In the face of an evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by the melting ice caps of the Arctic and the emergence of new shipping lanes, the U.S. Army has embarked on a bold new strategy aimed at solidifying its dominance in Arctic operations. As tensions rise with countries like Russia and China, training initiatives have been urgently ramped up. A focal point of this strategy is the Army Mountain Warfare School located in Jericho, Vermont, where soldiers are rigorously prepared to engage in combat and survival in one of the planet’s most unforgiving environments.
In a revealing 14-day boot camp, Business Insider’s senior producer Jake Gabbard provides an inside look at the arduous training these soldiers undergo. The first day sees the arrival of fifty-one eager participants; however, the harsh realities of mountain warfare cap graduation numbers at 40, emphasizing the demanding nature of this course. From the outset, the stakes are high as soldiers acclimatize to extreme cold temperatures and complex mountainous terrains, skills that are becoming increasingly vital in modern warfare.
As the days progress, the students face a series of increasingly challenging tasks designed to test their physical and mental fortitude. During “Winter Movement” sessions on Day 2, soldiers are introduced to the importance of mastering cold-weather gear, which becomes indispensable in their survival toolkit. As they tackle obstacles on Day 4, including the daunting Castle Rock climb, their abilities are pushed to the limits, reinforcing the need for physical strength and strategic thinking.
Midway through their training, students undergo testing that is both practical and theoretical. Days filled with knot-tying exercises and land navigation tests underscore the meticulous detail required for success in high-altitude operations. The prospect of dismissal looms over many, adding an extra layer of pressure as students navigate both their physical exhaustion and the mental challenge of the tests.
As the training culminates on Days 12 and 13, soldiers engage in high-stakes scenarios that simulate real combat conditions. Exercises like the “Casevac Test” and “OP Hill Round Robin” challenge them to perform under pressure, refining their skills in teamwork and crisis management. The culmination of this rigorous program arrives with a graduation ceremony on Day 14, marking the successful transition of a select group into a new echelon of military readiness.
The Army’s focus on mountain warfare training is not merely an exercise in skills acquisition; it is a strategic maneuver in light of the Arctic’s changing landscape. As resources become more accessible and military interests intensify in this region, the Army Mountain Warfare School stands at the forefront of preparing soldiers to meet those challenges head-on. The implications of this training extend beyond individual competencies, as it is fundamentally tied to the broader U.S. Arctic strategy aimed at establishing a formidable presence against potential adversaries, underscoring the critical importance of adaptability, resilience, and leadership in modern warfare.
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Video “How Army Mountain Soldiers Are Training For War With Russia | Boot Camp | Business Insider” was uploaded on 05/14/2025 to Youtube Channel Business Insider