NATO STOCK NUMBER

[ABOVE] A Koninklijke Landmacht issue woodland camouflage pattern JAS, MANNEN (on the left side of the image). On the right side of the image is the "size label" that is normally sewn into the interior collar of coats.

Among the information listed on the label is the NATO Stock Number (outlined in red). 1 is the Federal Supply Class, which 8405 is for Outerwear, Men's. 2 is the National Codification Bureau Code, with 17 being assigned to the Netherlands. 3 is the seven digit "nonsignificant serial number." The large KL in the upper left corner of the tag is the abbreviation for Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Netherlands Army) and serves as an army property designation.

The Netherlands military camouflage pattern [RIGHT: © armeeoffizier.ch] is most often erroneously called "DPM camo" (taken from the British armed forces' Disruptive Pattern Material camouflage). Actually, it should be said that non-Europeans ALWAYS erroneously call the Dutch camouflage pattern "DPM." The actual Koninklijke Landmacht designation for the camouflage pattern is "woodland". The United States military's woodland camouflage pattern, utilized by the Korps Mariniers, is re-designated "forest" camouflage pattern within the Dutch armed forces.