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The National People's Army (German: Nationale Volksarmee, NVA) were the armed forces of the German Democratic Republic (DDR) from 1956 until 1990.
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"NVA Koppeltragehilfe"/ "UTV K61" / "DDR Ausrüstung"
East German (DDR) army webbing evolved from early leather gear to specialized load-carrying systems like the late-Cold War UTV (Universal-Tragevorrichtung).
Standard NVA Webbing (1960s–1980s)
The primary system used by the National People's Army (NVA) was characterized by its grey-green nylon or canvas material. Belt: Heavy-duty grey webbing with a distinct silver-colored metal buckle featuring the DDR state emblem.
Support: Unlike many Western systems, the NVA did not widely issue shoulder Y-straps until later; instead, they often relied on belt hooks or breadbag straps for support.
Pouches: Standard kits included ammunition pouches for the AK-74/AK-47 (often in Strichtarn "rain" pattern camouflage), a canteen, and a gas mask bag.
UTV System (The 1990 Modernization)
The UTV system was intended to be the DDR's ultimate load-carrying equipment for the 1990s. Heavily influenced by the British 1958 Pattern webbing, it was designed as a single, unified set that would not fall apart when removed. Design: It featured an H-harness yoke with "C" hooks for belt attachment.
Legacy: While trials began in the 1980s, the system was never fully introduced into service before the reunification of Germany, making unissued sets common in the surplus market.
Early Camouflage VariantsBlumentarn: Rare early webbing components (like map cases or small backpacks) exist in the 1950s/60s "flower" camouflage pattern.
Strichtarn: The most iconic DDR pattern, used for the majority of late-issue pouches and field packs.
The
NVA Koppeltragehilfe-Tragegestell is a central component of the personal load-bearing equipment used by the National People's Army (NVA) of East Germany (DDR). Depending on the era, there are two primary systems:1. Classic Harness (Rain Pattern / "Einstrich-Keinstrich")
This is the most common model, utilized for decades until the end of the Cold War.
- Material: Usually made of robust webbing (Dederon or cotton blend) in stone gray or olive.
- Function: It distributes the weight of the belt (which holds the canteen, entrenching tool, magazine pouches, and gas mask bag) onto the shoulders.
- Attachment: It features hooks that clip into the eyelets of the belt and rear straps to attach the "Sturmgepäck" (assault packs) Part I or Part II.
2. The UTV System (Universal-Trage-Vorrichtung)
The UTV K 61 you mentioned is part of the modernized equipment introduced in the late 1980s to improve comfort and modularity.
- Design: Visually more similar to Western systems (such as the US ALICE system).
- Special Features: The shoulder straps are wider and often padded. Pouches are no longer attached solely via loops but via special plastic or metal clips.
- Rarity: Because the UTV system was slated for full-scale introduction just before the fall of the DDR (c. 1990), original pieces are highly sought after by collectors and more expensive than standard equipment.
Tips for Collectors and Buyers (As of 2025)
If you are looking to purchase this harness, keep the following points in mind:
- Condition: Check for rust on metal hooks and ensure the webbing straps are still pliable. "New Old Stock" (NOS) items are the most desirable.
- Completeness: Ensure all adjustment sliders and strap end-caps are present.
- Where to Buy:
- eBay & Classifieds: The largest selection of private and commercial listings for NVA militaria.
- Specialized Surplus Stores: Shops like ASMC or Army-Store24 occasionally carry remaining stock, though authentic UTV gear has become quite rare in 2025.
- Militaria Forums: Platforms like the NVA-Forum often host marketplaces for authentic pieces.
Note: The designation "K 61" often refers to internal production codes or classifications; among collectors, the item is most commonly searched for as the "UTV-Tragegestell."
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