The Deeper The Snow The Better For Cold Weather Field Indoctrination

Courtesy Photo | This week we are republishing a story that appeared on our pages on this date in history. We hope it will give you an appreciation for our Corps’ illustrious heritage and a unique look at the style and tone of journalism during these years. Today’s article features five Marines of Force Troops whom attended the one week course on Cold Weather Field Indoctrination at the Marine Corps Cold Weather Training Center Bridgeport, California, February 14, 1963.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

02.20.2019

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Installations East       

This week we are republishing a story that appeared on our pages on this date in history. We hope it will give you an appreciation for our Corps’ illustrious heritage and a unique look at the style and tone of journalism during these years. Today’s article features five Marines of Force Troops whom attended the one week course on Cold Weather Field Indoctrination at the Marine Corps Cold Weather Training Center Bridgeport, Calif.
Five members of Force Troops attended the one week course on Cold Weather Field Indoctrination at the Marine Corps Cold Weather Training Center Bridgeport, Calif.
The course prepares Marines to live, work, and fight under extreme conditions of cold, snow, rugged terrain, and the effects of high altitude. A three day problem was conducted 10,000 feet up the Sierra Nevada Mountains, at Sonora Pass.
Included in the course of study were classes on the types of mountainous terrain, avalanches and building of different types of snow huts and lean-to’s. Classes were also conducted on prevention and treatment of frost bite and snow blindness.
While in the field, the Marines were taught cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and how to utilize them during tactical problems.
The last night of the field exercise, the men along with 50 Marines of 2d Marine Division, tactically came out of the mountains to the base camp.
Cold Weather Training was established in September, 1951 to indoctrinate troops, destined for Korea, in order to reduce the high rate of casualties and increase the fighting effectiveness of the Marines.
Other courses offered at the Bridgeport Training Center are: Mountain Leadership, a four week course, and Escape, Evasion, and Survival Training, a two week course. These courses may be given in the winter or summer.
Attending the course from Camp Lejeune were; 1st Lt. R. A. Delaney, 2d ANGLICO, 2d Lt. A. G. Atwell, 8th Comm Bn., Sgt. W. B. Waddell, 2d Tank Bn., Cpl. C. J. Thompson, 2d Force Service Regt., and Cpl. D. C. J. Dancoes, 2d AmTracBn.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2019
• Date Posted: 02.20.2019 10:38
• Story ID: 311249
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US