Class enhances Soldier cold-weather operations skills at Fort McCoy

Photo By Scott Sturkol | Students learn knot-tying techniques during a training session March 14, 2017, as part of the Cold-Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy. This is part of the third session of the Cold-Weather Operations Course that first began in January 2017. It is the first of its kind coordinated by the Directorate of Plans, Mobilization, Training and Security, or DPTMS, and included participation by Soldiers from across the Army. The course is taught by two instructors contracted to support DPTMS. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)  

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

03.24.2017

Story by Scott Sturkol                                                                                        

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

Fifteen Soldiers from units across the Army participated in the third session of Cold-Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy from mid- to late-March.

The course is part of a proof-of-principle training initiative by the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, or DPTMS, designed to teach junior leaders — such as noncommissioned officers and junior officers — to utilize the Army's cold-weather equipment, said DPTMS Director Brad Stewart.

Course instructors Bill Hamilton and Joe Ernst led the students through a variety of subjects over the two weeks of training, including skiing and snowshoe training as well as how to use ahkio sleds and the Arctic 10-person cold-weather tent.

Training also focused on terrain and weather analysis, risk management, cold-weather clothing, developing winter fighting positions in the field, camouflage and concealment, and numerous other areas that are important to know in order to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment.

This class was very receptive to our training," Hamilton said. "We had just enough snow and cold weather to complete this training."

Students completed skiing and snowshoeing training at Fort McCoy's Whitetail Ridge Ski Area. Plus, they learned unique skills, such as knot-tying, that are essential to operate with the equipment used in the training, Hamilton said.

"With each class we are refining the curriculum and delivering great training to the students," Hamilton. "This class will be the last for this winter. We'll pick it up again when the snow flies later in the year."

After this finishes, Hamilton said they'll take feedback from the students to improve the course.

"We'll keep on refining the course and making it even better than it is," Hamilton said. "Because this course will continue to grow, we'll be adding more instructors for the next sessions next winter. This is a growth business."

For more information about Fort McCoy training capabilities and opportunities, call the DPTMS Training Division at 608-388-5038.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2017
• Date Posted: 03.24.2017 12:34
• Story ID: 227979
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US