Winter Combat Setups Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Topic: Winter combat setups as part of the "Reiki Coming Deadly in the Mountain" series.
• Definition of Winter: Quantified as 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below.
• Temperature Range Discussion:
  • Temperate setups: 33-124 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Winter setups: 32 to around -80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Presenters:
  • Adam from Spiritus Systems joins the discussion.
  • Backgrounds:
    • One as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) instructor for the USAF.
    • Adam with NATO desk Squad experience.

Purpose and Interaction

• Aim to provide a primer on winter combat setups.
• Encouragement for community input through comments for shared learning.

Sponsorship Acknowledgment

• Sponsors: Sonoran Desert Institute, Primary Arms, AAC Ammunition.

Main Topics

1. Clothing
2. Combat Setups
3. Sustainment

Clothing

Snow Camouflage

• Controversial topic due to environmental variability.
• Camouflage should avoid solid colors; aim for variation to break humanoid shapes.
• Snow Environments:
  • Pure white snow may allow solid colors.
  • Generally, prefer overwhites with slight color variations.
• Recommendation: White base with potential for local camo using spray paint.

Feet and Footwear

• Primary Concern: Keep feet dry.
• Socks: Merino wool (Smart Wool, Darn Tough).
• Boots:
  • Full grain leather preferred for longevity and impermeability.
  • Examples: Kenetrek Mountain Hunter 400s, Asolos.
• Gaiters: Recommended for moisture protection.

Clothing Layers

• Principles:
  • Avoid cotton: "Cotton kills."
  • Use athletic/performance wool layers.
• Layer Types:
  • Wicking layer, insulating layer, weather layer.
  • Example layering: wool undershirt, waffle top, synthetic layer, camouflage/wind layer.

Hands and Gloves

• Gloves/Mitts:
  • Inner liners: synthetic or wool.
  • Mitts for extreme cold; leather mittens recommended.

Headgear

• Helmets may need adaptation with insulated layers.
• Wool beanies under helmets; avoid acrylic blends.

Combat Sustainment

Water

• Cold Conditions:
  • Keep water in layers to prevent freezing.

Food

• Frozen Food Management:
  • Prefer fats for immediate energy.
  • Avoid reliance solely on proteins.

Weaponry

• Camouflage and Optics:
  • Avoid solid white paint for rifles; use variations.
  • Optics must be robust; battery life in cold is limited.
• Lubrication:
  • Use cold-weather specific lubricants.

Loadouts

• Chest Rigs and Packs:
  • Personal configuration based on role.
  • Kits should have flexibility for terrain and environment.
• Camouflage:
  • Adapt based on environment; ensures concealment.

Helmets and Eye Protection

• Prevent snow blindness; use goggles.
• Goggles should be properly mounted to helmets.

Conclusion

• Experience and Adaptation: Critical to adjust tactics and gear based on real-world experience and environmental conditions.
• Community Involvement: Encouragement for experienced individuals to share insights and tips.