The Army’s expected soldiers will be available to the nation whenever it calls. That means they will be available anywhere, anytime, and in any condition.
The 10th Mountain Division, through heat and cold, or snow, recently learned how to truly own their environment as well as those who came before.
Excited, nervous, but more excited. It was very relieving to take the first step. It was nice, in that moment, one soldier stated as he stepped into the starting line.
Nearly 1,000 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division began the nine-mile trek, which took them nearly five hours, in February after weeks or months of preparation. It’s a critical test of both body and mind.
What you need to know
- Nearly 1,000 members of the 10th Mountain Division took part in a recent graded training exercise called D-Series Winter Challenge
- The Winter Challenge tests soldiers’ ability to focus under stress. It is a nine-mile trek with several challenge stations that lasts almost five hours in the snow.
- The D-Series is a historical training event. In particular, the 10th Mountain Division trained in the mountains of Italy to prepare for World War II.
- These soldiers are honored with the winter challenge
It was obvious that it would be hard work, but the 10th Mountain is a lover of work. The cold is what we love. We love the snow. We were ready for it, stated Sgt. Eachean Pettis, Fort Drums 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
It is called the D-Series Winter Challenge. It tests division soldiers on physical fitness, communication, and competitiveness. It also tests their ability to focus when they are tired or under stress.
Staff Sgt. said, “I think that was the best thing about it was getting out there to that stress shoot and seeing our dudes out in stressful environments and engaging a target.” Bradd Wyatt, 10th Mountains 2nd Brigade.
It’s exhausting, whether you have to do the stress shoot or just tie a knot. It is a graded test but also serves as a way for the soldiers to honor those who have come before.
D-Series refers to a training event 10th Mountain soldiers participated in in 1944 to prepare them for combat in the mountains in Italy during World War II.
The current situation is nothing compared to what they were doing. This is what motivates many of you. It’s how hard those guys worked back then that helps us stay motivated. It was amazing to see how professional and proficient they were. Pettis said that it just motivates you.
You may be thinking, “At least Fort Drums soldiers have been trained to these conditions.” And you might be right. One of the 10ths Brigades actually is stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The preparation for this event was a little different for that team.
You just have to be positive when you get into it. Staff Sgt. said that it was nice to arrive a bit early to allow us to play in the terrain. Alexander Herkovich, 10ths 3rd Brigade Combat Team was stationed at Fort Polk.
Wyatt said that Wyatt believes we can all relax and realize that we have just owned Fort Drum and the surrounding area of the North Country.
As we have seen in Europe, anything is possible. The 10th Mountain Division could be called in a matter of seconds.
The soldiers crossed the finish line but they weren’t done. They headed inside for a written portion of the training. This was another way to practice concentration in all conditions.