FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2024) – Soldiers from across the 10th Mountain Division (LI) participated in Warrior Alpine Readiness (WAR) Week, from Aug. 6 to 9, 2024, at Fort Drum.
During WAR Week, Soldiers developed fundamental mountaineering survival skills, boosting the 10th Mountain Division’s proficiency in executing team, section, and crew-level training within high-altitude, alpine environments.
The week consisted of rappelling, medical training, a physical fitness competition, and rucking in the Adirondack Mountains.
1st Lt. Ryan Fischer, a treatment platoon leader with 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, said the medical lanes helped Soldiers learn how to recognize musculoskeletal injuries in alpine operations. Soldiers also practiced using rope systems to haul and lower casualties, rope bridges to enable the use of a Skedco, and tactical ways to set up the Skedco for casualty evacuation missions in alpine terrain.
“Alpine medical casualty evacuation is important because we are the 10th Mountain Light Infantry,” said Fischer. “We’re expected to go through the alpine conditions of any operation so it's important to be able to carry our battle buddies out and not let any terrain stop us.”
“We’re training for extreme alpine conditions with high cliffs, low valleys and possible water crossings,” he added.
The 10th Mountain Division’s continuous training with operations such as WAR Week allows Soldiers to consistently improve their rappelling and climbing skills.
Capt. Samuel Klausner, an operations officer with 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, said rappelling and rope ascension are important Soldier skills for the 10th Mountain Division, as it provides alpine capability and a link to the division’s heritage.
“WAR Week, specifically the rappelling and rope ascension lane, prepares Soldiers for complex terrain on the battlefield,” said Klausner. “Everything here is safe with the instructors, but it’s building confidence in the Soldier to operate in complex terrain and any environment that the 10th Mountain Division might be called to.”
“Additionally, Warrior Alpine Readiness Week is all about having fun while teaching them alpine skills at the same time,” Klausner added. “Bringing Soldiers out here and introducing them to the Alpine heritage of the division is critical.”
Staff Sgt. Ryan Oherien, a squad leader with the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, said many of the Soldiers participating in WAR Week had Combat Lifesaver Course qualifications.
“However, they don’t have the applicable skills that become necessary in an alpine environment,” Oherien said. “Our end state is a general familiarity for all of the students coming through today. I want team leaders and squad leaders to go back to their units and start teaching these skills to their Soldiers.”
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