Training for Mountain and Winter Warfare: The Army Ground Forces

Training for Mountain and Winter Warfare: The Army Ground Forces 

by Thomas P. Govan, Captain, Historical Section, Army Ground Forces 

147 pages, 104 photos and illustrations

Merriam Press 2025 PDF edition

Merriam Press paperback edition released in 1999; an additional four revised editions released, mainly design changes and improvement in print quality with additional pictorial material. Paperback edition now out of print.

Originally activated as the 10th Light Division (Alpine) in 1943, the division was redesignated the 10th Mountain Division in 1944 and fought in the mountains of Italy in some of the roughest terrain in World War II. On 5 May 1945, the division reached Nauders, Austria, just beyond the Reschen Pass, where it made contact with German forces being pushed south by the U.S. Seventh Army. A status quo was maintained until the enemy headquarters involved had completed their surrender to the Seventh. On 6 May, 10th Mountain troops met the 44th Infantry Division of Seventh Army. The division was deactivated after the war.

Contents  

• Historical Background
• Publisher’s Note
• Prefatory Note
• Introduction
• The Problem and Initial Plans
• Tests and Training in Winter Warfare, 1940-41
• Plans for Training in High Mountains, 1940-41
• Initial Program of Training in High Mountains
• Organization and Training for Mountain and Winter Warfare  
• Under Army Ground Forces
• Training at Camp Carson and Camp Hale, 1942-43
• Mountain Training in West Virginia
• The Formation of the 10th Light Division (Alpine) 1943
• Termination of Mountain Training