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FM 31-70 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANUAL BASIC COLD WEATHER MANUAL This copy is a reprint which includes current pages from Change 1. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY APRIL 1968 FM 31-70 C l CHANGE HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY No. 1 WASHINGTON, D.C., /7 December /968 BASIC COLD WEATHER MANUAL FM 31-70, 12 April 1968, is changed as follows: mately 15° F to –15° F). The term moderately Page 53, paragraph 3-51 b, In line 16 “(LOW)” is cold is used only as a descriptive term. What is changed to read “(LAW or Lubricant, Semi- termed as moderately cold to one person, may be Fluid, MIL--L--46000A(LSA)).” extremely cold to another. The windchill factor Page 165, paragraph D-2 a. In line 10 “(LOW)” must also be considered, a moderate cold could is changed to read “(LAW or Lubricant, Semi- change momentarily to extreme cold by the addi- Fluid, MIL-L-46000A(LSA)).” tion of high winds. Therefore, the commander Page 166, paragraph D-3a (2). In line 21 “LOW” should use the type loads for planning only and is changed to read "LAW or Lubricant, Semi- should adjust them accordingly to fit a given situa- Fluid, MIL-L-46000A(LSA).” Page 166, paragraph D-3 a (3), In lines 3 & 4 tion and temperature condition. “LOW” is changed to read “LAW or Lubricant, Semi-Fluid, MIL-L-46000A(LSA).” Page 166, paragraph D-3 b (4). In line 7 “LOW” is changed to read “LAW or Lubricant, Semi- Fluid, MIL--L-46000A(LSA).” Page 170, paragraph E–2 a. In line 14 “Cap, Cold Weather” is changed to read “Cap, Insulting, Helmet Liner-Helmet.” Page 171, paragraph E 2c. Entire page 171 is deleted and the following is added: E-3. Type Load The loads shown below are type loads which could be worn during moderately cold weather (approxi- TAGO 649A—December 340-470 c63—68 1 c. Supplemental Existance Load. The following are items of clothing not immediately needed by the individual during moderately cold weather. These items are normally carried in the duffle bag on unit transportation and should be available to the individual when needed: Undershirt, 50/50 Drawers, 50/50 Socks, Cushion Sole (3 pr) Trousers, Cotton Nylon, WR Shirt, Wool Nylon, OG Parka, Cotton Nylon Liner, Parka, Nylon Quilted Mitten Set, Arctic Page 184, paragraph G-6a. In line 1 “(LOW)” is changed to read “(LAW or Lubricant, Semi-Fluid, MIL-L-46000A(LSA)).” By Order of the Secretary of the Army: W. C. WESTMORELAND, General, United States Army, Official: Chief Of Staff. KENNETH G. WICKHAM, Major General, United States Army, The Adjutant General. Distribution: To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-11 requirements for Basic Cold Weather Manual. TAGO 649A CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1-1. Purpose and Scope These include, among others, erecting and a. This manual is designed to prepare the striking tents, performing maintenance, con- individual soldier and small unit commander structing roads, starting and warming engines, to conduct military operations for extended movement of supplies, and hundreds of other periods of time under the most severe and small tasks that must be performed while varying cold weather climatic conditions. The wearing bulky cold weather clothing. doctrine and techniques in the manual are e. Insofar as possible illustrations used in applicable in any area that has cold weather this manual reflect Standard A items of cloth- and snow with their accompanying opera- ing and equipment. However, because of non- tional problems. Troops properly trained in availability of some items at time of publica- this doctrine and these techniques will be able tion, some illustrations show Standard B or C to fight; live; and move in any cold weather items of clothing (para 2-7). area of the world. f. Measurements in this manual to the ex- b. The provisions of SOLOG Agreement 23R, tent practicable, reflect both the Metric and Arctic Doctrine are implemented in this U.S. systems; however, in some cases figures manual. will show only the U.S. system. For ease in transposition, meters have been converted to c. The material contained herein empha- yards on a one for one basis. For more exact sizes that cold, with its attendant problems measurements use the conversions shown in affects military operations but does not pre- appendix H. vent them. The proper use of authorized equip- ment and field expedients will, to a major g. Users of this manual are encouraged to degree, overcome any problems encountered as submit recommendations to improve its clarity a result of the cold. It is the commander’s or accuracy, Comments should be keyed to the responsibility to train his men so they can specific page, paragraph, and line of the text make the environment save military opera- in which the change is recommended. Reasons tions, not hinder them. The material presented should be provided for each comment to insure herein is applicable, without modification to understanding and complete evaluation. Com- nuclear and nonnuclear warfare, employment ments should be forwarded direct to Com- of, and protection from, chemical, biological, manding General, United States Army, Alaska, and radiological agents, and internal defense APO Seattle 98749. Originators of proposed and development operations. changes which would constitute a significant modification of approved Army doctrine may d. Throughout this manual reference is send an information copy, through command made to the additional time required to con- channels, to the Commanding General, United duct various tasks in cold weather operations. States Army Combat Developments Command, This requirement cannot be overemphasized Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060, to facilitate re- and must be included in all planning. In addi- view and followup. tion to the increased amount of time con- sumed in actual movement, allowance must be 1-2. Relation to Other Manuals made for other time consuming tasks that are This manual is prepared with the assump- not present in temperate zone operations. tion that normal individual and basic unit AGO 8641A 3 training have been completed. The manual beyond the treatment given in this manual on should be used in conjunction with the basic the operation and maintenance of equipment field manuals of the arms and services as well during cold weather operations. Appendix A as FM 31-71and FM 3l-72. Appropriate tech- contains a list of supplementary manuals and nical manuals contain detailed information references. 4 AGO 8641A CHAPTER 2 INDIVIDUAL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Section 1. GENERAL 2-1. Basis of Issue mal winter conditions, 65 to 70 pounds is the a. As used in this manual, individual cloth- maximum weight a man can normally wear ing and equipment are those items issued or and carry and still be effective on reaching his sold to a soldier for his personal use, and in- destination. clude certain organizational equipment utilized b. The weight of individual clothing and by the individual. The basis of issue of cold equipment is covered in appendix E. Com- weather clothing and equipment may be found manders should give particular attention to in TA 50-901. Mandatory items of personal additional organizational equipment required clothing are listed in AR 700–8400–1. for a given operation. Some of the more com- b. The U.S. Army, through continuous re- mon items are also listed in appendix E. Since search and development, endeavors to main- the individual soldier’s combat load in cold tain the best clothing and equipment in the weather operations exceeds that of a temperate world. When properly fitted and properly util- climate load by more than 20 pounds, these ized this clothing will provide adequate pro- organizational items (such as binoculars, com- tection from the elements and will enable passes, radios and batteries, pioneer tools, crew trained, well disciplined troops to carry out served weapons, etc. ) become major consider- year-round field operations under cold weather ations and must be included at all levels of conditions, wherever they may be encountered. planning. c. To utilize fully the protection afforded by c. In addition to the individual combat load, the present standard cold weather clothing and another 45 to 55 pounds of clothing and equip- equipment, it is necessary to understand the ment is required for the protection and com- principle involved and the correct function of fort of each individual under conditions of ex- each item. This chapter covers basic principles treme cold. Transportation must be provided and provides general guidance on the purpose for this additional load whenever possible. and use of cold weather clothing and equip- d. The commander must take positive action ment. to insure that a balance exists between what the individual is wearing and what he is 2-2. Commander's Responsibilities required to carry in the way of equipment. He a. Many factors will influence the command- must also insure that troops dress as lightly er’s decision as to what items of clothing and as possible consistent with the weather in equipment his troops should wear or carry. order to reduce the danger of excessive per- These include the weather, mission at hand, spiring and subsequent chilling. The complete actual duties to be performed, overall physical cold-wet or cold-dry uniform for the applica- condition of individuals and their degree of ble environmental conditions must be readily proficiency. If a movement is involved he must available. A large proportion. of cold weather consider the distance to be traveled, the casualties results from too few clothes being method of travel, and how the troops will be available to individuals when a severe change fed en route, if applicable.

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