BEHIND THE MAKING OF MOUNTAINEERS AT THE ARMY MOUNTAIN WARFARE SCHOOL

Rocky terrain, avalanches, and special operations in freezing cold temperatures are expected from some difficult missions. Training is conducted to help Soldiers prepare for these possible obstacles and austere environments. The Army Mountain Warfare School and the Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center help prepare military members for these missions. Army mountain warfare training gives Soldiers an edge against lethal environments. But what goes on in their training? How does it prepare Soldiers? Well, from mock scenarios to real-life training in difficult climates, the making of mountaineers is the pinnacle of preparation for intense and dangerous climates.

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Army Mountain Warfare School Overview

Nestled in the mountains of Jericho, Vermont, Fort Benning is home to the Army Mountain Warfare School. Soldiers come here to train on the Ethan Allen Training site. They prepare for cold weather operations and learn techniques to handle mountain warfare. The U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School is an intensive operation. They offer different courses that tackle various issues which may come into play for Soldiers. Some of the courses and their descriptions are listed as follows:

Basic Military Mountaineer:

• Trains Soldiers for mountain combat in any climate or condition.
• Teaches mountain navigation skills, individual mountain skills, small unit mountain skills, and mountain medical skills/summer-specific practical exercises.

Summer Advanced Military Mountaineer:

• Trains Soldiers to lead teams through difficult and hazardous mountain terrain.
• Focused on the summer months.

Winter Advanced Military Mountaineer:

• Trains Soldiers to lead teams through difficult and hazardous mountain terrain.
• Focused on the winter months.

Rough Terrain Evacuation:

• Helps teach Soldiers to evacuate and assist other injured Soldiers in dangerous terrain and environmental conditions.

Mountain Planners:

• Focuses on training Soldiers to plan and execute their mountain operations under varying climate conditions.
• Teaches extensive subjects surrounding the careful planning and execution of missions.

Mountain Rifleman:

• Improves mobility and lethality in mountainous terrain.
• Trains snipers and marksmen on mountain-specific skills and angle marksmanship.

At the end of their training, Soldiers receive an Army Mountain Warfare School badge to commemorate their accomplishments. This special skills badge is a Ram’s Head Device. Those who complete the basic course also earn the SQI-E Military Mountaineer. The Army Mountain Warfare School helps Soldiers persevere through difficult climates. But why is mountain warfare so important?

A Guide to Mountain Warfare

According to the Mountain Warfare and Cold Weather Operations Leader’s Book, mountains massively impact military operations. They delay responses and impact movement. The dangerous terrain, if not adequately prepared for, can decrease the effectiveness of a mission. Training for mountain warfare helps Soldiers ensure the success of their missions. Soldiers can also prepare for austere environments through the Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center in Colorado.

A Look Into Special Operations

Recently, an instructor for the Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center in Colorado climbed Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. The instructor, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Howell, has been teaching at the training center for about three years. But what’s taught at the Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center? The center is located in Colorado on Fort Carson. Soldiers come to Fort Carson to take part in special seven-week mountain warfare training courses. They tackle mock scenarios that cover important missions they may encounter, such as special surveillance or search and rescue missions. The Army Mountain Warfare School and the Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center provide Soldiers with comprehensive training techniques for cold weather operations. Mountain warfare school puts trainees in difficult climates to help train them to deal with dangerous environments. For more information on available courses, visit the Army Mountain Warfare School website.

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