Dating Uniforms & Gear How do you date a Vietnam Uniform or a piece of Equipment? Australian Issued Items Australian Uniforms are easy to date,they almost always have the date printed on the label ie: 1971 or stamped on the Equipment. This OD shirt had its contract awarded in 1966 and was made in 1971. American Issued Items The date is written in the DSA Contract Number. The Contract Number reads: DSA 100-69-C-1362 DSA = Defense Supply Agency 1960-70's 100 = Defense Supply Center Philadelphia code since they manage clothing. 69 = The year the US Government contract was awarded ,1969 Not always the date of manufacture (that would be on or after 1969) C = series A-Z (This would be a 3rd Series Item ) 1362 = serial number starting 0001 to 9999 On items of clothing its usually printed on a label and on pieces of equipment its printed directly on the item. Pre 1960's kit was marked with FSN which stands for Federal Stock Number. FSN started in 1953. Post 1960's kit was marked with DSA which stands for Defence Supply Agency. This was introduced in 1960-61, replacing FSN. As with most issued items,the army uses things until they are totally gone. So you will find Vietnam gear dated from the 50's , 60's and 70's. Just because it was from the Korean era,doesnt mean it wasnt used in Vietnam. I have several uniforms that were made in the late 50's and used by an vet early on. Usually clothing was kept up to date as it wore out quick in Vietnam. Field gear and webbing was used until it fell apart,then you could get some new gear. I used webbing in the 80's that was made in the 60's. Plus I had the honour (?) of being issued an L1A1 SLR that was made in the late 60's. Man it was worn,I had to turn the gas plug to max to keep it from having stoppage's. Governments like to recycle,so you could get issued a helmet from Korea or even WW2. In 1976 DSA was changed to DLA,which stands for Defence Logistics Agency. So look at pictures from the era,read personal accounts and you will find that allsorts of things were used and issued in Vietnam to the serving soldiers and not always the up to date equipment of the time you may think. Back to Info Main Page Please check HERE for items wanted for Collection Please use this EMAIL for any contact.