Copyright © 1974 by DND Canada
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1 – GENERAL
- Aim
The aim of this part of the manual on arctic and subarctic operations is to describe in
detail the drills and training required for the individual soldier and infantry section to operate in
winter. - Scope
- The scope includes information on personal clothing and equipment; campsites, shelters
and tentage; weapons and the construction of field works; movement; cold weather injuries and
health rules; and section and platoon tactics for winter operations. - The information given has been primarily written for use by instructors involved in cold
weather training. - Areas of Winter Operations
- The arctic, subarctic, and the cold temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere all have
a winter season of varying length and intensity. Part 11 of this manual, Unit and Formation
Tactics, describes the terrain and climate of the arctic and subarctic environments. Figure 1-1
shows the geographical division between the arctic and subarctic regions. These two regions
include most of Canada, Alaska, and Northern Europe; the major winter operational zones for
Canadian Forces. - A clear differentiation is made for operational and training purposes in all parts of CFP
302(2), Arctic and Subarctic Operations, between arctic and subarctic operations. These
differences are discussed in detail in Part II of the manual. Generally, the absence of trees and
low amount of precipitation set off the arctic from the subarctic environment. The latter is the
home of most of the coniferous forest of North America and Eurasia. The cold temperate region
is south of the subarctic and includes areas such as the Maritime Provinces, Southern Ontario and
Quebec, parts of the prairies, coastal areas of British Columbia, and most of the Central
European area. For purposes of teaching basic cold weather skills there is no requirement to
differentiate between the subarctic and cold temperate regions.