A. Scope:
The Mountain Warfare Orientation Course (MWOC) familiarizes company and battalion level leaders, staff officers/NCO's with the knowledge/skills required in successfully planning and conducting operations in a mountainous environment. Emphasis is placed on the effects of cold on personnel and material, effects of the mountain environment on operations, and planning considerations unique to combat in mountainous regions. Mountain risk management procedures are stressed throughout the course of instruction. Graduates will have an understanding of the role of the unit's military mountaineer and the capability provided through mountain training at a unit level.

B. Prerequisites:

1. Enlisted personnel: E-5 and above (Specialist serving in a leadership position may attend as vacancies permit.).

2. Warrant/commissioned officer personnel all ranks.

3. Cadets are authorized to attend this course.

4. Students may not have a P-2 or temporary profile(s) under the P, U, or L columns of the physical profile. All students must meet minimum physical training, height and weight standards. Students must not have an uncontrollable fear of heights.

5. Soldiers not meeting the prerequisites listed above will need to get approval from the Commander, NWTC, prior to the start of the course.

6. Students MUST have a Field Meal Card issued by their unit. Special waivers will only be granted with approval from the Commander, NWTC prior to the start of the course.

7. A security clearance is not required.


C. Special notes:
1. All items listed on the packing list for each course will be inspected on day zero for accountability and serviceability. Students arriving with unserviceable or missing equipment will be required to obtain the equipment prior to departing for Black Rapids Training Site or will be required to return to home station. NWTC does not have a supply system to DX or replace missing equipment.

2. Absolutely no personal climbing equipment (harness, carabiners etc.) will be used during BMMC, ACC or MWOC. Unit issued climbing equipment (HAMK) may be used but will be inspected by NWTC personnel first. Unit issued snowshoes, skis and ski poles may be used during winter courses.



D. Preparation for MWOC
1. Recommendations for academic and physical pre-course preparation can be found on the NWTC web site.

2. You must show up to the MWOC in excellent physical condition and mentally prepared for long days that include a lot of information. Some recommendations for preparation include:


a. Prepare physically. You may be surprised by the physical demands of the course. The physical requirements require you to travel moderate distances with a rucksack (up to 10 km with 60 lbs) over difficult terrain, often under inclement weather conditions. If you are not prepared physically, you will fall behind in learning the new skills required for the course. Ensure you break-in your boots prior to the course. Conduct foot marches in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 45 pound rucksack 2-3 times per week. Short intense workouts with body weight or light weights 4-6 times per week increase all aspects of fitness.

b. Prepare mentally: You are required to learn a lot of information and new skills in a relatively short period of time. Download the student handout prior to the course. Familiarize yourself with the entire manual - scroll through the document for about two hours and read areas that interest you. You should also review basic land navigation principles - plotting a point on a map, determining elevation on a map, terrain features, etc.