Below is the Army Cold Weather Uniform and Gear Regulation Guide for 2025
Source: DA PAM 670–1, 26 January 2021
Sections Referenced: Paras 6–10 to 6–13, 20–15, 20–23 to 20–25
1. Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS)
The ECWCS is a modular cold-weather uniform system issued to Soldiers, consisting of layered clothing designed to protect against extreme environmental conditions.
It includes outer garments such as waterproof and insulated jackets and trousers, including the layer III fleece jacket.
Regulation Use:
Source: DA PAM 670–1
- Soldiers may wear the ECWCS jackets and trousers as outer garments, including the layer III fleece jacket, when authorized by the commander.
- Soldiers may wear gloves with the combat uniform without cold weather outer garments.
- When cold weather outer garments are worn (for example, ECWCS), Soldiers may wear the olive green scarf and gloves, but are not required to do so.
- The hood may be worn at the Soldier’s option. If not worn, the hood will be tucked into the coat or jacket with the zipper closed.
2. Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE)
The FREE is a specialized flame-resistant clothing system designed for Soldiers exposed to cold weather and fire hazards.
It includes base layers, outer layers, and accessories made from flame-resistant materials like Nomex®.
Paras 6–10 to 6–13, DA PAM 670–1
6–10. Components
- Jacket: Light, intermediate, and extreme weather outer layers.
- Trousers: Light, intermediate, and extreme weather outer layers.
- Undershirts: Underlayer, base layer (lightweight), and mid-weight fleece—all cold weather.
- Vest: Intermediate weather outer layer.
- Parka and Parka liner: Extreme weather outer layers.
- Boxer briefs and drawers: Underlayer, base layer (lightweight), and mid-weight fleece—all cold weather.
6–11. Accessories
- The FREE is worn with the A2CU or improved CVC coveralls.
- FREE accessories include gloves (Nomex®, flight gloves, friction fighters, and similar), appropriate headgear, FR socks, and OCIE as determined by the commander.
6–12. Materials
- The FREE consists of Nomex®, flame-resistant rayon, wool, nylon, and Lycra.
6–13. General Guidelines
- The FREE is designed to be loose-fitting to prevent reduction in the FR properties of the materials.
- Alterations to achieve a tight fit are not authorized.
- Soldiers wear jackets outside the pants, including during flight duties.
3. Overcoat, Ceremonial, Blue (CBO)
The CBO is a formal overcoat for wear by select personnel (e.g., general officers, CSMs) during ceremonial events in cold weather. It replaces the ASU coat and is paired with the white scarf.
Regulation Use:
DA PAM 670–1, Para 20–23
- Type: Optional purchase item.
- Description: The coat is made of polyester, wool, or other authorized material, using an approved specification or pattern.
- How worn:
- The coat is worn on formal ceremonial occasions when cold weather precludes wear of the ASU coat alone.
- The ASU coat will not be worn under the ceremonial overcoat.
- The coat is worn with shoulder straps and rear pleats.
- The white scarf is worn with the coat.
- The coat is worn buttoned.
- The commander may authorize wear of the coat during appropriate non-ceremonial events and functions.
4. Overshoes, Black
Black overshoes are protective footwear made of rubber or synthetic material, worn over oxfords in inclement weather. They are authorized for limited uniform combinations and not worn in formation.
Regulation Use:
DA PAM 670–1, Para 20–24
- Type: Optional purchase item.
- Description: Overshoes are rubber or synthetic, of commercial design.
- How worn:
- Soldiers may wear black overshoes with oxford shoes when walking in inclement weather.
- Soldiers do not wear overshoes in formation.
- Soldiers may wear overshoes with service, dress, and mess uniforms.
- This guidance applies to male personnel only.
5. Scarves
Scarves are optional or issued neckwear garments designed to be worn with cold weather coats. Their function is to provide insulation while maintaining a professional appearance under regulation uniforms.
DA PAM 670–1, Para 20–25
a. Dress scarves (black, white, and heritage green):
- Type: Optional purchase item.
- Description: The scarf is approximately 12 inches wide and 52 inches long, of wool, silk, rayon, or a combination of these materials.
- How worn:
- The black scarf is worn with cold-weather utility coats and the black all-weather coat.
- The white scarf is worn with the CBO.
- The heritage green scarf is worn with the heritage green all-weather coat.
b. Olive Green 208 scarf:
- Type: Organizational issue item.
- Description: The scarf is made of wool, flat-jersey knit, 51½ to 55½ inches long and 8½ to 9½ inches wide.
- How worn:
- The scarf is worn folded in half lengthwise, with the left side over the right.
- The scarf is tucked neatly into the neckline of the outer garment, and the folded portion may be visible above the collar of the outer garment.
6. Gloves, Utility
Utility gloves are issued or optional cold-weather hand protection worn alone or with outer garments. They include leather shells, wool inserts, flame-resistant gloves, and commercial black gloves for general duty and protection.
Regulation Use:
DA PAM 670–1, Para 20–15
- Type: Optional and organizational issue items.
- Description:
- Includes light duty utility gloves; black leather shell gloves with wool inserts; optional commercial gloves (plain black with four fingers and one thumb); and Army-issued flame-resistant gloves.
- How worn:
- Soldiers may wear gloves with or without cold weather outer garments, including the ACU parka.
- Soldiers may not wear inserts alone.
- Flame-resistant gloves, such as Nomex®, are authorized for wear in garrison or field environments, even if they do not fully meet color specifications.
7. GEN III ECWCS Layering System
The Generation III ECWCS is the latest cold weather clothing system consisting of seven progressive clothing levels.
Each level is optimized for a specific function (moisture-wicking, insulation, weather resistance) and used in layering configurations based on mission and climate.
Source: TM 10-8415-236-10
System Overview:
| Level | Component | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| I | Lightweight undershirt and drawers | Moisture-wicking for mild to cold conditions |
| II | Midweight shirt and drawers | Increased insulation and moisture-wicking |
| III | High-loft fleece jacket | Primary insulating layer for moderate to cold |
| IV | Wind jacket | Wind/light rain protection over insulation |
| V | Soft shell jacket and trousers | Wind/rain resistance with insulation |
| VI | GORE-TEX® jacket and trousers | Cold, wet condition protection |
| VII | Insulated parka and trousers | Maximum insulation for extreme cold |
Recommended Layering Configurations
| Condition | Suggested Levels |
|---|---|
| Active, Extreme Cold (-25°F to 0°F) | I, II, III, V |
| Active, Cold (0°F to 30°F) | I, II, V |
| Active, Wet (30°F to 50°F) | I, IV |
| Static, Extreme Cold (-50°F to 0°F) | I, II, III, V, VII |
| Static, Cold (0°F to 30°F) | I, II, V |
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