subject: The Benefits of GEN III ECWCS Clothing [print this page] The pinnacle of tactical clothing systems and ECWCS is exemplified by GEN III apparel. Developed and continually improved over the last decade, GEN III is an Extended Climate Warfighter Clothing System used in nearly all climate ranges. In fact, the layers of garments for the tactical apparel system are designed for temperatures ranging from -40F to 60F. The previous system, GEN II, was specifically for cold weather use, but GEN III encompasses this aspect and takes the system to the next level of comfort and effectiveness.
This ECWCS clothing system was a redesign of past systems for the U.S. Army. Four additional levels were added, bringing the total to seven. These seven levels of base, insulation, and shell garments work together to give the wearer protection in unpredictable environmental conditions, no matter if he is in combat, training, or operations. With Near Infrared Textile Technology incorporated into the design, the clothing system has features to integrate load carriage and body armor.
The first level of the ECWCS clothing system begins with base layers. Level 1, for example, is made up of lightweight underwear and drawers. Level 2, similarly, is a set of mid-weight shirts and drawers. No matter which garments you put on top, one of these two levels should always be the foundation of a GEN III uniform.
The next set of levels is insulation layers. Level 3, for example, consists of a high-loft fleece jacket, while Level 4 is a wind jacket. One of these levels will go on top of a base layer in moderate to colder conditions.
The shell layers offer variable forms of protection and define whether the uniform will be used in extreme cold, moderate, or warmer weather conditions. Level 5 gives the wearer a soft-shell cold weather jacket and trousers, while Levels 6 and 7 are designed for extreme wet and cold weathers. Level 7, on the other hand, consists of a parka and trousers.
GEN III represents the latest and most advanced technology for ECWCS clothing. Such systems of cold weather apparel have been in use since the mid-1980s, however. GEN III, on the other hand, was developed at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center in Massachusetts. Using moisture management principles to transfer perspiration away from the skin was the intent of development through several layers for insulation. Since its development in 2003, this ECWCS clothing system was tested in 2004 and received proper issue in 2008.
