The Real Mountain Warriors: An In-Depth Look at Mountain Warfare Training
Looking for an immersive and challenging training experience in the heart of some of the toughest terrain the U.S. Armed Forces has to offer? Look no further than the 25th Infantry Division, stationed in Alaska. Formed into mechanized and airborne brigades, this division is known as the 'Tropic Lightning,' paradoxically named as it often serves in cold climes. In contrast, if you're drawn to a more temperate and hilly terrain, consider the National Guard units in Vermont or New Hampshire. These Guard units also offer mountain warfare training, giving you the opportunity to truly test your mettle in challenging environments.
Overview of Mountain Warfare Training Programs
For those interested in mountain warfare, the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in New York is a key component. This division, while not as renowned as the Tropic Lightning, is a crucial player. Very few 10th Mountain Division soldiers actually attend the rigorous mountain warfare school. The training program is notoriously difficult to enter, with limited time slots and a small number of participants each year. If you're a 10th Mountain Division member, you might get the chance to send just two personnel per year to the school. Even for those who manage to pass the grueling three-course curriculum basic mountaineering, advanced mountaineering-summer, and advanced mountaineering-winter becoming a company Mountain Warfare Expert is a rare and impressive feat.
How to Enroll in Mountain Warfare Training
The process of enrolling in the 10th Mountain Division is relatively straightforward. Simply reach out to your branch manager and express your desire to join Fort Drum. While difficult, gaining entry into the division and subsequent mountain warfare training is possible. However, keep in mind that the competition is fierce, and the training is intense.
Alternatives for Mountain Warfare Training
For those based in the northeastern United States, the Vermont Armory's school at Camp Ethan Allen offers a similar experience. This location provides the opportunity to train in techniques specific to mountain warfare, giving you the skills you need to excel in challenging mountainous terrains. Similarly, the National Guard units in Vermont and New Hampshire also offer mountain warfare training, though their focus may be slightly different, emphasizing cold weather warfare rather than mountain-specific skills.
Experiences and Insights from Veterans
One veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, having served as a regular grunt, shares his experiences with snowshoe training, cold weather battle drills, and surviving in cold environments. Despite his own extensive training, he acknowledges that the mountain warfare school is exceptionally hard to get into. He knows someone in the division who was sent through the mountain warfare school and describes it as 'pure hell, freeze-dried hell.' This martinet communicator now serves in the French Foreign Legion, a testament to the physical and mental toughness required for this training.
For those new to mountain warfare, it's important to understand the difficulty of the training. Even if you're not able to join the mountain warfare school, basic and advanced cold weather warfare training is available, offering a taste of the challenges and rewards faced by true mountain warriors.
Joining and training with the 10th Mountain Division, the Tropic Lightning Division in Alaska, or any of the National Guard units that offer mountain warfare training can provide you with a unique and challenging experience in some of the world's most demanding environments. Prepare yourself for physical and mental challenges that will test you, but know that the skills you gain are invaluable in the pursuit of excellence and readiness.