Military Mountaineering
Part of the training program for those who want to pursue a military career is Military Mountaineering. This prepares students in military operations and teaches them how to survive in the mountains.
Military Mountaineering is composed of various training stages to prepare the student for mountain operations. Since individuals are not routinely trained in the mountainous region, extensive instruction and preparation are done beforehand to ensure that the individual is physically and psychologically conditioned before he or she is taken to the highlands. Conditioning and training are important as the student learns to deal with the terrain and its environment. Operations in the mountains require that soldiers must be physically and mentally fit since mountain environs are diverse and differ from the lowlands. Mountaineering instruction is taught to help familiarize the student with the fundamentals before proceeding training in mountainous terrain. An introduction on Mountaineering Equipment is given to know the right clothing, gear, and climbing footwear or mountain boots for the mission. Climbing tools like cords, webbings, and harnesses as well as climbing hardware such as carabiners, pitons, and chocks are introduced. After familiarizing with basic equipment and attire, rope installation, management, and knotting are taught for proper maintenance and inspection, as these are tools which aid in the success and survival of the mountain mission. Aside from the fundamentals on anchoring and slinging, climbing techniques are also demonstrated, which include route and terrain selection.
Military Mountaineering also covers analysis of the unpredictable mountain weather, which varies from calm climates to extreme cold and stormy winds. This is an important aspect of Military Mountaineering, since changes in weather may have huge influences on the success of military operations. Varied weather patterns which cause rain, snow, sleet or fog may limit visibility and affect the overall mission at hand. However, success in mountain operations does not rely on Mountaineering Skills alone. Psychological preparation, proper hygiene and sanitation, nutrition and shelter considerations, and awareness of health hazards are also vital to battle out and survive in a mountain environment.
Once the basic Mountaineering Techniques and methods are demonstrated, the Military Mountaineering course advances to deployment to actual mountain terrain. At this phase, the student gains practical applications of the lectures and training he underwent in the lowlands. Assessment of the vertical obstacles and simulated missions are created to test the level of expertise and knowledge of the students. Understanding of acclimatization in high elevations are now put to the test as climbers experience temporary acute mountain sickness, an illness affecting even the most experienced climbers when quickly transported to such high altitudes. While adapting to the new environment, the student undergoes training under extreme conditions, be it in a chilly or scorching climate. Mountain stream crossing as well as rescue and evacuation training are applied to harness the mountaineer’s skills.
Military Mountaineering may look like a daunting undertaking, but those who live up to the commitment find that testing their capabilities and stamina may find it all too rewarding.
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Basics & Backgrounds
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