Mountain Division: Why the U.S. can't match the British at high altitudes.

The American Prospect ^ | Mar 21, 2002 | Jason Vest

[My Identity]

Frank's comments that Anaconda was a "resounding success" don't jibe with the post-battle analysis (Afghan allies that cut and run, dead American soldiers, helicopters lost in battle, few enemy bodies despite "hundreds killed", etc.)

[AppyPappy]

We need to move the 10th to the Rockies.

[Shermy]

Are any Gurkhas fighting in Afstan? I'd think they know a thing or two about mountains.

[Straight Vermonter]

It does bear mentioning that the U.S. Army maintains an advanced mountain warfare school in Jerico, Vermont.

I have mentioned on these boards before that the military had made no use of the troops that train at the Mountain Warfare School here. I thought that once we went into Afghanistan that these folks would be amongst the first called up. At the very least I would think that the officers and senior non-coms from the school could go overseas to do a quicky course for those about to go into Afghanistan.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Fort Carson, CO in the shadow of Pike's Peak used to train actual 'Mountain Units'.

I live in the Rockies and hike and run and x-country ski. I live at 6500' altitude and I can tell you that x-country skiing at 10,000 feet is pretty rough even though I am acclimated.

I've had relatives from Ohio come here and they complaint about headaches, nosebleeds and swollen feet.

Suffice to say that this article is dead-on.

[fnord]

bravo sierra ... you're just aching to use the word 'quagmire', aint ya?

[CasearianDaoist]

THe USMC does train units in moutain warfare. The Amry brass, however, does not want the Corp to get anymore press, or so it would seem.

[Vinnie_Vidi_Vici]

I suppose, Physiologically speaking, that the smaller brain volume of the British Troops reguire less oxygen to operate!

[JRandomFreeper]

I concur with your analysis. My guess is that the poster thinks there something like a body left after a 2000 pounder hits. It doesn't seem to understand the whole pink-mist-that-used-to-be-20-guys concept.

/john

[My Identity]

We need to move the 10th to the Rockies.

It would seem appropriate that they learn what a mountain is.

[cascademountaineer]

Its my understanding that 10th Mountain has actually been one of the standout groups in this engagement.

I've hiked and ski'd cross country terrain like this. Let me tell you, its not easy. 'Specially with a rucksack and a weapon. Then you add in people shooting at you.

Our guys are giving it their all. No matter what kind of questions any of us may have of this engagement, our men (and women) are going 110%

[TEXASPROUD]

The Royal Marines did not march 80 miles in the Falklands, they "yomped" 80 miles.

[ventana]

Isn't the Colorado Rockies where they trained originally, for ww2? V's wife.

[My Identity]

you're just aching to use the word 'quagmire', aint ya?

Not in the least. Nor is there anyting in the article or my comments that suggest any such sentiment. However, I think it is accurate to say that I am concerned that our training and equipment may be inadequate (due to 8 years of military "meals on wheels" programs) and that "group think" and PC sentiments have put our guys unnecessarily in harm's way.

[Polybius]

Isn't the Colorado Rockies where they trained originally, for ww2? V's wife.

They also trained at Mount Rainier in Washington State.

[Vinnie_Vidi_Vici]

I believe they still have mountain warfare training at Fort Greely Alaska as well.

[sheik yerbouty]

Perhaps an arrangement for mountain traing could be made with India.

[cascademountaineer]

It would seem appropriate that they learn what a mountain is.

I've climbed both Baker and Shuksan, as well as done cross country skiing through the cascades. Although I dont currently serve in the mountain divisions though. May I sir?

[RoughDobermann]

Camp Carson, CO, I believe.

[CasearianDaoist]

Have a gander at this: Royal Marines