Chapter 2

2-39. Vigorous activity during ascent or within the first 24 hours after ascent will increase both the
incidence and severity of symptoms. Some of the behavioral effects that will be encountered in
unacclimatized personnel include—

Increased errors in performing simple mental tasks.

Decreased ability for sustained concentration.

Deterioration of memory.

Decreased vigilance or lethargy.

Increased irritability in some individuals.

Impairment of night vision and some constriction in peripheral vision (up to 30 percent at 6,000
feet).

Loss of appetite.

Sleep disturbances.

Irregular breathing.

Slurred speech.

Headache.
2-40. Judgment and self-evaluation are impaired the same as a person who is intoxicated. During the first
few days at a high altitude, leaders have extreme difficulty in maintaining a coordinated, operational unit.
The roughness of the terrain and the harshness and variability of the weather add to the problems of
unacclimatized personnel. Although strong motivation may succeed in overcoming some of the physical
handicaps imposed by the environment, the total impact still results in errors of judgment. If a Soldier
cannot walk a straight line and loses his balance, or if he suffers from an incapacitating headache, he should
be evacuated to a lower altitude (a descent of at least 1,000 feet for at least 24 hours).

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONING
2-41. The commander must develop a conditioning/training program to bring his unit to a level where it
can operate successfully in mountain conditions. Priorities of training must be established. As with all
military operations, training is a major influence on the success of mountain operations.

U.S. forces do not routinely train in mountainous terrain. Therefore, extensive preparations are
needed to ensure individual and unit effectiveness. Units must be physically and psychologically
conditioned and adjusted before undertaking rigorous mountain operations. Units must be
conditioned and trained as a team to cope with the terrain, environment, and enemy situation.
Certain factors must be considered:
—
What are the climatic and terrain conditions of the area of operations?
—
How much time is available for conditioning and training?
—
Will the unit conduct operations with other U.S. or Allied forces? Are there language
barriers? What assistance will be required? Will training and conditioning be required for
attached personnel?
—
What additional personnel will accompany the unit? Will they be available for training and
conditioning?
—
What is the current level of physical fitness of the unit?
—
What is the current level of individual expertise in mountaineering?
—
What type of operations can be expected?
—
What is the composition of the advance party? Will they be available to assist in training
and acclimatization?
—
What areas in the US most closely resemble the area of operations?
—
Are predeployment areas and ranges available?
—
Does the unit have instructors qualified in mountain warfare?
—
What type equipment will be required (to fit the season, mission, terrain)?
—
Does the unit have enough of the required equipment?
—
Do personnel know how to use the equipment?
—
Will the equipment go with the advance party, with the unit, or follow after the
unit’s arrival?

2-8

TC 3-97.61

26 July 2012