TC 21-3 — Soldier`s Handbook For Individual Operations And Survival In Cold-weather Areas
TC 21-3 governs cold-weather operations, clothing, equipment, movement, health, patrol bases, land navigation, and survival.
- Publication number: TC 21-3
- Title: SOLDIER`S HANDBOOK FOR INDIVIDUAL OPERATIONS AND SURVIVAL IN COLD-WEATHER AREAS
- Date: 09/30/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 21-3 on armypubs.army.mil
It classifies cold conditions and covers personal clothing, weapons, physical care, shelters, food, knots, and emergency solutions. It requires waterproof footwear in wet-cold conditions and extensive training before operations in hazardous cold.
Applies to: TC 21-3 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Cold-weather operations
- Cold conditions
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Movement over snow
- Physical care
- Patrol bases
- Land navigation
- Survival shelters
Questions and answers
What happens if Soldiers are not properly equipped and trained for wet-cold conditions?
Soldiers rapidly become casualties due to weather if not properly equipped and trained for this environment. (paragraph 1-4)
What should commanders expect when temperatures fall below 25F?
Leaders should expect and plan for weapon, vehicle, and munition failures when temperatures drop this low. (paragraph 1-7)
What training is required before operations in hazardous cold?
Extensive training is required before undertaking an operation in such extreme cold. (paragraph 1-8)
How can Soldiers recognize when cold weather becomes dangerous?
Familiarity with the included wind-chill chart helps Soldiers recognize these dangers. (paragraph 1-10)
How should Soldiers keep clothing dry in cold weather?
Always brush snow and frost from clothing before entering any heated shelter or vehicle. (paragraph 2-6)