Photo Essay: Cold-Weather Operations Course Class 18-04 students complete cold-water immersion training at Fort McCoy

Photo By Scott Sturkol | A student in the Cold-Weather Operations Course (CWOC) Class 18-04 participates in cold-water immersion training as part of the course training Feb. 14, 2018, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The students included Marines and Soldiers. In addition to cold-water immersion, CWOC students are trained on a variety of cold-weather subjects, including snowshoe training and skiing as well as how to use ahkio sleds and other gear. Training also focuses 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. The training is coordinated through the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)  

FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

02.26.2018

Story by Scott Sturkol                                                                                          

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

Students in the Cold-Weather Operations Course (CWOC) Class 18-04 participated in cold-water immersion training as part of the course training Feb. 14, 2018, at Fort McCoy, Wis.

The students included Marines with units from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and Soldiers from various units.

Joe Ernst, a Cold-Weather Operations Course instructor, said cold-water immersion is critical to the ability to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment.

“The experience of a service member being introduced to water in an extreme-cold environment is a crucial task for waterborne operations and confidence building,” Ernst said. “For a person to fall into water in that environment, the onset of panic generally introduces itself quickly. For our service members who will be operating in an extreme-cold environment, it is a task that, if not trained for, can produce unnecessary casualties.”

The human body’s reaction to falling through ice and into frigid water starts with the mind, Ernst said.

“The shock to the system generally results in an immediate response of a heightened rate of breathing,” Ernst said. “Visual limitations (tunnel effect), confusion, and muscle tension are common reactions. The ability of a person to regain control and composure after getting in this situation is possible.”

In addition to cold-water immersion, CWOC students are trained on a variety of cold-weather subjects, including snowshoe training and skiing as well as how to use ahkio sleds and other gear.

Training also focuses 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.

The training is coordinated through the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security at Fort McCoy.

Fort McCoy has supported America’s armed forces since 1909. The post’s varied terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, new as well as renovated facilities, and extensive support infrastructure combine to provide military personnel with an environment in which to develop and sustain the skills necessary for mission success.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”

• Date Taken: 02.26.2018
• Date Posted: 02.26.2018 11:31
• Story ID: 267215
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US