M74 Geb. KafAz

Plain Green Combat Uniforms for Mountain Troops: the M74 Geb KafAz

The M61 KafAz was originally adopted for use by all combat troops, including mountain infantry. However, though of use in forested areas (particularly in Autumn, when it blends in well with dry and decaying leaf litter), the distinctive red camouflage pattern was not especially helpful when operating above the tree line. Additionally, feedback from troops in the field showed that the uniform was bulky and prone to snagging, and that the rear pockets would often get in the way when climbing. For these reasons, the army soon determined that a specialist variant should be introduced to deal with these complaints. The result was the M74 Kampfanzug für Gebirgstruppen (Combat Uniform for Mountain Troops). Despite the name, the M74 was in fact introduced at the same time as the regular M70 KafAz, as well as the M73 camouflage coveralls for tank crews (the so-called 'Panzerkombi').

The M74 Geb KafAz is made from plain olive drab cotton, lacking the waterproofing of the regular M61 and M70 KafAz, as well as having fewer (and simplified) pockets. The fabric has a very tight weave to allow it to function as a windbreaker, but is much lighter than its camouflaged counterpart. The uniform consists of a jacket and trousers, as well as denim gaiters (which go much higher than the leather gaiters worn with the ordinary KafAz) and specialist mountain boots, which offer more ankle support than the M50 rubber-soled marching boot. The uniform was worn with a standard 'Ceinturon' leather belt to support the bayonet and frog. The windproof trousers were designed to be worn over the top of woollen Tenue B trousers for warmth. The denim gaiters were to be worn over the top of these woollen trousers, with the windproof trousers then going over the top as a final outer layer. On the upper body, a standard blue-grey field shirt was to be worn, with a grey wool pullover if needed. Headgear could be either an Ord. 40 ski cap, a Schiffli side cap, a Lupo winter hat, or a steel helmet (usually an M71, but M18s are sometimes seen).

The M74 Geb KafAz remained in service even after the M70 had been replaced by TAZ 90, seeing limited use with mountain troops into the 21st Century.