1959
ALPHA WINS ITS FIRST DOD CONTRACTS
Alpha Industries is awarded its first U.S. Department of Defense contracts to manufacture Air Force N-3B parkas and Navy shipboard shirts.
1963
AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR MA-1 AND N-2B
Alpha Industries is awarded its first contracts for several outerwear styles, including the MA-1 jacket and N-2B parka. These military jackets become iconic in the coming years.
1965
AWARDED CONTRACT FOR THE U.S. ARMY'S M-65 FIELD COAT
Alpha receives its first contracts for the Army's newly developed M-65 field coat. The beginning of 25 years of government contracts to produce the M-65.
1970
ALPHA ENTERS THE COMMERCIAL MARKET
To keep production lines running between government contracts, Alpha begins manufacturing jackets for the commercial market. The "3-Bar Logo" is introduced to differentiate consumer and DOD products.
1976
AWARDED CONTRACT FOR U.S. NAVY'S COLD WEATHER IMPERMEABLE JACKET
Alpha is awarded its first contract for the Navy's Extreme Cold Weather Impermeable Jacket, featuring a plastic foam lining designed to keep sailors afloat if they fell overboard.
1980
AWARDED CONTRACT FOR CWU 36/P AND 45/P NOMEX JACKETS
The Department of Defense awards a contract to produce the CWU-36/P Nomex flight jacket, made of fire-resistant fabric. It replaced nylon flight jackets like the MA-1, standard issue since the 1950s.
1982
ALAN CIRKER TAKES THE HELM
Alpha's founder, Samuel Gelber, passes away at age 67. Son-in-law Alan Cirker takes over, expanding Alpha's commercial business and trademarking the iconic three-bar logo.
1986
AWARDED CONTRACT FOR THE ECWCS PARKA
The Department of Defense awards Alpha its first contracts for the ECWCS parka, part of a new layered clothing system for Army, Marine Corps and Air Force personnel.
1992
ALPHA INTRODUCES "FLYING A" LOGO
As Alpha's presence in the consumer market grows, the logo gets refreshed. The "Flying A" logo references Alpha's military heritage and the three-bar labels Alpha had become known for.
1997
THE FIRST WEBSITE
Alpha launches its first website to educate consumers on Alpha's products and history. Customers could order select jacket styles directly from Alpha's Knoxville factory via email.
2009
ALPHA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Alpha commemorates its 50th Anniversary with a unique anniversary flight jacket and book chronicling Alpha's history. An artist is commissioned to use the MA-1 as the canvas for a series of art pieces.
2015
THE ICONIC M-65 TURNS 50
Alpha celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic M-65 Field Coat with special limited-edition products, culminating in a gala event with all of Alpha's international partners.
2019
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
Alpha celebrates 60 years of American military heritage, iconic style, and global reach — from a DOD contractor in Knoxville, Tennessee to an international fashion brand.