Bein' chilly in the BDUs

Walkman · November 21, 2007, 12:09:43 AM

We've got a FTX this weekend and it gets down into the 20s at night up here in the Rockies. To keep myself toasty in my BDUs, what is authorized to wear under them? Can I wear a long-sleeve plain black tee or can I wear some thermals?

SDF_Specialist · November 21, 2007, 12:12:58 AM

You can wear both. I wear thermals under my BDUs. Of course, I have a black t over them. I think you may even be able to get away with a turtle neck. I've never been reprimanded for wearing one. The way I see it, when it comes to things like this, if 39-1 doesn't say no, then you're good to go. You have to do what you have to do to stay warm and safe.

Eclipse · November 21, 2007, 12:28:50 AM

Not to mention that what you can't see can't be gig'ed...

JayT · November 21, 2007, 01:55:36 AM

Quote from: Walkman on November 21, 2007, 12:09:43 AM
We've got a FTX this weekend and it gets down into the 20s at night up here in the Rockies. To keep myself toasty in my BDUs, what is authorized to wear under them? Can I wear a long-sleeve plain black tee or can I wear some thermals?

Yup, long sleeve tee shirt is legit. You can even wear white thermals.

Plain black sweater/sweat shirt always works too.

isuhawkeye · November 21, 2007, 02:03:15 AM

To stay warm stay AWAY FROM COTTON. Cotton will absorb up to 200% its weigh in sweat. If you are wet you will be cold.

Skin layer should be wicking synthetic or silk long underwear is best.

insulation layer. I prefer the military polypropoline (SP) these thick layers are great and are very professional under the BDU's you can get them from most mil sales, or army surplus stores.

The BDU layer is next. This is your uniform wear it with pride.

External insulation layer I prefer the Fleece liner, but the liner to the M-65 works fairly well.

External/shell layer. the m-65 works for this, but I prefer the goretex shell.

Head gear. If your head is not covered you will be cold. I carry a stocking cap for when the temp drops.

Finally your feet. Just like your torso, wear a wicking layer followed by a heavy boot sock.

don't forget if you are wet you will be cold. You can get wet from 2 sources

1. External (Rane snow, etc). To protect against this have a good waterproof shell.

2. Internal. any time you work hard you will sweat (even if it is below 0) when you sweat you get wet. when you get wet you get cold.

Hope that helps

SarDragon · November 21, 2007, 02:11:33 AM

Quote from: isuhawkeye on November 21, 2007, 02:03:15 AMHead gear. If your head is not covered you will be cold. I carry a stocking cap for when the temp drops.

I cannot emphasize that enough. When your head is cold, your body routes more blood in that direction, which makes the extremities colder. You can lose up to 50% of your body heat through your uncovered head! One of the most important lessons I learned for cold weather survival - Wear a hat to keep your feet warm.

Hawk200 · November 21, 2007, 06:01:40 PM

Just dug through 39-1, and can't seem to find a black turtleneck listed. Used to be authorized, but seems to have been left out in this latest one. Maybe we should resubmit for it.

According to the current AFI 36-2903, it is still authorized for the Air Force.

Eclipse · November 21, 2007, 06:10:19 PM

Quote from: CAPM 39-1 Table 2-3, Page 63Black or brown turtlenecks, dickeys, or thermal undershirts without pockets may also be worn. EXCEPTION: members may wear white thermal undershirts even if exposed at neck.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 21, 2007, 02:11:33 AMWhen your head is cold, your body routes more blood in that direction...

I know a few people for which this would actually be a GOOD thing!

JayT · November 21, 2007, 09:06:49 PM

The ECWCS fleece, parka, and over pants are always good through.

Pylon · November 21, 2007, 10:06:17 PM

Quote from: Hawk200 on November 21, 2007, 06:01:40 PM
Just dug through 39-1, and can't seem to find a black turtleneck listed. Used to be authorized, but seems to have been left out in this latest one. Maybe we should resubmit for it.

According to the current AFI 36-2903, it is still authorized for the Air Force.

Table 2-3, Men's & Women's Battle Dress Uniforms, Line 12, Undershirts (my emphasis added):

QuoteBrown or black. Either V-neck, U-neck, crew neck or athletic style
without pockets. Black or brown turtlenecks, dickeys, or thermal
undershirts without pockets may also be worn. EXCEPTION:
members may wear white thermal undershirts even if exposed at neck.

Hawk200 · November 22, 2007, 12:09:09 AM

Cigars to Eclipse and Pylon. Must have read right past that. Guess I'll have to start the scan all the way through.

Walkman · November 22, 2007, 06:16:22 AM

Quote from: isuhawkeye on November 21, 2007, 02:03:15 AM
Head gear. If your head is not covered you will be cold. I carry a stocking cap for when the temp drops.

Especially for me, since I'm a complete Chrome Dome!

I always wear a stocking cap when I camp, even in the summer.

I always carry an extra dry undershirt to put on before going to sleep, that way the sweat from the day doesn't chill me.

Thanks for finding the regs, fellas. I did search through 39-1, but I still have trouble finding stuff in there.

We'll be at about 6,500 ft. At the valley floor, we've been hitting the upper 20s at night, so I'm sure we'll get into the teens up where we're going.

SStradley · November 22, 2007, 05:32:41 PM

It strikes me that the safety issue of avoiding cold weather injuries trumps the uniform regulations. If a member does not have the proper cold weather gear that conforms to the 39-1 requirments then they should stay warm. If the cold weather conditions are normal or expected to continue then they should acquire the gear ASAP.

Scott Stradley Maj, CAP