2-1. Basis of Issue
a. As used in this manual, individual clothing and equipment are those items issued or sold to a soldier for his personal use, and include certain organizational equipment utilized by the individual. The basis of issue of cold weather clothing and equipment may be found in TA 50-901. Mandatory items of personal clothing are listed in AR 700-8400-1.
b. The U.S. Army, through continuous research and development, endeavors to maintain the best clothing and equipment in the world. When properly fitted and properly utilized this clothing will provide adequate protection from the elements and will enable trained, well disciplined troops to carry out year-round field operations under cold weather conditions, wherever they may be encountered.
c. To utilize fully the protection afforded by the present standard cold weather clothing and equipment, it is necessary to understand the principle involved and the correct function of each item. This chapter covers basic principles and provides general guidance on the purpose and use of cold weather clothing and equipment.
2-2. Commander's Responsibilities
a. Many factors will influence the commander's decision as to what items of clothing and equipment his troops should wear or carry. These include the weather, mission at hand, actual duties to be performed, overall physical condition of individuals and their degree of proficiency. If a movement is involved he must consider the distance to be traveled, the method of travel, and how the troops will be fed en route, if applicable. If the movement is on foot, he must bear in mind that under nor mal winter conditions, 65 to 70 pounds is the maximum weight a man can normally wear and carry and still be effective on reaching his destination.
b. The weight of individual clothing and equipment is covered in appendix E. Commanders should give particular attention to additional organizational equipment required for a given operation. Some of the more common items are also listed in appendix E. Since the individual soldier's combat load in cold weather operations exceeds that of a temperate climate load by more than 20 pounds, these organizational items (such as binoculars, compasses, radios and batteries, pioneer tools, crew served weapons, etc.) become major considerations and must be included at all levels of planning.
c. In addition to the individual combat load, another 45 to 55 pounds of clothing and equipment is required for the protection and comfort of each individual under conditions of extreme cold. Transportation must be provided for this additional load whenever possible.
d. The commander must take positive action to insure that a balance exists between what the individual is wearing and what he is required to carry in the way of equipment. He must also insure that troops dress as lightly as possible consistent with the weather in order to reduce the danger of excessive perspiring and subsequent chilling. The complete cold-wet or cold-dry uniform for the applicable environmental conditions must be readily available. A large proportion of cold weather casualties results from too few clothes being available to individuals when a severe change in the weather occurs. Because of the differences in individual metabolism, commanders must not be arbitrary in delineating strict uniform requirements, but must allow some personal choice of undergarments.
2-3. Cold Weather Conditions
The use of cold weather clothing is affected by two types of weather conditions: wet and dry. These conditions are amplified by humidity coupled with temperature and wind velocity; high humidity (wet conditions), low humidity (dry conditions).
a. Wet Conditions. Cold-wet conditions occur when temperatures are near freezing and variations in day and night temperatures cause alternate freezing and thawing. This freezing and thawing is often accompanied by rain and wet snow, causing the ground to become muddy and slushy. During these periods troops should wear clothing which consists of a water-repellent, wind-resistant outer layer and inner layers with sufficient insulation to provide ample protection in moderately cold weather (above 14°F.).
b. Dry Conditions. Cold-dry conditions occur when average temperatures are lower than 14°F. The ground is usually frozen and snow is usually dry, in the form of fine crystals. Strong winds cause low temperatures to seem colder and increase the need for protection of the entire body (windchill) (fig. F-1). During these periods, troops should have available additional insulating layers of clothing. This is particularly true when entering static situations form a period of strenuous exercise.
