Benin Special Brigade Anti Poaching Ranger Field Jacket

Benin Ranger Field Jacket

This is a field jacket issued by the Benin Army to its Special Brigade anti-poaching rangers, the unit tasked with protecting wildlife in the West African country. The cut is a classic four-pocket field shirt-jacket with room for gear and a front that closes flat. The camouflage is what sets it apart: lion heads, paw prints, claws and horns are printed into the woodland pattern, making it a jacket that collectors of African military uniforms and unusual camouflage seek out.

Features

• Animal Motif Camouflage — A woodland pattern of green, olive, brown and tan blotches carries black lion heads, paw prints, claws and horns across the whole garment.
• Stand-Up Collar — A short upright band collar sits close to the neck instead of folding over like a shirt collar.
• Concealed Button Front — A fabric fly covers the front buttons, so the closure lies flat and is less likely to catch on brush or gear.
• Two Flapped Chest Pockets — Patch pockets on each side of the chest close with buttoned flaps to keep small items secure.
• Two Lower Cargo Pockets — Larger flapped pockets at the hips hold maps, notebooks or gloves.
• Button-Down Epaulets — Epaulets, the fabric straps across each shoulder, fasten with a button and are traditionally used for rank slides or holding straps in place.
• Adjustable Button Cuffs — Tabs at each wrist button down to tighten or loosen the sleeve.
• Domed Buttons Throughout — Matching domed buttons are used on the pockets, epaulets and cuffs.

Genuine Benin Army Issue

This jacket was produced for the Benin Army, not made for the civilian market, and the wildlife camouflage was printed for the anti-poaching brigade specifically. Few national forces have fielded a pattern like it, so an issued example is a strong piece for a collection of African or ranger uniforms. It also works as a practical field layer, with four closed pockets and adjustable cuffs.