This is an original U.S. Army Hot Weather ERDL BDU, produced in 1981 under contract DLA100-81-C-3101, making it part of the final production run of ERDL camouflage uniforms before the full transition to the M81 Woodland pattern. As such, this piece represents a true transitional garment at the exact moment the U.S. Army shifted camouflage systems in the early 1980s.
 
The tag identifies this garment as “Coat, Hot Weather, Camouflage Pattern”, manufactured by Vanderbilt Shirt Co., Inc., using 100% cotton ripstop fabric. The ERDL pattern used here is the green-dominant “Lowland” configuration, which directly evolved into Woodland—many late ERDL contracts like this one share near-identical color palettes and layout with early M81 uniforms.
 
Originally issued as a long-sleeve BDU top, the sleeves have been intentionally removed, converting the jacket into a lightweight field vest. This was a common real-world modification made by soldiers, contractors, and outdoorsmen seeking improved ventilation and unrestricted arm movement in hot climates. The arm openings are cleanly cut while the garment retains its original collar, button front, and four-pocket BDU layout.