infantryman would carry. It is also worth noting that the main purpose of the Gepäckvorschrift was for issue to Corporals in order to train the newer recruits, and so would seldom be followed in its entirety, especially as militiamen gained experience and found their own, preferred ways of doing things.

As mentioned above, the Swiss KafAz is unusual in that it has an integrated load-bearing system, and is not worn with webbing. A belt is worn to support the bayonet frog, and, from the 1970s onward, a gas mask bag was worn containing most of the NBC kit, but, beyond these two, more or less everything went into the pockets of the combat uniform, or into the rucksack (which hooks directly to the jacket and has no other straps). This system, while perhaps innovative, was complicated and expensive to manufacture and maintain, and has certain drawbacks in the way that weight is distributed (or rather, it is hardly distributed at all) across the body. It also lacks ventilation, and very quickly becomes very hot in even slightly warm weather (issues not helped by the non-breathable waterproof patches on the M70. I have seen at least two M70s with the waterproof patches replaced with TAZ 83 fabric, most likely to improve comfort. Nonetheless, the system has clearly had a significant amount of thought put into it, and it does offer some utility, especially when compared to older webbing systems.

These diagrams are taken from the manual, and show the M70 KafAz, as would have been standard-issue in the 1980s. The pocket numbering is original to the document, and starts at 56 as preceding pages deal with the various sorts of rucksacks issued for use with other uniforms.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

56 In the three chest pockets

a. Assault rifle magazines

Across the chest, there is a provision for carrying up to five magazines for the Stgw. 57. These magazines each hold 24 rounds of 7.5x55mm ammunition (commonly known by its military designation, GP11, short for Gewehrpatrone 1911 [rifle cartridge 1911]).

The two central pockets each hold two magazines, while the left-hand one only holds a single magazine. There is no pocket on the right-hand side, in order to leave space to shoulder the rifle. Even unloaded, these five magazines add a substantial weight to the front of the jacket!

Fig. 1 shows five magazines, as would be carried in a standard combat loadout. NB: the leftmost magazine's forward portion has been cut slightly in order to fit into a 2018-spec deactivated rifle.

Fig. 2 gives a detail view of the rear of the magazine, showing witness holes for counting ammunition roughly in the field, along with the rear locking piece. The width of the magazine can be clearly seen.

Fig. 3 outlines four of the most common ammunition types. From left to right: ball, tracer, inert and blank [Gewehrpatrone, Leuchtspurpatrone, Manipulierpatrone, Markierpatrone]. All of these would be used with the standard 24-round magazines. There is one more common type, the armour-piercing steel-cored round [Stahlkernpatrone], but I do not currently possess an example of this to photograph.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

57 In the lower-right pocket

a. White magazine

b. NBC Protection Cape

c. Reflective gaiters

The pocket on the front-right hip is used to carry a few small items of field equipment, used for night movements, launching riflegrenades or in case of NBC (Nuclear, Biological or Chemical, referred to as ABC [atomisch, biologisch, chemisch] in Switzerland) attacks.

Fig. 4 shows the 'white magazine', so named for the finish on the metalwork, which is done to aid identification. This magazine holds five rounds of 7.5mm Treibpatronen 44 [launching cartridge 44], which are used to fire the famous M58 rocket-boosted riflegrenades. The magazines feature a tab to lock the rifle's mechanism closed when firing grenades, which is released with the button on the base of the magazine in order to manually cycle the action. There are a number of variants of this magazine, but they are typically made from steel, rather than the aluminium construction of the standard magazines.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the front and back of the NBC protection cape, as it would be issued. This disposable item comes pre-packaged and folded in a plastic bag, and is made from black waterproof plastic. Although quite definitely inferior to full NBC suits, the cape, in conjunction with a gas mask and gloves, would still provide a reasonable level of protection in an NBC environment.

Fig. 7 shows the reflective gaiters, often known as the LuGa, short for Leuchtgamaschen. These were used to make troops easier to spot when manoeuvring in low-light situations, particularly when vehicles were involved. By design, the gaiters would be fastened around the ankle, just above the normal gaiters (held in place by the small metal hooks on the inside). The section between the two reflective panels is elasticated, to allow them to be securely held in place, and they are fastened with buttons (the current-issue version uses velcro instead).

Fig. 8 shows a single 7.5mm Treibpatrone, as would be used for firing riflegrenades. These consist of a blank round (with a small wooden cap to seal the end of the casing), finished in the same 'white' colour as the magazine itself. This colour, along with the knurled section near to the case rim, is to aid identification and make it as clear as possible, both visually and physically, whether a round is ball or grenade-launching blank, as a mix-up would have the potential to be catastrophic.

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

58 In the lower-left pocket

a. Food

b. Toilet paper

The front-left pocket was used to store food and some paper towel. Food would typically consist of Kambly army biscuits, army chocolate (which had an increased level of caffeine as compared to ordinary Swiss chocolate), bread and Landjãger sausage (a type of salami which has been cured so as to not require refrigeration). Other food, such as chocolate bars sent from home, would typically be stored about the person in any pockets with spare space.

Fig. 9 shows a roll of toilet paper. This was probably unnecessary to illustrate the concept of paper towel and is not an original military-issue example.

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

59 In the interior pocket

a. Pocket knife

b. Ear protection

c. Personal items

The small, zip-up pocket on the inside of the jacket holds various small pieces of kit - the iconic Swiss Army knife (which doubles as the plumb bob for aiming indirect riflegrenade fire), ear plugs and any other miscellaneous items that a militiaman may wish to have with him in the field but are not part of the issued loadout.

One former militiamen from the Sprengdienst (explosives service) has stated that his unit all used the interior pocket to carry a small pouch, which contained their pocket knife, matches, a length of string, electrical tape, some wire, and a pencil.

Fig. 10 shows a 1979-produced Soldatenmesser 61, with the Swiss shield inlaid in red. This knife has four tools, all fitted on the same side, along with a hole for a piece of string to form a plumb line. This example was produced by Victorinox, and the military acceptance mark is present towards the bottom of the handle.

Fig. 11 shows a case for Unico ear plugs. There are a number of slight variants on this design, but all are generally similar in that they take the form of a small, black plastic clamshell with space for two pairs of foam ear plugs.

Fig. 12 shows the foam ear plugs themselves, along with the instruction sheet for them.

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

60 In the small pocket on the right arm

a. Individual field dressing

Every soldier would carry an IVP/PPI (Individuelles Verbandpäckchen/Petit Pansement Individuel) [Personal Small Bandage] in the small field-dressing pouch on his upper-left arm. This location would grant easy access to it if a soldier required immediate medical attention in the field. Training examples were produced with a plastic outer wrapping, whereas real examples have a cotton outer wrap, printed with a red cross symbol and sewn shut with three stitches, which can be quickly torn or cut open as and when the dressing is needed.

Fig. 13 shows the front of a proper IVP, with cotton wrap.

Fig. 14 shows the back of the same IVP. The closing stitches can be clearly seen.

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

61 In the rear-left pocket

a. Cleaning kit for personal weapon

b. Personal cleaning kit

The rear-left pocket of the KafAz is used to store the cleaning kits for both the Stgw. 57 and the militiaman's uniform. These two items completely fill the pocket with a distinctive square shape, and give a soldier all he needs to keep his rifle functioning and his boots clean.

Fig. 15 shows the two cleaning kits beside each other. On the left is the personal cleaning kit, and on the right is the weapon cleaning kit. Both are made from a rubberised, waterproof material, fastened closed with a simple string.

Fig. 16 shows an unrolled cleaning kit for the Stgw. 57, containing a cleaning rod, various brushes with handle and two cans of Automatenfett [automatic weapon grease].

Fig. 17 likewise shows an unrolled personal cleaning kit, containing several brushes, a piece of scouring cloth, a block of Fix/Rex Riemenwachs [leather wax], two tubes of boot polish, a sewing kit, spare buttons and a piece of rag.

Fig. 18

Fig. 19

62 In the middle-rear pocket

a. Mess tin

The central pocket to the rear of the KafAz is used to store an Ord. 1898/20 mess tin. Frequently, the cutlery set would be stored (inside its white cloth bag) inside the mess tin rather than in the pocket for the canteen (see below).

Fig .18 shows a dark grey example of the mess kit. These tins were made by a wide variety of firms across Switzerland, and are marked for manufacturer, date of manufacture and canton. They came in several colours: at least green, dark grey and black, although it is not clear what the differences between this are. The tin splits into two parts - a pot and a cup - with a wire handle that allows the tin to be suspended over a heat source, along with a folding handle for the cup. There is a loop on this handle, which also holds the kit together, which would have been used to strap the kit onto a rucksack or bread bag prior to the adoption of the KafAz.

Fig. 19 is the lid to the mess kit, which serves as a cup when removed from the pot section. Unlike some other similar kits used in Germany or Austria, the Swiss kit only has two parts, and does not include an additional bowl.

Fig. 20

Fig. 21

Fig. 22

Fig. 23

63 In the rear-right pocket

a. Canteen with cup and cutlery

b. Food bag

The rear-right pocket is officially to be used to store utensils for eating and drinking. The cutlery set, however, would typically be stored inside the mess kit rather than in this pocket. The outside of the pocket features a small section of waterproofed material, which has been sewn on to create pockets to carry pens. The food bag would be a small, brown cloth bag with a drawstring, which would normally be placed inside the mess kit when filled with food.

Fig. 20 shows a black canteen, seated within the aluminium cup. These canteens are made from painted aluminium, and, as with the mess tins, come in several colours. The canteen comes with a cork stopper, tied onto a loop on the flask body. This loop is also used to attach a name tag, and a string to to fasten the canteen and cup together.

Fig. 21 shows the aluminium cup, with the handles unfolded. The shape of the cup snugly matches that of the canteen, and there is a lug onto which a piece of string can be looped to hold the two together.

Fig. 22 shows the cutlery set. These were made by a variety of companies. The cutlery set comes with a white cloth bag, and, as mentioned above, would ordinarily be carried inside the mess tin. Being wrapped in the cloth bag prevents them from rattling around inside the mess tin. The back surface of the fork has a lug, which fits into a corresponding hole in the spoon to secure the two together.

Fig. 23 demonstrates the usage of the waterproofed pen pockets on the outside of the pocket.

Fig. 24

Fig. 25

Fig. 26

64 Hung on the uniform or about the person

a. Flashlight on belt

b. Gas mask with carrying bag and protective equipment.

The two main pieces of equipment which are not carried within the pockets of the KafAz are the flashlight and the gas mask bag (not shown here). The gas mask bag, made from a waterproof rubberised material, contains the mask, filter, multiple pairs of protective gloves and chemical agent indicating paper, which would be stuck onto the uniform, helmet or rifle in a combat situation. The bag is worn with a strap around the waist, secured by the right-hand belt loop. The bag itself rests on the right, just behind the right-hand belt loop and the bayonet frog. While the manual officially states that flashlights would be carried on the belt, it was far more common (and more useful), to wear them on the front of the uniform, where they can be fastened with a button just above the carabiner hook for carrying the helmet.

Fig. 24 shows an Army-issue flashlight. These flashlights were not personal-issue, and would only be issued out as Corps material as and when they'd be needed. The flashlight features red and green filters, which slide up by pressing the buttons on the front, and it is made from simple stamped sheet metal. The design is that of a standard rectangular military torch, as used by many other continental forces.

Fig. 25 clearly shows the differing methods for attaching the flashlight to the uniform: there is a hinged belt loop, along with two leather button tabs (which were the preferred way of using it). The hinged tab holding the clamshell body together can also be seen.

Fig. 26 provides a view of the inside of the flashlight, minus the battery. The construction is very simple, with a simple two-way switch (one way for short flashes and the other to turn it on indefinitely). There is a place to store a spare battery, in case quick replacement in the field proves necessary.

Fig. 27

Fig. 28

65 In the two side pockets of the trousers

a. HG 43 [Hand Grenades] or maps/military manuals

The side pockets of the trousers feature internal loops to securely hold the heads of the HG 43 stick grenade (not yet pictured here). A typical combat load would be four grenades, although the pockets can theoretically hold three on each side. Alternatively, manuals and maps can also be carried in these pockets, especially for militiamen who were not issued with additional leather map cases, which were normally only given to NCOs and Officers (and members of military bands).

Fig. 27 shows a small assortment of military-issue maps, of varying scales.

Fig. 28 shows a few military manuals, covering various items that a militiaman would use in the field.

Fig. 29

Fig. 30

Fig. 31

Fig. 32

Fig. 33

66 In the middle pocket of the KafAz rucksack

a. Waterproof poncho/Winter gear

b. Emergency clothing in plastic bag

c. Emergency cooker

Along with gear for use in the rain or cold and emergency stoves, a plastic bag with a spare change of underwear and socks would be carried in the rucksack for the KafAz, which hooks directly onto the uniform and is held in place with a waist-belt. This change of clothing would also sometimes be carried inside the flap on the inside rear of the KafAz jacket, but the plastic bag meant that this placement could use a significant amount of sweat to build up in the small of the back due to the trapped heat. Additionally, where canned rations were issued (which was not standard procedure), these would also be carried in the central pocket of the rucksack. This pocket would also be used to carry additional rockets or riflegrenades if needed

Fig. 29 shows an example of the rain poncho, folded up as it would be carried. There are several variants of the poncho, but the standard version for the Infantry has poppers along the front, with one button at the top, has no sleeves but does have popper-fastened arm openings, and has a hood. These ponchos are made from a tough, waterproof material and printed with a variation on the same camouflage pattern as the uniform. Officers had a different type of raincoat, more similar in form to a trench coat and made from a lightweight, grey-blue material.

Figs. 30, 31 and 32 show the Notkocher 71. This is a small, disposable stove for emergency use, powered by a self-contained gel fuel. The stove comes packaged with a metal frame to support a pan when cooking, along with a book of matches. The entire assembly is wrapped in plastic to waterproof it. These stoves, along with canned rations, would very seldom be used as the Swiss Army tended to rely on camp or field kitchen food wherever possible, which was possible due to the defensive and localised nature of the militia - which very rarely operated particularly far from a base area.

Fig. 33 shows a pair of Army-issue wool mittens, and a 'Lupo' winter hat. These mittens are one of several types used by the Swiss Army, with waterproofed palm sections. Versions with separate index fingers, to allow the triggers on rifles to be used, are also commonly seen, along with gloves and mitten that had been privately-purchased or sent from home by a militiaman's family. The hat, the famous Lupo, is made from blue-grey wool, and is lined with fleece for warmth. There are fold-down ear flaps, which are fastened either up or down with poppers, and a front peak which can be folded down if needed. These hats are a popular item, and are still used in the Swiss army of today (as of 2021), and are also common in civilian usage during Winter. As well as the hat and mittens, Winter clothing could also include a scarf or headover (not shown here), made from woven wool, or any other privately purchased items.

Fig. 37

67 In both of the two side pockets of the KafAz rucksack

a. Riflegrenades

The two side pockets of the rucksack are specifically designed for carrying the M58 riflegrenades. These riflegrenades were made in five major variants (Anti-personnel, anti-tank, smoke, unboosted practice and boosted practice), and are substantially larger than the riflegrenades used by other nations. To propel these larger and heavier payloads, all but the unboosted practice grenades feature small rocket motors to boost the velocity of the projectile (although the rocket can be disabled with a small muzzle cap for close-range fire). They add a significant amount of firepower to a Swiss infantry squad in both direct and indirect fire, although most infantrymen would carry two anti-tank grenades (Gw. Hpz. G. 58), which were only used in direct fire. For troops in squads armed with rocket launchers, the side pockets could be used to carry ammunition for those instead.

Fig. 37 is a rocket-boosted training variant of the M58 riflegrenade (commonly known as a carrot due to the distinctive high-visibility colour scheme. This example was made in Thun in 1983.

Fig. 34

Fig. 35

Fig. 36

68 Fastened to the buckle on the KafAz rucksack

a. Pioneer tool

The buckles on the rucksack, along with the loop towards the bottom, were used to secure a pioneer tool (folding shovel, pickaxe or axe) to the rucksack, where needed. The covers for the shovels had leather loops to fasten directly onto the rucksack, whereas the pickaxes and axes needed additional leather straps.

Fig. 34 shows the front of a shovel and its leather cover. Earlier shovels had fixed handles, whereas those used in the Cold War were of a folding type.

Fig. 35 shows the rear of the shovel and carrier, showing the threaded collar which allows the shovel to be locked in three different positions.

Fig. 36 demonstrates how one attaches a pioneer tool to the rucksack, using both of the buckles at the top of the pack and the loop to the bottom, which holds the tool tightly against the rucksack. From looking at photographs, there was no one prescribed way of affixing the shovel, and it could be fitted with either the front or back of the cover facing outwards. For the other tools, the method for fixing them on is the same, but the straps are not integral parts of the leather covers.

This concludes this article on the basic loadout of a Swiss soldier, according to the manual, as of the 1980s. There will undoubtedly be some errors, either factual or grammatical, that have slipped through my checking, and please let me know if you spot these, or have anything else to add! Thanks to those who have provided input into this article, especially those who put up with my many questions on the specifics of how various items were issued or used.

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