Cold-Wet/Cold-Dry Clothing System (M65)
Overview
The combination Cold-Wet/Cold-Dry Clothing System can be configured into two ensembles. The cold-wet ensemble is worn above 14°F (-10°C), and the cold-dry ensemble is worn below 14°F. The cold-dry ensemble protects down to -60°F (-51°C). The cold-wet configuration differs from the cold-dry in the number of layers and the choice of boots. The system uses layers of wool/cotton fabrics to trap air for insulation, and a water-repellent outer garment to maintain dryness.
Components of Cold-Wet Uniform
Inner Layer
Wool/cotton undershirt and drawers.
M1950 trouser suspenders are worn over the undershirt. The drawers and all succeeding layers of trousers are supported by the suspenders. The use of suspenders allows the drawers and trousers to be worn loose at the waist so that neither circulation nor ventilation is restricted.
Intermediate Layer
A shirt made of wool flannel and trousers made of wool serge provide excellent insulation against the cold. The shirt is worn outside the trousers for better control of ventilation. The shirt and trousers are not designed to be worn as outer garments under field conditions since they lose their insulating qualities if they become wet or matted with dirt. When engaged in strenuous activity, care must be taken so that the wool material will not come in contact with the skin, thus causing possible irritation and discomfort.
Outer Layer
The outer layer consists of a coat with detachable liner and trousers.
Headwear
An insulationg helmet liner cap, a winter hood.
Handwear
Standard black leather gloves are worn in mild weather or when work must be done that requires more freedom of finger movement than can be acquired with heavier handwear. In colder weather the same gloves are worn with wool inserts. Gloves may be worn with either the cold-wet or cold-dry uniforms when the weather is not cold enough to require the use of mittens.
Personnel engaged in delicate finger operations, such as instrument adjustment may be issued lightweight cotton work gloves. These gloves allow for finger dexterity, have leather palms, and prevent the skin from sticking to cold metal. They will provide protection against cold for only a very short period.
The trigger finger mitten shells are worn with wool trigger finger inserts during periods of moderate cold. The mittens may be worn with either the cold-wet or cold-dry uniform.
Footwear
The insulated black boots are particularly useful in snow, slush, mud, and water (cold-wet conditions), but are not adequate for prolonged wear in temperatures below -20°F (-29°C). They are specifically designed for combat personnel who may not have the opportunity to frequently change to dry socks. Insulating material is hermetically sealed into the sides and bottoms of the boots. The insulation takes the place of removable innersoles and the secondary layer of socks worn in other types of cold weather boots. Perspiration from the feet and water spilling over the tops of the boots cannot reach the insulating material because it is sealed-in and always remains dry. Moisture from outside sources or from perspiration may make the socks damp; this dampness is not harmful to the feet, provided they receive proper care such as frequent drying and massaging. If socks are not changed and feet dried regularly (at least twice daily) the skin becomes softened and is more readily chaffed or blistered. These effects are occasionally mistaken for superficial frostbite. Only one pair of cushion-sole socks are worn with the boots. Additional socks should not be worn as the feet may become cramped, resulting in restricted blood circulation and cold feet.
Components of Cold-Dry Uniform
Inner Layer
Same as cold-wet.Intermediate Layer
The wool shirt is worn as the basic upper body garment. The wool trousers are replaced by a quilted nylon liner which is worn inside the wind resistant sateen trousers.
Outer Layer
Depending on temperature the outer garment may consist of the coat with detachable liner, a parka, with detachable liner, or both. In extreme cold weather, the coat with detachable liner, used as an outer layer in the cold-wet uniform, may be worn as an intermediate layer in cold-dry conditions.
The wind resistant sateen trousers are worn with the quilted nylon liner.
Headwear
Same as cold-wet.Handwear
All the gloves/mittens previously discussed may also be worn with the cold-dry uniform when temperatures are appropriate.
During periods of extreme cold the arctic mitten set is worn. The mitten has a liner, a leather palm, a cheek warmer and a fastener on the back. A neck strap is attached to both mittens to prevent loss. The neck strap permits the mittens, when not required for warmth, to be conveniently carried snapped together behind the back. The arctic mitten set is carried whenever there is the possibility of the onset of severe cold weather, regardless of the mildness of the weather when setting out.
Footwear
The insulated white boot is designed for wear in cold-dry conditions and will protect the feet in temperatures as low as -60°F. The boots have a seamless inner and outer carcass, sealed insulation, and an outside air release valve used to compensate for air differentials. The white boots are worn over one pair of cushion sole socks. The air release valve provides airborne troops a means of equalizing external and internal air pressures when undergoing extreme changes in altitude. This valve must remain closed at all other times to prevent the possibility of introducing any amount of moisture into the insulation of the boot and rendering it permanently unserviceable.