What are the bullet-shaped pieces in the sleeve pocket of Alpha jackets?Updated 3 hours ago

Those "bullet-shaped" pieces on Alpha jackets aren’t bullets—they’re actually pen cap holders, a functional detail from military flight jacket design.

They were originally created to:
- Secure pens during flight so they wouldn’t fall out during turbulence
- Catch ink leaks, preventing damage to the jacket’s nylon shell
- Provide quick access to writing tools mid-mission

These pen holders were a common feature in older MA-1 and CWU jackets, especially those issued or styled after military specs. However, newer Alpha jackets often no longer include them, as the sleeve pocket design has been modernized over time for a cleaner silhouette.