1. INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, operations take place in different environments, including mountainous areas. These operations fall in to three distinct categories namely: combat operations, security operations and military assistance. These three categories require specific training, readiness, technical skills and specific equipment as well as an unambiguous approach in terms of doctrine and tactics.
Combat in mountainous areas presents units with complex and ever-shifting hazards, difficulties, opportunities, and risks. Mountain combat calls for extreme physical fitness, mental toughness, endurance, and the utmost in tactical and technical proficiency on the part of all individuals. The use of small Task Elements in a compartmented area, often self-sufficient is paramount in MW (Mountain Warfare). A unit conducting operations in the mountains must overcome difficulties, measure risks, and exploit opportunities to conduct all types of operations. Well-prepared commanders anticipate, understand, and adapt to the physical requirements posed to their units engaged in mountain environments.
Combat functions in Mountain Warfare e-learning course is designed for NATO and Partner members, requiring particular knowledge and skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate in the complex terrain and climatic conditions of the mountain environment.
2. AIM
The aim of this course is to provide an understanding the mountainous terrain in witch is required specific knowledge. The basic aim for this course is to provide mountain units personnel an overview of the specifics requirements in mountain warfare in order to develop their own SOP`s for this specific environment. After this course, the participant will be able to understand and apply the specifics requirements to combat functions in mountainous terrain.
3. TRAINING STRATEGY
The online course is comprised of 7 lessons in which each combat function is explained. The course will be Self-directed and self-paced, supplemented by Q&A after each lessons. Total duration for the course should be approximately three to three and a half hours. Each student must successfully achieve all Enabling Objectives in order to acquire knowledge as follows:
– To take in consideration, for planning, particularities regarding operations in mountain environment
– To understand the specific requirements in Mountain Warfare during planning process in command and control - assessment of situation
– To understand the specific requirements in Mountain Warfare regarding intelligence
– To understand the specific requirements in Mountain Warfare regarding fires
– To understand the specific requirements in Mountain Warfare regarding manoeuvre
– To understand the specific requirements in Mountain Warfare regarding protection and information activities
– To understand the specific requirements in Mountain Warfare regarding sustainment of troops