Photo By Sgt. Salvador Castro | Spc. Kaylan Joseph with the 27th Public Affairs Detachment, 10th Mountain Division...... read more read more
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FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 27, 2023) — The 10th Mountain Division held its first official Alpine Operations Course, Oct. 23-27, on the installation. The course serves as a precursor to the Pre-Basic Mountaineer Course and allows leaders to learn skills necessary to instruct Soldiers on a team or unit level.
The first three days consisted of classroom instruction covering basic knots, rappelling techniques, and survival skills. The latter half of the course focused on hands-on practical exercises in which Soldiers transported personnel and equipment across ravines.
Staff Sgt. Cameron Daniels, Light Fighters School Alpine Operations Course instructor, said the techniques taught in this course allow better movement in austere terrain and enable other units to succeed.
"It's crucial to understand the purpose of a single line bridge, as it enables the success of other units," Daniels said.
A single line bridge, also known as a high-line, is a technique involving a one-rope retrievable bridge that uses a tension anchor to connect two points.
Daniels said he believes that civilians who enjoy mountaineering as a hobby would be the perfect fit for the 10th Mountain Division.
“If you have a love and passion for mountains, skiing, or climbing, I think the 10th Mountain Division is definitely for you,” Daniels said. “Even for myself, I’ve always been a skier, but I have sparked a passion for rock climbing and mountaineering while being here at Fort Drum.”
The 10th Mountain Division has its roots in mountaineering and skiing, making it the U.S. Army's alpine division. This course pays homage to the division's history by teaching Soldiers similar techniques that might have been used in its early days.
“I am honored to be a part of the first Alpine Operations Course,” said Sgt. Zixuan Guan, attached to the 317th Brigade Engineer Battalion, located in Fort Johnson, Louisiana. “If I ever get the chance to come back with my Soldiers, I’d love to teach them what I’ve learned.”
Being from a warmer climate, Guan said that learning how to properly wear the Extreme Cold Weather System was the most challenging and useful.
“Learning all the ins and outs on how to operate in a cold weather environment was a little bit of a challenge for me,” Guan said. “Ultimately, I am glad I had the opportunity to do this.”
The Light Fighters School will hold the Alpine Operations Course weekly for all Soldiers to sign up. Each class will be limited to 36 participants.
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2023 15:56 |
| Story ID: | 456699 |
| Location: | FORT DRUM, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 237 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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