The complex interaction of cold stress with environmental and organismic variables in exercising influence on human performance is a problem that still requires extensive investigation. Some relatively well-known interactions of cold with other stressors are reviewed. A description of the functioning of thermoregulative mechanisms in relation to cold stress and cold injury as a result of exposure in extreme climates is presented. Ways and means of counteracting cold stress to improve task performance are emphasized. The literature relating personnel selection, acclimatization, training, indoctrination, leadership, morale, and physical protection to the mitigation of cold stress and to measures of performance effectiveness is reviewed. Despite the paucity of meaningful data, it is felt that adequate and encouraging progress is being made in the understanding of the psychophysiology of cold stress.