Students in Fort McCoy Cold-Weather Operations Course

Students in Fort McCoy Cold-Weather Operations Course (CWOC) Class 18-05 learn to ski and about skiing techniques Feb. 23, 2018, at Whitetail Ridge Ski Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. The students were all Soldiers, most from the Wisconsin Army National Guard. In addition to skiing, CWOC students are trained on a variety of cold-weather subjects, including snowshoe training as well as how to use ahkio sleds and other gear. Training also focuses on terrain and weather analysis, risk management, cold-weather clothing, developing winter fighting positions in the field, camouflage and concealment, and numerous other areas that are important to know in order to survive and operate in a cold-weather environment. The training is coordinated through the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)