Every branch of the military has a uniform. A few of these even may be recognizable to the average citizen. Each basic tactical dress is given a title: BDU, ACU, and ABU are the most usual. The latter of these three, the standard Air Force uniform, is slowly phasing out the older USAF from 2011.
All of these provide the necessary levels of protection and recognition, but tactical uniforms extend beyond the basics. Clothing systems such as GEN III ECWCS, NBS7, PCU, and FREE supplement the typical garments by offering appropriate protection for any unpredictable weather or working conditions.
GEN III is the most commonly used out of them. Considered a significant upgrade to GEN II, this Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System uses seven layers for moisture wicking and insulation and allows the soldier to accommodate to varying weather conditions.
The combination of these three types of layers enables the wearer to function in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 60°F. The lighter fabric, additionally, makes this strategic uniform lighter compared to previous systems. With Near Infrared Textile Technology incorporated into the plan, GEN III also allows for integration with load carriage and body armor.