Mountain Warfare School

Mountain Warfare School

Mountain Warfare School is a two-week course taught by the Vermont National Guard at Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Vermont. Both a summer and a winter phase are offered. The training is designed to make you an expert in mountain operations. Mountain Warfare School is both physically and mentally demanding. Training is non-stop, 15 hours per day, for 14 days. If you can carry a 65-pound rucksack up to five miles per day in mountainous terrain and are competent with both day and night land navigation, you may have what it takes to complete this intense training. A further outline of the course can be found below.

Mission

To provide SQI “E” Training for the Army Reserve National Guard, United States Army Reserve, and Active Component.

To develop and conduct training for the Department of the Army in basic and advanced mountain warfare and cold weather skills and tactics to be employed by combat units during all climatic conditions.

To train supported units in mountain warfare and cold weather skills; to provide technical assistance and advice to supported units in the conduct of mountain operations

To train, equip, and maintain a high angle mountain search and rescue team

Purpose

Throughout the course of history, armies have been significantly affected by the requirement to fight in the mountains. With approximately 38 percent of the world’s landmass classified as mountains, the Army must be prepared to deter conflicts, resist coercion, and defeat aggression in mountains as in other areas.

The purpose of the SQI “E” Course, Military Mountaineer, is to train soldiers in the specialized skills required for operating in mountainous terrain, under all climactic conditions, day and night.

These courses teach soldiers how to use adverse terrain and weather conditions to their advantage as a combat multiplier. This aids in preserving the unit strength and combat power to achieve mission success.

The ultimate objective is to teach MOBILITY.

Follow the link here for additional information regarding Mountain Warfare School.