You'd be surprised how many guys come to a winter shoot to 'qualify' with their MBR's only to find them frozen between relays because they didn't condition it for cold weather shooting.
A weekend tactical exercise in the cold and snow if you have it (AO really doesn't matter - it's about being exposed to winter weather) when it's wet and you're using lean-to's and running 'cold' (no fires) operations will tell you a lot about your group's capability. If they're not ready, you'll find you'll get about 3 hours of actual training in, and the rest will be taking care of cold weather injuries, building fires and getting them out of the environment so nobody dies.
If we have time, and your group fits the above description, start your cold weather training sometime in September, maybe even earlier. Your FNG's might have to be taught how to snow shoe, how to set a winter camp, how to re-adjust gear to fit over the bulkier winter clothing, etc.
I just came back from a winter Appleseed event (Winterseed) in Northern IL. It was 5 degrees Saturday morning and snowed 4" Sunday. What a great way to test your cold weather skills and gear! A first class operation with great instruction and history, where Markmanship meets History. (Revolutionary War Veterans Association)
I really feel for any army that ventures into the arctic/subarctic winter without proper preparation.
ReplyDeletePreparation is key.
Mother nature will kill you without blinking.
Who's to say when and at what temperature the North American War Games will commence?
Might not be in July.
AP
You'd be surprised how many guys come to a winter shoot to 'qualify' with their MBR's only to find them frozen between relays because they didn't condition it for cold weather shooting.
ReplyDeleteA weekend tactical exercise in the cold and snow if you have it (AO really doesn't matter - it's about being exposed to winter weather) when it's wet and you're using lean-to's and running 'cold' (no fires) operations will tell you a lot about your group's capability. If they're not ready, you'll find you'll get about 3 hours of actual training in, and the rest will be taking care of cold weather injuries, building fires and getting them out of the environment so nobody dies.
If we have time, and your group fits the above description, start your cold weather training sometime in September, maybe even earlier. Your FNG's might have to be taught how to snow shoe, how to set a winter camp, how to re-adjust gear to fit over the bulkier winter clothing, etc.
Just some thoughts...
I just came back from a winter Appleseed event (Winterseed) in Northern IL. It was 5 degrees Saturday morning and snowed 4" Sunday. What a great way to test your cold weather skills and gear! A first class operation with great instruction and history, where Markmanship meets History. (Revolutionary War Veterans Association)
ReplyDelete