Mountain Living

Does equipment require modification?
Do weapons and equipment require special maintenance?
When the unit arrives in the area of operations, all personnel require a period of conditioning and
acclimatization. The time schedule should allow for longer and more frequent periods of rest.
The rigors of establishing an assembly area exhaust most unacclimatized personnel. Water, food,
and rest must be considered as priorities, ensuring sufficient amounts while individual
metabolisms and bodies become accustomed to functioning at higher elevations.
Since the acclimatization process cannot be shortened, and the absence of acclimatization
hampers the successful execution of operations, planning for deployments to higher elevations
must consider the following:
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Above 8,000 feet, a unit should ascend at a rate of 1,000 to 2,000 feet per day. Units can
leapfrog, taking extended rest periods.
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Units should not resort to the use of pharmaceutical pretreatment with carbonic anhydrase
inhibitors such as acetazolamide (Diamox). These drugs have side effects that mimic the
signs and symptoms of AMS. Inexperienced medics may have difficulty recognizing the
differences between the side effects of the drug and a condition that could possibly be life
threatening. Additionally, these drugs are diuretics, which results in higher hydration levels
(at least 25 percent increase per man per day). These higher hydration levels create a larger
logistical demand on the unit by requiring more water, more time to acquire water, more
water purification supplies, and, if in a winter environment, more fuels for melting snow
and ice for water.
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Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide are effective in the treatment of mild
and severe AMS. These drugs should accompany attached medical personnel because they
can treat the Soldier suffering the symptoms of AMS and, although rest may be required,
evacuation may not be needed.
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Do not move troops directly to high altitudes even if allowances can be made for inactivity
for the first three to five days before mission commitment. Moving troops directly to high
altitude can increase the probability of altitude sickness. Even if inactivity follows
deployment, the incidence of altitude sickness is more likely than with a gradual ascent.
Training on high-altitude effects can prevent psychological preconceptions. Soldiers who have
lived on flat terrain may have difficulty when learning to negotiate steep slopes or cliffs, and
may develop a sense of insecurity and fear. They must be slowly introduced to the new terrain
and encouraged to develop the confidence required to negotiate obstacles with assurance and
ease. They must be taught the many climbing techniques and principles of mountain movement.
They overcome their fear of heights by becoming familiar with the problem. Soldiers cannot be
forced to disregard this fear.
Regardless of previous training and the amount of flat cross-country movement practice,
untrained Soldiers find mountain movement hard and tiring. Different groups of muscles are
used, which must be developed and hardened. A new technique of rhythmic movement must be
learned. Such conditioning is attained through frequent marches and climbs, while carrying TOE
and special equipment loads. This conditions the back and legs, which results in increased ability
and endurance. At the same time, the men acquire confidence and ability to safely negotiate the
terrain. The better the physical condition of the Soldier, the better the chance of avoiding
exhaustion. Proper physical conditioning ensures the Soldier is an asset and not a liability. The
body improves its capacity for exercise, the metabolism becomes more efficient, and blood and
oxygen flow quickly and effectively.
A physical fitness training program that gradually increases in difficulty should include marches,
climbing, and calisthenics. This increases the Soldier’s endurance. Through a sustained high
level of muscular exertion, the Soldier’s capacity for exertion is increased. Physical conditioning
should include long-distance running for aerobic conditioning; calisthenics and weight training
to strengthen the heart, lungs, abdomen, legs, back, arms, and hands; a swimming program to
increase lung efficiency; and road marches over mountainous terrain with all combat equipment.
Upon deploying to high elevations, caution must be exercised by units that are in superior
physical condition. The heart rate, metabolism, and lungs must become accustomed to the
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26 July 2012

TC 3-97.61

2-9