What does mountain school consist of? How does it compare to airborne in time and demands?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 13:54:17 -0500

While airborne seems to the main objective of soldiers look to go far or make themselves stand out with their accomplishments, what about mountain school? I grew up in upstate ny and heard much about their accomplishments and activities, but I don't hear much about people seeking them out in comparison to airborne schools.

If you have gone to either or both schools what can you say about the two

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 2:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 14:01:22 -0500

Airborne is cake compared to AMWS, everyday is leg day so if you have good leg endurance you’ll be fine. And the instructors are amazing. Pay attention and study every night and your graduate.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 28 at 2017 3:10 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:10:18 -0500

It's a good course, Airborne units used to rotate thru a Northern warfare tng course every 2-3 yrs., and Ranger school teaches rappelling, etc. So it is often overlooked by many but maybe 10th Mtn.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Dec 28 at 2017 3:33 PM

Cpl John Barker — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:33:25 -0500

Buddy was in the 10th; make sure you run your ass off before you get to the unit apparently they run you guys like gazelles. Also I hear Ft Drum is pretty shitty to be stationed in, but you can nail Canadian college sluts in Kingston ON

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Dec 28 at 2017 4:11 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 16:11:50 -0500

Cardio.... heavy cardio... work the legs... hard.

Load a pack with weights (60 lbs... work up to it)...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 9:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 21:53:46 -0500

Being that it was/still is a school run by the NG and that the badge still isn’t authorized(but still receive the E indentifier)it kind gets overlooked. However, there has been more emphasis put on it recently because of the current conflict. I know that Lighter Figher school offers a pre-course. I have only done the Evacuation course there and it was a week of walking hills tying knots and and pulling SKEDs. It was only a portion of the AMWS course and it was still very physical and mentally taxing. I learned more and applied more skills from that course than any other.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2017 7:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 07:57:38 -0500

I love Airborne but AMWS is immensely practical, necessary and dare I say it, much more important. Special Operations units also share some high speed mountain training that I hear is amazing. It should not be all about the bling, badges and devices. Your military understanding and knowledge is more important. Because less people pursue mountain training you have an opportunity. Chase after it and get it. Airborne school will be there.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 8:32 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:32:51 -0400

Its an absolute must do if its available to you. It is a NG school, but you can ask anyone who has attended......Its the real deal. Come prepared, ensure you give 110% and you will get through it! There are 2 phases for basic mountaineering, summer and winter. There are follow on course as well, Lead Climber etc.... Its a course you will enjoy, learn from and earn some bragging rights. Its no joke. Leg day every day, but a ton of cool stuff tossed in there too. So it hurts a bit but the fun youre having will make you forget the hurt (not really, just makes it bearable lol)

Response by CPT Ray Gilmore made Oct 11 at 2018 2:00 AM

CPT Ray Gilmore — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 02:00:37 -0400

I have been to both, and can only wear 1.... but who gives a hoot? (Albeit that Rams Head is by far the coolest device.)

If you're a badge chaser.... Airborne, Airborne, All the Way..... you and everyone else can have a set of shinny jump wings.....

That is by no means mean to disrespect the Airborne, units, soldiers, school, etc... but you cannot compare the two.

If you want to learn, and prep for success as a leader and for follow on courses like Sapper, Ranger, SFAS...... there is nothing better out there.....to get you ready....

But, if you are not mentally prepared for the firehose that the instructors are going to shoot at you...... don't waste their time.

Your Mountain Squad, will be full of 5th RTB, & SF Team guys..... Mountain Warfare is a "Big Boy School".....

.....and that isn't a sexist remark; it means, that they will let you drowned..... they will let you fail, and the instructors are going to crush you with information..... not pushups....

If you are ever given the chance to go to Mountain Warfare..... you take it. I went as a cadet & it set me up for success at every follow on school I attended.

But, you better be ready.....