seven snap closure, a flap-covered pocket on the left sleeve with hook and loop (Velcro) closure, adjustable hook and loop wrist cuffs, armpit ventilation zippers and double reinforced elbows. A badge/insignia tab with snap is located on the storm flap. There is an interior back ventilation opening, two slash (handwarmer) cargo pockets on the lower front (with extra large flaps and double hook and loop single snap closure on each) and an inside draft skirt (windskirt) with elastic drawcords and barrel-locks at the waist (without pulls). There are also two concealed map pockets at the front zipper with hook and loop closures that can be opened without unzipping the parka. 2nd Generation The second generation (2G) ECWCS included two different layers made with Polartec fabrics: the Polartec Classic 300 shirt and the Polartec Classic 200 overalls. When used in combination with other layers in the ECWCS system, the system provides protection between +40 °F and −40 °F (+4 °C and −40 °C). The parka was improved by vents to help deal with the condensation problems resulting from the use of "waterproof-breathable" fabric. A lightweight underwear set was also introduced to combine with or substitute the polypro undergarments. 3rd Generation The third generation 3G or GEN III Extended Climate Warfighter Clothing System is a radical re-design of the system. It features seven new layers of insulation including three Polartec fabrics: two layers of Polartec Power Dry and a layer of Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft. It has also featured PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation USA in the extreme cold weather parka and trousers. The 12 components of the GEN III ECWCS include: lightweight undershirt and drawers midweight shirt and drawers fleece cold weather jacket wind cold weather jacket soft shell jacket and trousers extreme cold/wet weather jacket and trousers extreme cold weather parka and trousers Initial fielding of the system began in August 2007 to the 73rd Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan. The water-resistant "soft shell" is far more breathable than any "waterproof-breathable" garment and is used for most field applications, back-stopped by a waterproof nylon parka. Levels of Protection Level I: Sandy-colored Light-Weight polypropylene Polartec Power Dry Silkweight Undershirt & Drawers Level II: Sandy polyester Polartec Power Dry grid fleece Mid-Weight Shirt & Drawers Level III: Black Polartec Thermal Pro® polyester High-Loft Fleece Jacket Level IV: Nylon Wind Jacket Level V: Water-repellent stretchable nylon soft shell Cold Weather Jacket & Trousers Level VI: