CHAPTER 2

INDIVIDUAL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Section 1.

2-1. Basis of Issuea. As used in this manual, individual cloth-

ing and equipment are those items issued orsold to a soldier for his personal use, and in-clude certain organizational equipment utilizedby the individual. The basis of issue of coldweather clothing and equipment may be foundin TA 50-901. Mandatory items of personalclothing are listed in AR 700–8400–1.

b. The U.S. Army, through continuous re-search and development, endeavors to main-tain the best clothing and equipment in theworld. When properly fitted and properly util-ized this clothing will provide adequate pro-tection from the elements and will enabletrained, well disciplined troops to carry outyear-round field operations under cold weatherconditions, wherever they may be encountered.

c. To utilize fully the protection afforded bythe present standard cold weather clothing andequipment, it is necessary to understand theprinciple involved and the correct function ofeach item. This chapter covers basic principlesand provides general guidance on the purposeand use of cold weather clothing and equip-ment.

2-2. Commander's Responsibilitiesa. Many factors will influence the command-

er’s decision as to what items of clothing andequipment his troops should wear or carry.These include the weather, mission at hand,actual duties to be performed, overall physicalcondition of individuals and their degree ofproficiency. If a movement is involved he mustconsider the distance to be traveled, themethod of travel, and how the troops will befed en route, if applicable. If the movement ison foot, he must bear in mind that under nor-

AGO 8641A

GENERAL

mal winter conditions, 65 to 70 pounds is themaximum weight a man can normally wearand carry and still be effective on reaching hisdestination.

b. The weight of individual clothing andequipment is covered in appendix E. Com-manders should give particular attention toadditional organizational equipment requiredfor a given operation. Some of the more com-mon items are also listed in appendix E. Sincethe individual soldier’s combat load in coldweather operations exceeds that of a temperateclimate load by more than 20 pounds, theseorganizational items (such as binoculars, com-passes, radios and batteries, pioneer tools, crewserved weapons, etc. ) become major consider-ations and must be included at all levels ofplanning.

c. In addition to the individual combat load,another 45 to 55 pounds of clothing and equip-ment is required for the protection and com-fort of each individual under conditions of ex-treme cold. Transportation must be providedfor this additional load whenever possible.

d. The commander must take positive actionto insure that a balance exists between whatthe individual is wearing and what he isrequired to carry in the way of equipment. Hemust also insure that troops dress as lightlyas possible consistent with the weather inorder to reduce the danger of excessive per-spiring and subsequent chilling. The completecold-wet or cold-dry uniform for the applica-ble environmental conditions must be readilyavailable. A large proportion. of cold weathercasualties results from too few clothes beingavailable to individuals when a severe changein the weather occurs. Because of the differ-ences in individual metabolism, commanders

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must not be arbitrary in delineating strictuniform requirements, but must allow somepersonal choice of undergarments.

2-3. Cold Weather ConditionsThe use of cold weather clothing is affected

by two types of weather conditions: wet anddry. These conditions are amplified by humid-ity coupled with temperature and wind veloc-ity; high humidity (wet conditions), lowhumidity (dry conditions).

a. Wet Conditions. Cold-wet conditions occurwhen temperatures are near freezing and vari-ations in day and night temperatures causealternate freezing and thawing. This freezingand thawing is often accompanied by rain andwet

2-4.a.

snow, causing the ground to become

Section II.

Purpose of ClothingProtection of Body Against Climatic

CLOTHING

Factors.(1)

(2)

If the body is to operate efficiently, itmust maintain a normal temperature.The body attempts to adjust itself tothe variable external conditions itencounters. These attempts are evi-denced by the need for more food toproduce additional heat during colderweather, by perspiration to increaseremoval of heat during hot weather,and by the gradual darkening of theskin as protection against extendedexposure to the rays of the sun.Proper clothing, correctly worn, willassist the body in its adjustment toextreme climatic conditions. Theclothing does this by holding in thebody heat, thereby insulating thebody against the cold outside air. Theproblem of protection becomes acutewhen freezing temperatures are in-volved. To understand this problemrequires a knowledge of the methodsby which the body resists the effectsof climatic changes.

b. Balancing Heat Production and Heat Loss.The body loses heat at variable rates. This heatmay flow from the body at a rate equal to orgreater than the rate at which it is produced.

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muddy and slushy. During these periods troopsshould wear clothing which consists of awater-repellent, wind-resistant outer layer andinner layers with sufficient insulation to pro-vide ample protection in moderately coldweather (above 14°F.).

b. Dry Conditions. Cold-dry conditions occurwhen average temperatures are lower than14°F. The ground is usually frozen and snowis usually dry, in the form of fine crystals.Strong winds cause low temperatures to seemcolder and increase the need for protection ofthe entire body (windchill) (fig. F-1). Duringthese periods, troops should have availableadditional insulating layers of clothing. This isparticularly true when entering static situa-tions form a period of strenuous exercise.

When heat loss exceeds heat production, thebody uses up the heat stored in its tissues, caus-ing a rapid drop in body temperature. Exces-sive heat loss can result in shivering. Shiveringuses body energy to produce heat which atleast partially offsets the heat loss and slowsthe rate at which the body temperature willdrop. Shivering is an important warning tostart action to rewarm, either by adding moreclothing, by exercising, by eating some food,or by entering a warm shelter, or by anycombination of these actions. In freezingtemperatures itadjust clothinging as it is toloss.

is as important to remove andto prevent excessive overheat-add clothing to prevent heat

2-5. Principles of Clothing DesignCertain principles are involved in the design

of adequate cold weather clothing to controlthe loss of heat from the body, to facilitateproper ventilation, and to protect the body.

a. Insulation. Any material that resists thetransmittance of heat is known as an insulatingmaterial. Dry air is an excellent insulator.Woolen cloth contains thousands of tiny pock-ets within its fibers. These air pockets trap theair warmed by the body and hold it close to theskin. The principle of trapping air within thefibers or layers of clothing provides the mostefficient method of insulating the body against

AGO 8641A

heat loss. Fur provides warmth in the sameway; warm, still air is trapped in the hair andis kept close to the body.

b. Layer Principle.

air. If this gives too much ventilation, only theneck of the garment should be opened to allowwarm air to escape without permitting com-plete circulation.

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(2)

(3)

Several layers of medium-weightclothing provide more warmth thanone heavy garment, even if the singleheavy garment is as thick as thecombined layers. The effect resultsfrom the several thick layers of airwhich are trapped between the layersof clothing, rather than one or twolayers of large volume. These layers,as well as the minute air pocketswithin the fibers, are warmed by thebody heat.The layers of clothing are of differentdesign. The winter underwear is mostporous and has many air pockets.These air pockets trap and hold theair warmed by the body. To keep thecold outside air from reaching thestill inside air that has been warmedby the body, the outer garments aremade of windproof, water-repellentfabric.The layer principle allows maximum

2-6. Winter Use of Clothing a. Basic Principles of Keeping Warm.

(1) Keep clothing Clean. (2)Avoid Overheating. (3)Wear Clothing Loose and in layers.(4) Keep clothing Dry (5) Remember C-O-L-D to keep warm

in winter.

b. Application of Basic Principles.

(1)

freedom of action and permits rapidadjustment of clothing through awide range of temperatures and ac-tivities. The addition or removal oflayers of clothing allows the body tomaintain proper body heat balance.

c. Ventilation. Perspiration fills the air-spaces of the clothing with moisture laden airand reduces their insulating qualities. As per-spiration evaporates, it cools the body just aswater evaporating from a wet canteen covercools the water in the canteen. To combat theseeffects, cold weather clothing is designed sothat the neck, waist, hip, sleeve, and anklefastenings can be opened or closed to provideventilation. To control the amount of circula-tion, the body should be regarded as a houseand the openings in the clothing as windowsof the house. Cool air enters next to the bodythrough the openings in the clothing just ascool air comes into a house when the windowsare open. If the windows are opened at oppositeends of a room, cross-draft ventilation results.In the same way, if clothing is opened at thewaist and neck, there is a circulation of fresh

AGO 8641A

Keep clothing clean. This is alwaystrue from a standpoint of sanitationand comfort: in winter, in additionto these considerations, it is neces-sary for maximum warmth. If clothesare matted with dirt and grease,much of their insulation property isdestroyed; the air pockets in theclothes are crushed or filled up andthe heat can escape from the bodymore readily. Underwear requires theclosest attention because it will be-come soiled sooner. If available, lightcotton underwear may be worn be-neath winter underwear to absorbbody oils and lengthen the time inter-val between necessary washings ofthese more difficult to clean and drygarments. Winter underwear (Armyissue is a 50/50 cotton/wool blend)and cushion sole socks (Army issuesocks are 50 percent wool, 30 percentnylon, 20 percent cotton) should bewashed in lukewarm water, if avail-able. Hot water should not be usedbecause it is injurious to the woolfibers and causes shrinkage. Syn-thetic detergents are more solublethan soap in cool water and also pre-vent hard-water scum, and are there-fore recommended, if available. Whenouter clothing gets dirty it should bewashed with soap and water. All thesoap or detergent must be rinsed outof the clothes, since any left in theclothing will lessen the water-shed-ding quality of the clothing. In addi-tion to destroying much of the nor-

7

mal insulation, grease will make theclothing more flammable. All outergarments of the Cold Weather Cloth-ing System are washable and havelaundry instruction labels attached.If washing is not possible for clothingthat would normally be washed withsoap and water, dry rubbing andairing will rid them of some dirt andaccumulated body oils.

(2) Avoid overheating. In cold climates,overheating should be avoided when-ever possible. Overheating causesperspiration which in turn, causesclothing to become damp. This damp-ness will lessen the insulating qualityof the clothing. In addition, as theperspiration evaporates it will coolthe body even more. When indoors, aminimum of clothing should be wornand the shelter should not be over-heated. Outdoors, if the temperaturerises suddenly or if hard work is be-ing performed, clothing should beadjusted accordingly. This can bedone by ventilating (by partiallyopening parka or jacket) or by re-moving an inner layer of clothing, orby removing heavy mittens or bythrowing back parka hood or chang-ing to lighter head cover. The headand hands, being richly supplied withblood, act as efficient heat dissipatorswhen overheated. In cold temperatureit is better to be slightly chilly thanto be excessively warm. This pro-motes maximum effectiveness of thebody heat production processes.

(3) Wear clothing loose and in layers.Clothing and footgear that are tootight restrict blood circulation andinvite cold injury. Wearing of moresocks than is correct for the type offootgear being worn might cause theboot to fit too tightly. Similarly, afield jacket which fits snugly over awool shirt would be too tight whena liner is also worn under the jacket.If the outer garment fits tightly,putting additional layers under it willrestrict circulation. Additionally,tight garments lessen the volume of

8

trapped air layers and thereby reducethe insulation and ventilation avail-able.

(4) Keep clothing dry.(a) Under winter conditions, moisture

will soak into clothing from two directions-inside and outside. Dry snow and frost that collect on theuniform will be melted by the heat radiated by the body.

(b) Outer clothing is water-repellentand will shed most of the water collected from melting snow andfrost. The surest way to keep dry,however, is to prevent snow fromcollecting. Before entering heatedshelters, snow should be brushedor shaken from uniforms; it shouldnot be rubbed off, because this willwork it into the fabric.

(c) In spite of all precautions, therewill be times when getting wet can-not be prevented and the drying ofclothing may become a major prob-lem. On the march, damp mittensand socks may be hung on the pack.Occasionally in freezing tempera-tures, wind and sun will help drythis clothing. Damp socks or mit-tens may be placed, unfolded nearthe body, where the body heat willdry them. In bivouac, damp cloth-ing may be hung inside the tentnear the top, using drying lines orimprovised drying racks. It mayeven by necessary to dry each item,piece by piece, by holding beforean open fire. Clothing and footwearshould not be dried to near a heatsource. Leather articles, especiallyboots, must be dried slowly. If bootscannot be dried by any other meth- od, it is recommended that they beplaced between the sleeping bag and liner. Heat from the body willaid in drying the leather.

2-7. Components of Cold Weather UniformsThe items of clothing below are Standard A

as listed in SB 700-20. It should be borne inmind however that procurement may or maynot have been started on some of the items

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Figure 2–1. Basic components of cold-wet uniform.

and upon requisitioning some Standard Bclothing may be issued. Although not shown asbasic items of the cold weather uniforms, lightcotton underwear may be worn under thewinter underwear (para 2-6 b (l)).

a. Cold-Wet Uniform. The basic componentsof the cold-wet uniform are illustrated in fig-ure 2-1 unless otherwise indicated.

(1) Undershirt Mans. 50 Cotton 50 Wool,Full Sleeve.

(2) Drawers Mens. 50 Cotton 50 Wool,Ankle Length.

(3) Socks Mens. Wool Cushion Sole, OG408, Stretch Type.

(4)

(5)(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

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Suspenders Trousers. Scissors BackType.Trousers Mens. Wool Serge, OG 108.Shirt Mans. Wool Nylon Flannel, OG108.Trousers Mens. Cotton Nylon, WindResistant Sateen, 8.5 oz, OG 107.Boot Insulated Cold Weather. MensRubber Black (or Boot Combat:Mens Leather Black 8½" high withOvershoe: Rubber Man’s HighCleated 5 Buckle).Coat Man. Cotton and Nylon WindResistant Sateen, 8.5 oz, OG 107,with integral hood.Liner Coat Mens. Nylon Quilted 6.2oz, OG 106.Cap Insulating, Helmet Liner-Helmet.Cotton Nylon Oxford, OG 107.

(12)

(13)

(14)

Glove Shells. Leather Black withGlove Inserts; Wool and Nylon Knit,OG 208, or Mitten Shells; TriggerFinger Leather Palm and Thumbwith Mitten Inserts; Wool and NylonKnit, OG, Trigger Finger, or MittenSet Arctic; Gauntlet Style Shell withLeather Palm (fig. 2-5).Hood Winter. Cotton and Nylon Ox-ford, OG 107, with drawcord and fur.Poncho. Coated Nylon Twill, OG 207(not illustrated).

b. Cold-Dry Uniform. The basic componentsof the cold-dry uniform are illustrated in fig-ure 2-2

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

unless otherwise indicated.Undershirt Mens. 50 Cotton 50 Wool,Full Sleeve.Drawers Mens. 50 Cotton 50 Wool,Ankle Length.Socks Mens. Wool Cushion Sole, OG408, Stretch Type.Suspenders Trousers. Scissors BackType.Shirt Mans. Wool Nylon Flannel, OG108.Trousers Mens. Cotton Nylon, WindResistant Sateen, 8.5 oz, OG 107.Liner Trousers. Nylon Quilted, 6.2 oz,OG 106.Boot Insulated Cold Weather. MensRubber White, w/release valve.Coat Man. Cotton and Nylon WindResistant Sateen, 8.5 oz, OG 107.

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10

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

(16)

(17)

Figure 2-2. Basic components of cold-dry uniform.

Liner Coat Mans. Nylon Quilted, 6.2oz, OG 106.Parka Mans. Cotton and Nylon OxfordOG 107, w/o hood (not illustrated),Liner Parka Mans. Nylon Quilted, 6.2oz, OG 106 (not illustrated).Cap, Insulating, Helmet Liner. Cot-ton Nylon Oxford, OG 107.Hood Winter. Cotton and Nylon Ox-ford, OG 107, w/drawcord and fur.Glove Shells. Leather Black withGlove Inserts; Wool and Nylon Knit,OG 108, or, Mitten Shells; TriggerFinger Leather Palm and Thumbwith Mitten Inserts; Wool and NylonKnit, OG, Trigger Finger, or, MittenSet Arctic; Gauntlet Style Shell withLeather Palm (fig. 2-5).Poncho. Coated Nylon Twill, OG 207(not illustrated).Gloves Cloth. Work Type (not illus-trated).

(b)

constructed so that circulation andventilation are not restricted.Suspenders. The scissors-type sus-penders are worn over the under-shirt. The drawers and all succeed-ing layers of trousers are supportedby the suspenders. The use of sus-penders allows the drawers andtrousers to be worn loose at thewaist so that neither circulationnor ventilation is restricted.

(2) Intermediate layer. The intermediatelayer consists of the wool OG shirtand trousers which provide excellentinsulation against the cold. The shirtis worn outside the trousers for bet-ter control of ventilation. The wooltrousers and shirt are not designedto be worn as outer garments underfield conditions since they lose theirinsulating qualities if they becomewet or matted with dirt. When en-gaged in strenuous activity, care must

2-8. Description and Wearing of the be taken so that the wool materialUniform Components will not come in contact with the

a. Cold-Wet. skin, thus causing possible irritation(1) Inner layer. and discomfort.

(a) Underwear. The underwear is loose (3) Outer layer.fitting and is made of 50 percent (a) Coat. The coat ensemble is made upcotton and 50 percent wool. It is of a shell and a detachable liner.

AGO 8641A

Figure 2-3. Cap insulatng helmet and helmet liner.

(b)

The coat has a combination slide,snap and touch-and-close fastenerfront closure. The sleeves have ad-justable cuffs with a hand shieldextension. A lightweight hood is anintegral part of the coat. When notbeing used the hood is secured un-der the collar and is concealed bya slide fastened enclosure. Thedetachable liner is made of quiltednylon and is extremely light andwarm. The liner has a collar, openunderarms, and buttonhole tabs forattachment to the coat.Trousers. The trousers are made ofsmooth, light, wind resistant sa-teen. They have extra closures andadjustments. to provide for ventila-tion and better fit.

(4) Headgear.(a) Cap. The insulating helmet liner

cap (fig. 2-3) is close fitting,visorless, and of helmet style. It hasa combined one-piece earlap andneck protector, and utilizes anoverlap touch-and-close fastener.The cap is designed to be worn un-der the steel helmet or under thewinter hood. When worn as anouter headpiece, the lower flap por-tion of the cap may be folded up

(5)(6)

(b)

around the top with the touch-and-close fasteners crisscrossed in thefront (fig. 2-3).Hoods. The winter hood (fig. 2-4)is a one-piece covering for thehead, face, and neck. It utilizestouch-and-close fasteners and canbe worn over the steel helmet. Amalleable wire inside the fur ruffmay be shaped as desired for visi-bility or greater protection of thehead and face. Unit commandersmust enforce “hood discipline,” es-pecially while men are on sentryduty or on patrols. The winterhood and the cold weather capwith flaps down will greatly reducea man’s hearing capabilities. Whenthe temperature or wind does not.require the use of heavier head-gear, the cold weather cap and thelightweight hood should be worn.Hoods should be removed beforethe head starts to perspire. Breath-ing into the winter hood causesmoisture and frost to accumulateand should be avoided as much aspossible. Accumulated frost shouldbe removed frequently.

Handwear. See c below.Footwear. See d below.

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b. Cold-Dry.(1) Inner Layer. Same as cold-wet.(2) Intermediate Layer. The wool OG

shirt is worn as the basic upper bodygarment. The wind resistant sateentrousers with the quilted nylon linerare worn as the basic lower body gar-ment. In extreme cold weather, the

(8)

coat with detachable liner, used asan outer layer in the cold-wet uni-form, may be worn as an inter-mediate layer in cold-dry conditions.Outer Layer. Depending on tempera-ture the outer garment may consistof the coat with detachable liner, theparka, with detachable liner, or both,

12 AGO 8641A

The parka is a three-quarter length,unlined coat with adjustable cuffs.It has a combination slide and snapfastener front fly closure, waist andhem drawcords and a split lowerback. The parka has a detachablequilted nylon liner.

(4) Headgear. Same as cold-wet.(5) Handwear. See c below.(6) Footwear. See d below.c. Handwear.(1) Gloves.

(a) Standard black leather gloves areworn in mild weather or whenwork must be done that requiresmore freedom of finger movementthan can be acquired with heavierhandwear. In colder weather thesame gloves are worn with wool in-serts (fig. 2-5). Gloves may beworn with either the cold-wet orcold-dry uniforms when theweather is not cold enough to re-quire the use of mittens.

(b) Personnel engaged in delicate fin-ger operations, such as instrumentadjustment may be issued light-weight cotton work gloves. Thesegloves allow for finger dexterity,have leather palms, and preventthe skin from sticking to coldmetal. They will provide protectionagainst cold for only a very shortperiod.

(2) Mittens.(a) The trigger finger mitten shells

(fig. 2-5), are worn with wool trig-ger finger inserts during periods ofmoderate cold. The mittens may beworn with either the cold-wet orcold-dry uniform. Figure 2-5shows the Standard B mitten. TheStandard A item, although identi-cal in outward appearance has hadthe trigger finger loop deleted andis lined on the inside upper surfacewith lightweight quilted nylon.

(b) During periods of extreme cold thearctic mitten set is worn (fig. 2-5).The mitten has a liner, a leatherpalm, a cheek warmer and a fast-

ener on the back. A neck strap isattached to both mittens to preventloss. The neck strap permits themittens, when not required forwarmth, to be conveniently carriedsnapped together behind the back.The arctic mitten set is carriedwhenever there is the possibility ofthe onset of severe cold weather,regardless of the mildness of theweather when setting out.

(3) Utilization.(a) The general rules concerning the

use of clothing apply also to hand-wear—keep it clean, avoid over-heating, wear loose in layers, andkeep it dry.

(b) The outer shells should always beworn with the minimum insulationnecessary to provide protection,thus avoiding perspiration. Insertsshould never be worn by themselvesbecause they wear out quickly andprovide little warmth alone. Trig-ger finger inserts are designed tofit either hand. Changing them toopposite hands frequently will in-sure even wear.

(c) Tight fitting sleeves should beavoided. They may cut down cir-culation and cause hands to be-come cold.

(d) When handling cold metals, thehands should be covered to preventcold burns (immediate freezing ofthe flesh in contact with coldsoaked metals).

(e) To keep hands warm when wear-ing mittens, the fingers should becurled (inside the mittens) againstthe palm of the hand, thumb under-neath the fingers, or flexed insidethe mitten whenever possible to in-crease the blood circulation. Handsmay be exercised by swinging thearms in a vertical circle. Frost-bitten hands can be warmed byplacing them next to the skin un-der the armpits.

(f) An extra pair of mitten insertsshould be carried.

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d. Footwear.(1) General. The feet are more vulner-

able to cold than are other parts ofthe body. Cold attacks feet most oftenbecause they get wet easily (both ex-ternally and from perspiration) andbecause circulation is easily re-stricted. Footgear is therefore one ofthe most important parts of coldweather clothing.

(2) Principles.(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

The rule of wearing clothing looseand in layers also applies to foot-gear. The layers are made up bythe boot itself and by the socks.Socks are worn in graduated sizes.The instructions pertaining to fit-ting of footgear, as outlined in TM10-228, must be carefully adheredto. If blood circulation is re-stricted, the feet will be cold.Socks, worn too tightly, mighteasily mean freezing of the feet.For the same reason: AVOIDLACING FOOTGEAR TIGHTLY.Since the feet perspire more read-ily than any other part of the body,the rules about avoiding overheat-ing and keeping dry are difficult tofollow. Footgear is subjected to be-coming wet more often than areother items of equipment. The in-sulated boots with release valve(white, cold-dry and black, cold-wet) are designed to contain pers-piration within the interior of theboots. A change of dry socks shouldbe carried at all times. Wheneverthe feet get wet, dry as soon aspossible and put on a pair of drysocks. Also, the inside of the bootsshould be wiped as dry as possible.Footgear should be kept clean.Socks should be changed when theybecome dirty. Socks and feet shouldbe washed frequently. This washingwill help keep feet and socks ingood condition.The feet should be exercised.Stamping the feet, double-timingsfew steps back and forth, and flex-ing and wiggling toes inside the

(e)

(3) T(a)

boots all require muscular action,produces heat, and will help keepthe feet warm. The feet should bemassaged when changing thesocks.Boots are designed to permit at-tachment to individual oversnowequipment (skis and snowshoes).BINDINGS MUST BE AD-JUSTED CAREFULLY. If theyare too tight, the circulation ofblood is restricted and feet will getcold. Improperly adjusted bindingsmay soon chafe feet or badly wearand tear the boot.

ypes.Boot, insulated, cold weather:mens, rubber, black. These boots(l, fig. 2-6) are particularly usefulin snow, slush, mud, and water(cold-wet conditions), but are notadequate for prolonged wear intemperatures below –20° F. Theyare specifically designed for com-bat personnel who may not havethe opportunity to frequentlychange to dry socks. Insulatingmaterial is hermetically sealed intothe sides and bottoms of the boots.The insulation takes the place ofremovable innersoles and the sec-ondary layer of socks worn in othertypes of cold weather boots. Pers-piration from the feet and waterspilling over the tops of the bootscannot reach the insulating mater-ial because it is sealed-in and al-ways remains dry. Moisture fromoutside sources or from perspira-tion may make the socks damp;this dampness is not harmful tothe feet, provided they receiveproper care such as frequent dry-ing and massaging. If socks are notchanged and feet dried regularly(at least twice daily) the skin be-comes softened and is more readilychaffed or blistered. These effectsare occasionally mistaken for su-perficial frostbite. Only one pair ofcushion-sole socks are worn with

14 AGO 8641A

(b)

thenot

boots. Additional socks shouldbe worn as the feet may become

cramped, resulting in restrictedblood circulation and cold feet.Boot, insulated, cold weather:mens, rubber, white, w/releasevalve. The insulated white boot (2,fig. 2–6 ) is designed for wear incold-dry conditions and will pro-tect the feet in temperatures as lowas –60° F. The boots have a seam-less inner and outer carcass, sealedinsulation, and an outside air re-lease valve used to compensate forair differentials. The white bootsare worn over one pair of cushionsole socks. The air release valveprovides airborne troops a meansof equalizing external and internalair pressures when undergoing ex-treme changes in altitude. Thisvalve must remain closed at allother times to prevent the possi-bility of introducing any amountof moisture into the insulation ofthe boot and rendering it perma-nently unserviceable.

2-9. Nose and Cheek Protectors and Masksa. The Mask, Cold Weather may be issued

AGO 8641A

for use during severe windchill conditions. Themask must be removed at intervals to checkfor frostbite.

b. A certain amount of protection can begained by covering as much of the face aspossible with a wool scarf. It may be adjustedfrom time to time, and should be rotated whenthe section opposite the mouth and nose be-comes covered with frost. The frozen endshould be left outside the coat or parka. Thescarf, like the mask, must be removed at in-tervals to check for frostbite.

2-10. Camouflage Clothinga. Winter camouflage clothing (overwhites)

consists of white trousers and lightweightparka with hood. White covers are also issuedfor the rucksacks.

b. Camouflage clothing provides a means ofconcealment and camouflage from the enemy—both from the ground and from the air-in winter conditions. Use of the white cam-ouflage clothing is, however, dependent on thebackground; generally speaking, on vegetationand the amount of snow on the ground. Thecomplete white suit (fig. 6-26) is worn whenterrain is covered with snow. Mixed clothing(fig. 6-27 )—white parka and dark trousers,or vice versa—is used against mottled back

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grounds. The correct use of camouflage cloth-ing is extremely important (para 6-22).

c. Overwhites may become frosty and icyafter use. As with all clothing, the frost andice must be removed to expedite drying. Soiledcamouflage clothing will lose its effectiveness;therefore, care must be exercised when han-dling stoves, digging in ground, and perform-ing similar tasks. Avoid scorching or burningthe garments when drying or when lying downby an open fire. The clothing should be washedor changed frequently. When changing, cloth-ing should be checked to insure that it fitsover the basic garments without restrictingmovement.

2-11. Maintenance of Clothing andEquipment

a. Footgear.(1) Boots. The leather in boots should be

treated with approved agents. Nor-mally, the insulated boot can be re-paired with ordinary tire patching orair mattress patching material. Ifthese items are not readily available,friction tape or even chewing gummay be used temporarily to plug upthe hole and prevent moisture fromdamaging the insulation. If the dam-age cannot be repaired, the bootsshould be removed, airdried, and

SECTION III. EQUIPMENT

2-12. Sleeping Equipmenta. The complete sleeping bag for use in cold

climates consists of three parts: a case, ofwater-repellent material; an inner bag (moun-tain type), of quilted tubular construction,filled with a mixture of down and feathers;and an outer bag (arctic bag), of the samematerial as the inner bag. Insulating air mattress and ainto which the sleeping bagsissued.

b. When temperatures are normally above14° F., only one bag is used. It is placed in and

addition, an in-waterproof bagare packed are

laced to the cover. When temperatures are be-low 14° F., both bags are used. The inner bagis placed inside the outer bag and secured at

16

(2)

turned in for replacement as soon aspossible. The inside of the bootsshould be washed at least once amonth with a mild soap, and rinsedwith warm water.

Caution: Do not clean with abra-sive materials. Also do not applypolish or paint to any part of the bootas it will result in deterioration ofthe rubber.Socks. Socks should be washed daily,using lukewarm water to avoid ex-cessive shrinkage. After washing,they should be wrung out andstretched to natural shape beforedrying. Holes in socks should be re-paired as soon as possible, takingspecial precautions to avoid bunchingor roughness of the mended area. Itshould be noted that proper repairsunder field conditions are almost im-possible and that blisters should beexpected if field mended socks areworn.

b. Handgear. Holes should be mendedpromptly. Gloves or mittens should not bedried too near an open fire.

c. Headgear. Headgear should be washed asrequired to remove perspiration, dirt, and hairoils. When drying, normal care must be exer-cised to avoid scorching or burning.

the foot with the loops and tie straps providedand the cover laced over the outer bag.

c. When the bag is used, it is first fluffed upso that the down and feather insulation isevenly distributed in channels, thus preventingmatting. Since cold penetrates from below,and the insulation inherent in the bag is com-pressed by the weight of the body, additionalinsulation is placed under the bag wheneverpossible. Added insulation can be obtained byplacing ponchos, extra clothing, backboards,fiber ammunition or food containers, orboughs between the sleeping bag and theground. The insertion of a waterproof cover,such as a poncho, between the sleeping bagand air mattress will prevent the mattressand bag from freezing together at very cold

AGO 8641A

temperatures. This is caused by condensationon the mattress due to the difference in tem-peratures between the lower side touching theground and the upper side touching the rela-tively warm sleeping bag. Care must be takento prevent puncturing the mattress or damag-ing sleeping bags. In general, the more insula-tion between the sleeping bag and the ground,the warmer the body.

d. If the tactical situation permits, individ-uals should avoid wearing too many clothes inthe sleeping bag. When too many clothes areworn they tend to bunch up, especially at theshoulders, thereby restricting circulation andinducing cold. Too many clothes also increasethe bulk and place tension upon the bag, thusdecreasing the size of the insulating airspacesbetween layers and reducing the efficiency ofthe insulation. In addition, too many clothesmay cause the soldier to perspire and result inexcessive moisture accumulating in the bag, acondition which will likewise reduce the bag’sinsulating qualities.

e. The sleeping bag is equipped with a fulllength slide fastener which has a free run-ning, nonlocking slider. In an emergency, thebag can be opened quickly by grasping bothsides of the opening near the top of the slidefastener and pulling the fastener apart. As asafety precaution, bags should be tested atfrequent intervals to insure that the slide fast-ener operates freely and will function properly.

f. The sleeping bag should be kept cleanand dry. It should be opened wide and venti-lated after use to dry out the moisture thataccumulates from the body. Whenever possi-ble, it should be sunned or aired in the open.The bag always should be laced in its water-repellent case and carried in the waterproofbag to prevent snow from getting on it. Thewarmth of the body could melt the snow dur-ing the night and cause extreme discomfort.Individuals should avoid breathing into thebag. If the face becomes too cold it should becovered with an item of clothing. Sleepingbags should be drycleaned at least twice ayear. As a safety precaution, bags should bethoroughly aired prior to use to prevent possi-ble asphyxiation from entrapped drycleaningsolvent fumes.

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2-13. Manpack Equipmenta. Rucksack-Nylon, OG 106 (fig. 2-7).

(1) The nylon rucksack consists of thefollowing:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

A lightweight aluminum alloyframe to which all other compo-nents are attached.A lightweight aluminum alloycargo support shelf provided as op-tional equipment for attachment tothe frame when the frame is usedas a packboard.A pouch fabricated from 4-ouncenylon fabric.Nylon left and right shoulderstraps. The left shoulder strap hasa quick-release device designed tofacilitate rapid doffing of the ruck-sack. The right shoulder strap hasa rapid adjustment buckle forlengthening the strap which allowsthe wearer to fire his rifle while inthe prone position. The two strapsare interchangeable to accommo-date left-handed soldiers.A nylon webbing waist belt de-signed to prevent the rucksackfrom swinging to either side orbouncing during body movements.A rifle carrier consisting of a riflebutt pocket, constructed of nylonwebbing, with a double hook anda rifle strap.

(2) The nylon rucksack is the normalpack equipment used for operationsin northern areas and replaces therucksack, with frame (Standard C).It should be noted that this item maybe issued in lieu of the nylon ruck-sack. It should also be noted that theplywood packboard may be issued inlieu of the nylon rucksack. The sol-dier using the rucksack can carry ex-tra clothing and rations in the nylonpouch and can also carry one sleep-ing bag (in waterproof bag). Whenthe nylon pouch is removed and cargosupport shelf attached, the rucksackmay be used as a packboard for car-rying loads weighing approximately50 pounds (TC 10-8).

17

18 AGO 8641A

b. Suspenders and Belt, Individual Equip-ment. The suspenders and belt of the M-56standard load-carrying equipment is worn be-neath the nylon rucksack to carry ammunitionpouches, first aid or compass case, and theentrenching tool. The suspenders and beltshould be adjusted to fit loosely over the coldweather clothing, to allow for proper ventila-tion. The suspender belt combination is de-signed so that the belt can be worn unbuckledwhile on the march, if additional ventilationis required.

2-14. Miscellaneous Equipmenta. Sunglasses, Sunglasses always should be

worn on bright days when the ground is cov-ered with snow. They are designed to protectthe eyes against sunglare and blowing snow.If not used, snow blindness may result. Theyshould be used when the sun is shiningthrough fog or clouds, A bright, cloudy day isdeceptive and can be as dangerous to the eyesas a day of brilliant sunshine. The sunglassesshould be worn to shade the eyes from therays of the sun that are reflected by the snow.Snow blindness is similar to sunburn, in thata deep burn may be received before discomfortis felt. To prevent snow blindness, sunglassesmust be used from the start of exposure.Waiting for the appearance of discomfort istoo late. The risk of snow blindness is in-creased at high mountain altitudes because theclear air allows more of the burning rays ofsunlight to penetrate the atmosphere. Whennot being used, they should be carried in the

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protective case to avoid scratching or breakingthe lens. If sunglasses are lost or broken, asubstitute can be improvised by cutting thin,3 cm (l”) long slits through a scrap of woodor cardboard approximately 15 cm (6”) longand 3 cm ( 1“ ) wide. The improvised sun-glasses (fig. 2-8 ) can be held on the face withstrips of cloth if a cord is not available.

b. Canteens.(1)

(2)

Canteen, water; cold climatic (fig.2-9), This canteen is a vacuum-in-sulated canteen of one quart capacitywith an unpainted dull finish steelexterior. The inner and outer stain-less steel vessels are welded togetherat the top of the neck. A nonmetallicmouthpiece at the neck prevents lipsfrom freezing to the metal neck. Aplastic cap seals and protects themouthpiece. A nesting type metal cupwith a capacity of one pint is pro-vided for eating and drinking bever-ages. The canteen with cup is carriedin a canvas cover which fastens tofield equipment in a manner similarto the conventional canteens. Caremust be taken to insure that themouthpiece or cap are not lost. Asharp blow to the canteen may resultin denting or rupture with conse-quent loss of insulating capabilities.Conventional metal and plastic can-teens. Conventional canteens are car-ried in a fabric carrier; however,this will not keep the liquid in thecanteen from freezing in extremecold. When possible, the canteenshould be carried in one of the pock-ets or wrapped in any woolen gar-ment and packed in the rucksack. Ifavailable, warm or hot water shouldbe placed in the canteen before start-ing an operation. During extremecold the canteen should never be filledover two-thirds full. This will allowroom for expansion if ice shouldform, and will prevent the canteenfrom rupturing. Insure that the gask-ets are in the cap at all times. This isan important precaution and will pre-vent the liquid from leaking out anddampening the clothing in the ruck-

19

sack. Conventional thermos bottleswill keep liquids hot, or at least un-frozen for approximately 24 hours,depending on temperatures. If can-teens or thermos bottles freeze, theyshould be thawed out carefully to pre-vent bursting. The top should beopened and the contents allowed tomelt slowly.

c. Pocket Equipment. There are severalsmall items that should be carried in thepockets so they will be readily available foruse. Having these items when they are neededwill contribute to the well-being of individualsand help prevent injuries. A good sharppocketknife is an essential item. It is useful forcutting branches, in shelter construction, inrepairing ski bindings, and numerous othertasks. Waterproof matches should be carriedand kept in the watertight matchbox and usedonly in an emergency. They should never beused when ordinary matches and lighters willfunction. Sunburn preventive cream will pro-tect the skin from bright, direct sunshine,from sunrays reflected by the snow, and fromstrong winds. The chapstick will prevent lipsfrom chapping or breaking due to cold weatheror strong winds. The chapstick should be pro-tected from freezing. The emergency thonghas numerous uses, such as lashing packs, re-placing broken bootlaces, and repairing skiand snowshoe bindings.

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d. Emergency Kit. It is recommended thatall personnel carry an emergency kit for usein individual survival. With this kit, an indi-vidual can survive off the land by trappingand fishing and can procure the minimumamountstrength

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)

(10)

of- food necessary to maintain hisfor a short period of time.1 each emergency thong.1 each sharp pocketknife.Single-edge razor blades.Waterproof matches.Safety pins.Fishing line.Fire starters.Salt tablets.High protein candy bars.Bouillon cubes.

2-15. Steel HelmetThe steel helmet may be worn during warm

periods in cold areas in the same manner as inmoderate climates. During cold periods it isnormally worn over the Cap, Insulating Hel-met Liner-Helmet. The helmet may also beworn under the winter hood.

2-16. Protective Maska. The Mask, Protective, Field, M17 is the

Army standard protective mask. Informationon this mask can be found in TM 3-4240-202-15. TM 3-4240-202-15, describes thewinterization measures for the M17 Mask. Inaddition to the wearing of tinted antiglare

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outserts for the plastic lenses, this kit pro-vides for winterization inlet and nosecupvalves together with an ice prefilter. This al-lows the standard mask to be worn at tem-peratures down to –50° F. with the M6A2hood.

b. The protective mask may be worn inmoderately cold weather in the same manneras in moderate climates. When the mask isused in extreme cold, the rubber facepieceshould be warm enough to make it pliablewhen it is adjusted to the wearer’s face. Onemethod of keeping the mask warm is to carryit inside the outer garments and next to thebody. It is also recommended that the mask bekept inside the sleeping bag during the night.On removing the mask, any moisture on theface should be wiped off immediately to pre-vent frostbite. After drying the face, the face-piece of the mask should be thoroughly driedto prevent freezing of moisture inside themask. The rubber cover of the outlet valveshould also be raised and the valve, surround-ing area, and the inside of the cover wiped dryto prevent the outlet valve from icing.

c. If it becomes necessary to wear the maskfor protection against chemical agents duringextreme cold weather, troops must be advised

that the facepiece of the protective mask willnot protect the face from the cold and that,in fact, the opposite is true. The danger offrostbite increases when the mask is worn.

d. The three automatic atropine injectionsof 2 mg each, carried as accessories duringmoderate temperature conditions, are carriedin a pocket of the protective mask carrier. Incold weather (40° F. and below), the injectorswill be removed from the carrier and placedin the inside of the right-hand pocket of theOG shirt, where body temperature will pre-vent freezing.

2-17. Body ArmorStandard issue body armor may be worn

with either of the cold weather uniforms.When worn with the cold-wet uniform it isworn over the OG shirt and under the coatand liner. When worn with the cold-dry uni-form it is worn over the OG shirt and underthe coat and liner or the parka and liner. Al-though the body armor is worn primarily forprotection against shell and mortar fragments,it may provide additional environmental pro-tection for the user; however, because of theweight, armor should be worn only for itsprimary purpose and not for additionalwarmth.

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