The Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GEN III ECWCS) was designed to be functional in multiple cold weather climates and activities. It consists of a versatile, multi-layered insulating system that allows the Soldier to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions.

Components

Based on layering systems currently utilized by mountaineering professionals, the Generation III ECWCS incorporates seven new levels of insulation. It is composed of twelve garments.

Level I

Lightweight undershirt and drawers.

Level II

Midweight shirt and drawers.

Level III

Fleece jacket.

Level IV

Wind jacket.

Level V

Soft shell jacket and trousers.

Level VI

Extreme cold/wet weather jacket and trousers

Level VII

Extreme cold weather parka and trousers

Configurations

Clothing combinations shown below represent both recommended and optional configurations.

Activity	Temperature	Items
			L1	L2	L3	L4	L5	L6	L7
Active	Extreme Cold: -25 to 0°F (-31 to -17°C)	Top	•	•	•		•
		Bottom	•	•			•
	Cold: 0 to 30°F (-17 to -1°C)	Top	•	•			•
		Bottom	•	•			•
	Wet/Intermittent Wet: 40±10°F (4±5°C)	Top	•			•
		Bottom	•				•
	Cold/Wet: 35 to 45°F (1 to 7°C)	Top	•				•
		Bottom	•				•
Static	Extreme Cold: -50 to 0°F (-45 to -17°C)	Top	•	•	•		•		•
		Bottom	•	•			•		•
	Cold: 0 to 30°F (-17 to -1°C)	Top		•			•		•
		Bottom		•			•
	Cold/Wet: 30 to 45°F (-1 to 7°C)	Top	•		•			•
		Bottom	•					•
	Wet: Above 45°F (7°C)	Top	•	•				•
		Bottom	•					•

Instruction

• TM 10-8415-236-10 Operator's Manual for Extended Cold Weather Clothing System Generation III
• "Army Cold Weather Uniform and Equipment Posture". ATTP 3-97.11. Appendix A.

Similar System

• Marine Corps Mountain/Cold Weather Clothing System
• Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble

References

• http://peosoldier.armylive.dodlive.mil/2011/11/15/equipment-piece-of-the-week-generation-iii-extended-cold-weather-clothing-system-gen-iii-ecwcs/
• http://www.army.mil/-news/2006/12/15/996-excitement-heating-up-over-new-extended-cold-weather-gear/
• http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/04/10/8407-cold-weather-clothing-system-increases-survivability-comfort/
• Gen III ECWCS factsheet @PEO Soldier [2006][2008][May 2009][October 2009][October 2010]
• https://peosoldier.army.mil/newpeo/Equipment/DisplayXMLTable.asp?id=38
• https://peosoldier.army.mil/docs/ECWCSInfantryMagOct08.pdf
• http://www.adsinc.com/gen-iii
• http://polartec.com/markets/military/extended-cold-weather-clothing-system-gen-iii.aspx
• http://polartec.com/uploads/pdfs/POL_Mil_ECWCS_G3.pdf
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a5ZChRJ6r0