The M-1951 cotton field cap is a visor style with a circular top crown and retractable earlaps, and is a lightweight windproof item incorporating a very thin layer of insulation only in the earlaps. It was designed for ground troop wear in a range of cold-wet to hot environments.

The M-1951 pile field cap may be worn for both cold-dry and cold-wet conditions. The cap provides the best protection against the elements for weather colder than 0°F.

The combination Cold-Wet/Cold-Dry Clothing System (M-1951) can be configured into two ensembles. The cold-wet ensemble is worn above 14°F, and the cold-dry ensemble is worn below 14°F. The cold-dry ensemble protects down to -60°F. The cold-wet configuration differs from the cold-dry in the number of layers and the choice of boots. The system uses layers of wool/cotton fabrics to trap air for insulation, and a water-repellent outer garment to maintain dryness.

The M-1951 winter hood is worn attached to the coat for protection against the wind and snow as a component of the cold-wet uniform.

The M-1951 winter hood with fur ruff is worn attached to either the coat or the parka as a component of the cold-dry uniform. The hood may be worn over the cotton field cap or the pile field cap. The steel helmet is not normally used with the hood.

The M-1951 field jacket (later redesignated coat) ensemble is made up of a shell and a detachable mohair frieze liner which is attached inside the shell for extra warmth.The jacket ensemble is worn directly over the intermediate layer in cold weather.

The M-1951 parka ensemble is made up of a shell and a detachable mohair frieze liner which is attached inside the shell for maximum insulation.The parka ensemble is worn as an outer garment of the cold-dry uniform with a fur-ruffed hood for added head protection and may be worn over the coat.

The wool field shirt is intended for wear as a component of the cold-wet and cold-dry uniforms for temperate and cold areas.

The M-1951 arctic trouser ensemble is made up of a shell and a detachable mohair frieze liner which is attached inside the shell. The trousers are worn over the field trousers when the soldier must remain inactive (in a listening post, for example) and when temperatures of -50 to -60°F (-46 to -51°C) are encountered.

The M-1951 wool field trousers are intended for wear as a component of the cold-wet uniform ensemble.

The M-1951 field trouser ensemble is made up of a shell and a detachable mohair frieze liner which is attached inside the shell for extra warmth. The shell is worn over wool trousers as the outer layer in cold-wet climate or worn with the liner as the intermediate layer in cold-dry climate.