Domestic and Arctic Mobility Enhancement Project

[Blackadder1916]

Do you mean that we don't do skis and or snowshoes winter training anymore? We certainly did in the 70's and 80's.

Don't know the quality of current winter warfare training but in the 70s and 80s it could be hit or miss if there was any ski training. Though snowshoes were an individual issue item to those in field force units (unlike bangy boards which were unit holdings) the only time that I ever had to do any significant distance in either snowshoes or skis was on the Advanced Winter Warfare course. Otherwise, ski training was usually limited to "brigade ski schools" that included some instruction and practice on the bangy boards but was more an opportunity for soldiers to get a few subsidized days on public downhill slopes with appropriately alcohol fueled apres ski activities.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Don't know the quality of current winter warfare training but in the 70s and 80s it could be hit or miss if there was any ski training. Though snowshoes were an individual issue item to those in field force units (unlike bangy boards which were unit holdings) the only time that I ever had to do any significant distance in either snowshoes or skis was on the Advanced Winter Warfare course. Otherwise, ski training was usually limited to "brigade ski schools" that included some instruction and practice on the bangy boards but was more an opportunity for soldiers to get a few subsidized days on public downhill slopes with appropriately alcohol fueled apres ski activities.

Although this clip shows special forces type troops, this kind of terrain, gear and travel is pretty standard for ski troops in Norway. We'd move in Coy, up to BGp level, snakes like this. You can move much faster, with bigger loads, than on foot.

We usually had 3 x BV 202/206 per company, with the Coy CP, CQMS (stores) and CSM (ammo/CAP), and everyone else was on skis. Each section would usually tow a pulk containing the shelter etc.

Does it work in extreme cold? Down to -50C I can vouch for. As the Norwegians say: Are you cold? Then ski faster

I don't recall the weather being as nice as in this clip most of the time though

 

[FJAG]

Don't know the quality of current winter warfare training but in the 70s and 80s it could be hit or miss if there was any ski training. Though snowshoes were an individual issue item to those in field force units (unlike bangy boards which were unit holdings) the only time that I ever had to do any significant distance in either snowshoes or skis was on the Advanced Winter Warfare course. Otherwise, ski training was usually limited to "brigade ski schools" that included some instruction and practice on the bangy boards but was more an opportunity for soldiers to get a few subsidized days on public downhill slopes with appropriately alcohol fueled apres ski activities.

As I've mentioned before, when in 2 RCHA with our AMF(L) role we did month long winter exercises with no vehicles - just guns, ammo, helicopters and tents.

Snowshoeing was a pretty regular thing and not just restricted to a winter warfare course. Skiing not so much. It was more recreational.

We had an officer whose family came from Finland so our ski club was a bit more enthusiastic than the average. My first time on real cross country skiis, rather than the massive bangy boards the army had, was a real eye opener and a joy. I still try to throw the word "Klister" into a conversation whenever I can.

 

[Kirkhill]

As I've mentioned before, when in 2 RCHA with our AMF(L) role we did month long winter exercises with no vehicles - just guns, ammo, helicopters and tents.

Snowshoeing was a pretty regular thing and not just restricted to a winter warfare course. Skiing not so much. It was more recreational.

We had an officer whose family came from Finland so our ski club was a bit more enthusiastic than the average. My first time on real cross country skiis, rather than the massive bangy boards the army had, was a real eye opener and a joy. I still try to throw the word "Klister" into a conversation whenever I can.

Banger boards and snowshoes both got a workout during Phase 2 in 1983.