During the 1960s, the US Military Procurement Headquarters in Japan chose to source camouflage uniforms from Japan. This decision was based on the advanced printing technology and efficient production capabilities available in Japan, as well as the cost advantages. The pattern selection was delegated to various factories across Japan, which led to the creation of numerous variations of tiger stripe patterns. Many of the early tiger stripe uniforms were made in Japan, but some fabric was sent to Okinawa for assembly, and later, production expanded to include Thailand and the surrounding regions during the latter stages of the Vietnam War. In March 1965, the United States became directly involved in the Vietnam War, which involved combat with an unseen enemy hiding in the dense jungle. The Viet Cong, also known as the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, would silently approach and launch small-scale attacks, setting traps in the jungle and rivers. The tiger stripe pattern was developed with the purpose of blending in with the jungles of Vietnam. Vietnam had a hot and humid climate, often accompanied by sudden gusts of wind and heavy rainfall. As a response to such weather conditions, customized parka-style garments were ordered at the individual level, although only a few rare models have been confirmed to exist.