What is it like going into the field in Alaska?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 14:50:39 -0500

My window to re-enlist is going to be up in about 2 months. I am curious to know what the field training is like in Alaska, what should I expect and what is it like? Alaska is 1 of the 2 locations I'm really considering.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 3:07 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 15:07:17 -0500

I did ALIT and PLDC (BLC) during the Winter while I was stationed at Fort Wainwright from 2003-2007….stay hydrated, eat, change your under clothes, specifically socks on a regular basis, and get more than one Bolly/mask. Exercise your equipment prior to any type of training & FTX. Make sure everyone in your span of influence knows how to put the tents up, knows how to get the heater going, and knows basic cold weather first aid. If you ever get the opportunity to go to CWLC in Black Rapids GO!!! You’ll learn a lot of valuable information there.

The training to me was an absolute blast and I really loved and valued my time in Alaska!! Was a 172D SBCT Soldier.

Response by CPT Jephro Kimbo made Jan 16 at 2022 3:45 PM

CPT Jephro Kimbo — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 15:45:18 -0500

Served in Alaska for 4 years and really enjoyed the Field Training as well as the scenery and the outdoor activities when not on duty. Salmon and Halibut Fishing was outstanding as well as Caribou and Moose Hunting was great. Regarding field training pay attention to the weather and complete ALIT ( Arctic Light Infantry Training) early on and learn about cold weather injuries. Drink WATER to remain hydrated, eat healthy foods, purchase additional thermal underwear and always keep extra socks clean and dry. Winter can be LONG and Fort Wainwright can feel somewhat isolated but get out of the BARRACKS and enjoy Life when time permits. NWTC (Northern Warfare Training Course) is a great time and back then it was in two phases WINTER and SUMMER not sure about it today? If still active this would be my primary choice!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 16 at 2022 6:57 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 18:57:36 -0500

Its cold..... Or Hot, or in between.

And as only two MOS's were authorized to chase palets in the AK Airborn community AT platoons and Arty guys... We got lots of AirForce lift to jump in off-site locations..as Airborne Ops with troops chasing heavy drops are an Airforce crew training requirement.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 17 at 2022 4:44 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:44:55 -0500

It depends some on where in Alaska you are stationed and your unit's mission. I was stationed in AK for 4 years and my son still lives there. He loves it! I was in the Air Force and generally dropped off and picked up Soldiers going to a from the field. Also flew personnel air drops in AK. Here's my thoughts based on experience and observation.
-Climate and Geography: Alaska is a large state. All locations in Alaska are in northern temperate or Arctic climate zones. Ft Richardson is near Anchorage and not as cold as most other Army locations. Ft Wainwright and Ft Greeley are on the Southern edge of the Arctic zone. They are warmer than Anchorage in Summer and colder in Winter. Major training areas are located throughout the State. Some are north of the Arctic Circle and very cold in winter--and dark. Many are just south of Fairbanks, but north of the Alaska Range. In many places there is little or no civilization. Forestation is moderate to thick south of the Alaska Mountain Range. North of the Alaska Range there are fewer trees decreasing to no trees in the far north. There are lots of mountains in Alaska. The Rocky Mountains extend through Canada and into Alaska. The Alaska Range is the northern extent of the Rockys and includes Danali, the tallest mountain in North America. The Brooks Range is north of the Alaska Range and follows the north coastline of the state. It is lower than the Alaska Range. North of the Brooks is Arctic Tundra all the way to the Arctic Ocean. The Aleutian Mountains extend westward from South Central Alaska and form the Aleutian Islands. These islands extend westward for hundreds of miles to the International Dateline. The island climate is Subarctic.
-Field Conditions and Equipment: The Army appears to be well supplied to deal with cold weather. Soldiers are issued Arctic gear. Boots, snow bibs, parkas, hats, and gloves of various weights and designs are included in the Arctic gear. I was issued much of the same equipment. It works well when used properly. As a pilot I was also issued a winter flight suit, Nomex long underwear, and winter boots. The Army Troops we dropped off for exercises and operations carried lots of Arctic gear and apparently put it to good use. In the field, the Army sets up tents with heaters. Also generators. This allowed warm workplaces and hot meals for troops. The Air Force, and I assume the Army, had strict rules for the amount of time that people could work outdoors in the cold. After that time, the troops were required to come into a warming area. The Most popular means of winter transportation is the snow machine with sledge. Each machine moves 1 or 2 Soldiers and all of their equipment with extra capacity for supplies. Tracked vehicles were also used. Utility trucks and trailers could be used on roads. In the summer the "four-wheeler" replaces the snow machine. Moving on foot in winter often requires snowshoes or skis (skills you'll need to learn). The biggest problem in summer is insects. Mostly mosquitos. They abound in the millions north of the Alaska Range. Large mammals are a rare hazard because they tend to avoid large concentrations of people. The Polar Bear is an exception to this. He considers us a viable food source year around.
Alaska Army National Guard: This is a unique organization. Many Guard members are Native Americans; Guard units are located in small towns and villages. The Village elders influence the Guard units and Guad members. The Guard units are set up as Scout organizations. During exercises and operations, Guard members area assigned to line Army units to provide assistance. The AK Guard members are the most dedicated and patriotic Soldiers I have ever met.
Off duty: AK is a natural wonderland any time of year. Travel 10 miles outside of the city limits of Anchorage or Fairbanks and you could be in an amazing wilderness. The mountains are awesome, rivers are impressive, and some glaciers are actually accessible by car. If you like winter sports, you'll love AK. The fishing is great in summer. Almost boundless opportunities to hike and camp. Hunting for deer, moose, caribou, bear, birds is possible if you're properly licensed--I recommend a hunting guide. The little towns are very interesting. There's one called North Pole near Fairbanks. Talkeetna, near Palmer, has a moose dropping festival. In general, the people in AK are military friendly. There may be some issues with landlords in the cities, but the Post housing offices generally have lists of the best to rent from.
If you have specific questions message me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2022 11:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 23:18:52 -0500

It’s cold! There are tents with heaters or tents without. Sometimes you sleep in a vehicle, sometimes you won’t. Depending on the exercise, you and a battle buddy may build a snow shelter and sleep in that! Basically, it depends on what unit you’re in and what job you do. But no matter how you skin it, it’s cold and you just have to deal with it. Oh, if you’re airborne…be prepared

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Jan 21 at 2022 10:03 AM

SPC Brent Melton — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:03:28 -0500

Summers get into the 100's, winter gets deep into the negatives, so it makes for a variety of situations. It isn't bad and you'll be down in Donnelly Training Area or Yukon Training Area for some of it, if not on post. We had JP8 fueled heaters in tents for warmth, so they do plan a bit for the weather. Doing land nav in winter was not fun.