Students take plunge in icy water for Cold-Weather Operations Course 18-02 at Fort McCoy

Photo By Scott Sturkol | A Soldier participates in cold-water immersion training at an ice-covered Big Sandy Lake as part of training for the Cold-Weather Operations Course 18-02 on Jan. 17, 2018, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The Soldier was one of 25 students in the course. In addition to cold-water immersion training, students were trained on a variety of cold-weather subjects, including skiing and snowshoe training as well as how to use ahkio sleds and other gear. Training also focused on terrain and weather analysis, risk management, cold-weather clothing, developing winter fighting positions in the field, camouflage and concealment, and numerous other areas that are important to know in order to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment. The training is coordinated through the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)  

FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

02.01.2018

Story by Scott Sturkol                                                                                               

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

Students participated in cold-water immersion training at an ice-covered Big Sandy Lake as part of training for the Cold-Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on Jan. 17, 2018, at Fort McCoy, Wis.

Joe Ernst, a CWOC instructor, said cold-water immersion is critical to the ability to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment.

“The experience of a service member being introduced to water in an extreme-cold environment is a crucial task for waterborne operations and confidence building,” Ernst said. “For a person to fall into water in that environment, the onset of panic generally introduces itself quickly. For our service members who will be operating in an extreme-cold environment, it is a task that, if not trained for, can produce unnecessary casualties.”

The human body’s reaction to falling through ice and into frigid water starts with the mind, Ernst said.

“The shock to the system generally results in an immediate response of a heightened rate of breathing,” Ernst said. “Visual limitations (tunnel effect), confusion, and muscle tension are common reactions. The ability of a person to regain control and composure after getting in this situation is possible.”

There were 25 Soldiers who were students in the course who participated in the cold-water immersion training.

In addition to cold-water immersion training, students were trained on a variety of cold-weather subjects, including skiing and snowshoe training as well as how to use ahkio sleds and other gear.

Training also focused on terrain and weather analysis, risk management, cold-weather clothing, developing winter fighting positions in the field, camouflage and concealment, and numerous other areas that are important to know in order to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment.

The training is coordinated through the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security at Fort McCoy.

Fort McCoy has supported America’s armed forces since 1909. The installation’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.” The post’s varied terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, new as well as renovated facilities, and extensive support infrastructure combine to provide military personnel with an environment in which to develop and sustain the skills necessary for mission success.

Today, Fort McCoy has become the Army’s premier Total Force Training Center for Army Early Response Force early deployers to meet the Army’s operational demand requirements. Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”

• Date Taken: 02.01.2018
• Date Posted: 02.01.2018 10:25
• Story ID: 264242
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US