Veterans who ride carry a long American tradition: the leather jackets, boots and gloves of military service moved naturally onto motorcycles, and the habits of the road, like riding in formation and looking out for the rider next to you, feel familiar to anyone who has served. Veterans Day falls on November 11, and a lot of riders mark it with a ride. This is a look at why flight jackets and heavy leather became part of the riding wardrobe, and what that heritage means for the gear you choose today.
Why military leather found its way onto motorcycles
Flight jackets were built for work in open, cold, windy cockpits, and a motorcycle rider faces some of the same problems: wind, cold and a need for sturdy, repairable material. Leather held up to that work, so riders adopted the same pieces. The result is that the A-2, the G-1 and the B-3 are as familiar on a rider as on a pilot.
The A-2 shows how closely the two worlds overlap. The Cockpit USA Horsehide A-2 uses russet-brown horsehide, which its listing describes as the original A-2 specification material issued to USAAF pilots in the 1930s and 1940s. Horsehide breaks in slowly and develops a patina that records years of use, which is exactly why riders prize it now.
Army and Navy: two jackets, two traditions
The A-2 and the G-1 come from different services. The A-2 is the Army Air Forces jacket, with a snap-down collar, a one-piece back panel and no side-entry pockets in the WWII pattern. The G-1 is the US Navy jacket, with a mouton fur collar, a bi-swing back and a "USN" perforation on the fly panel.
The Legendary Hellcat G-1 carries that Navy lineage in a union-made, American-built jacket in seal brown cowhide. The Cockpit USA Horsehide A-2 carries the Army tradition. Cockpit USA is a separate business, and Legendary USA carries its jackets as an authorized dealer.
The ride is part of the tradition
Riding with other veterans is its own tradition, and the gear is part of the way riders recognize one another. A broken-in jacket or a patched vest is a record of miles, which is why many riders keep their oldest leather instead of replacing it. Our post on the A-2 flight jacket and American military heritage goes deeper on the jacket itself.
It is worth being clear about what this heritage gear is. A heritage flight jacket is not an armored riding jacket, and it has no CE armor. Riders who value that kind of protection should layer accordingly. What these jackets offer is American construction, serious leather and a connection to the people who wore the originals.
Gear for veterans who ride
If you are shopping for a veteran who rides, start with what they will actually wear. Our Veterans Day gift roundup lists American-made options, and the Cockpit USA collection shows the full flight-jacket lineup. Choose a size carefully, since flight jackets are cut trim.
The simplest tribute is to ride, keep the gear in good shape, and say thanks to the veterans you ride with. Pick a jacket or a pair of gloves that will last, and wear it often.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation publishes rider training and gear guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Veterans Day and why do riders mark it?
- Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. Many riders mark it with a group ride or a stop at a local memorial, since riding with other veterans and honoring those who served is a longstanding part of American motorcycle culture. Check local events for rides near you.
- Why do veterans wear flight jackets on motorcycles?
- Flight jackets were built for cold, windy work in open cockpits, and riders face similar conditions on a motorcycle. The leather is sturdy and repairable, and the styles carry military meaning. Remember that a heritage flight jacket is not an armored riding jacket and has no CE armor.
- What is the difference between an A-2 and a G-1 jacket?
- The A-2 is the Army Air Forces jacket, with a snap-down collar and a one-piece back panel. The G-1 is the US Navy jacket, with a mouton fur collar and a bi-swing back. The Cockpit USA Horsehide A-2 and the Legendary Hellcat G-1 are examples of each.
- Are Cockpit USA jackets made in the USA?
- The Cockpit USA jackets discussed here are listed as made in the USA. Cockpit USA is a separate business, and Legendary USA carries its jackets as an authorized dealer. The Legendary Hellcat G-1 is listed as union-made in the USA.
- What is a good gift for a veteran who rides?
- Choose something they will wear and use, such as a pair of American-made leather gloves or a flight jacket in the right size. Read the product listing for fit, because flight jackets are cut trim, and ask us if you are unsure about sizing.