Northern Warfare School
The Northern Warfare Training Center is currently a US Army Pacific asset operating under the control of the Commanding General, United States Army, Alaska. The Center is responsible for training US Army Pacific soldiers and units how to operate effectively in cold regions or mountainous terrain. NWTC is responsible for maintaining the United States Army Mountaineering Team, who are trained in state-of-the-art mountaineering techniques which include technical climbing skills, high altitude and winter mountaineering.
NWTC current mission is as follows:
- Conduct basic and advanced training in mountain and extreme cold weather for the US Army Pacific and the US Army
- Equip, support, train and maintain the US Army Mountaineering Team. Be prepared to assist in mountain and cold regions search and rescue operations
- Support US Army Pacific’s expanded Relations Program
The Northern Warfare Training Center offers four different classes that vary from winter battlefield operations, cold weather risk management, and training soldiers in the knowledge/skills required to lead small units/teams over technically difficult, hazardous or exposed (Class 4 and 5) mountainous terrain.
The four classes are described below:
Title: Cold Weather Operations- Command and Staff Orientation (CSOC)
Scope: To familiarize commanders and staff officers with the knowledge/skills required in successfully planning and conducting operations in a cold, snow-covered environment. Emphasis is placed on the effects of cold on personnel and material, effects of the winter environment on operations, and planning considerations unique to the winter battlefield and cold regions. Cold weather risk management procedures are stressed throughout the course of instruction.
Prerequisites:
- Enlisted personnel: E-7 and above
- Officer personnel: CW3/O-3 and above
Reporting Instructions
The CSOC begins at 0630 on the published course start date and ends at 1130 on the end date. Attendees must arrive at the Black Rapids Training Site (BRTS) between 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs ON THE REPORT DATE. Due to limited parking at the Black Rapids Training Site; POV travel is not authorized. Unit is responsible for inter Alaska travel. There is no separate issue facility at BRTS; Soldiers arriving without the prescribed clothing and equipment items may be denied admissions to the course. There are no PX facilities at BRTS; attendees must bring adequate personal hygiene items/sundries to last the duration of the course.
Title: Cold Weather Operations – Cold Weather Leader Course (CWLC).
Scope: To train squad and platoon level leaders in the knowledge/skills required to successfully conduct small unit operations in a cold, snow-covered environment. Emphasis is placed on the effects of cold on personnel and material, use of basic cold weather clothing and equipment, winter field craft, snowshoe/ski techniques and winter/cold regions navigation and route planning. Attendees will receive comprehensive instruction/training materials enabling them to implement basic cold weather and ski training programs within their units. Cold weather risk management procedures are stressed throughout the course of instruction.
Prerequisites
- Enlisted personnel: E-4 thru E-7
- Commissioned officer personnel: WO1, CW2/O-1, O-2 platoon-level leaders.
- All students must have no P-2Ç™ or temporary profile’s) under the P, U, or L columns of the physical profile serial code (PULHES) code
- Attendees must meet minimum physical training and weight standards
- No temporary or permanent profile restricting exposure to cold temperatures
- Security clearance required: None
Reporting Instructions
The CWLC begins at 0630 on the published course start date and ends at 1130 on the end date. Attendees must arrive at the Black Rapids Training Site (BRTS) between 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs ON THE REPORT DATE. Due to limited parking at the Black Rapids Training Site; POV travel is not authorized. Unit is responsible for inter Alaska travel. There is no separate issue facility at BRTS; Soldiers arriving without the prescribed clothing and equipment items may be denied admissions to the course. There are no PX facilities at BRTS; attendees must bring adequate personal hygiene items/sundries to last the duration of the course.
Title: Mountain Operations – Basic Mountaineering Course
Scope: To train selected soldiers in the fundamental knowledge/skills required to successfully conduct small unit operations in typical mountainous terrain found throughout the world during summer months. Emphasis is placed on developing the Level 1 mountaineering tasks described in Chapter 2, FM 90-6, Mountain Operations (1999 Revision).
Prerequisites:
- Enlisted personnel. E-4 thru E-7
- Officer personnel. WO1, CW2/O-1, O-2
- All students must have no P-2Ç™ or temporary profile’s) under the P, U, or L columns of the physical profile serial code (PULHES) code
- Attendees must meet minimum physical training and weight standards
- All students must have no uncontrollable fear of heights
- Security clearance required: None
Reporting Instructions
The BMC begins at 0630 on the published course start date and ends at 1130 on the end date. Attendees must arrive at the Black Rapids Training Site (BRTS) between 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs ON THE REPORT DATE. Due to limited parking at the Black Rapids Training Site; POV travel is not authorized. Unit is responsible for inter Alaska travel. There is no separate issue facility at BRTS; Soldiers arriving without the prescribed clothing and equipment items may be denied admissions to the course. There are no PX facilities at BRTS; attendees must bring adequate personal hygiene items/sundries to last the duration of the course.
Title: Mountain Operations – Assault Climber Course
Scope: To train selected soldiers in the knowledge/skills required to lead small units/teams over technically difficult, hazardous or exposed (Class 4 and 5) mountainous terrain during summer months. Emphasis is placed on developing the Level 2 mountaineering tasks described in Chapter 2, FM 90-6, Mountain Operations (1999 Revision).
Prerequisites
- Enlisted personnel. E-4 thru E-7
- Officer personnel. WO1, CW2/O-1, O-2 platoon-level leaders
- All students must have graduated from the Basic Mountaineering Course
- All prerequisites listed for the BMC apply for the ACC
- BMC graduates must achieve the ACC selection standard during the completion of the basic course
- Soldiers must demonstrate complete mastery of the basic skills, possess no excessive or uncontrollable fear of heights, and demonstrate a minimum level of rock climbing proficiency to be selected for the ACC
- Performance/written evaluations are used in the selection process.
- Security clearance required: None.
Reporting Instructions
The ACC begins at 0630 on the published course start date and ends at 1130 on the end date. Attendees must arrive at the Black Rapids Training Site (BRTS) between 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs ON THE REPORT DATE. Due to limited parking at the Black Rapids Training Site; POV travel is not authorized. Unit is responsible for inter Alaska travel. There is no separate issue facility at BRTS; Soldiers arriving without the prescribed clothing and equipment items may be denied admissions to the course. There are no PX facilities at BRTS; attendees must bring adequate personal hygiene items/sundries to last the duration of the course.
