Featuring all-original research, this episode uncovers the Army's little-known low-mountain warfare program and the role the mountain troops played in preparing ordinary infantrymen for the Italian campaign.

In the spring of 1943, with Allied forces preparing to invade Sicily, the U.S. Army turned to the Mountain Training Center to answer a critical question: Could standard infantrymen be taught to fight effectively in rugged mountain terrain?

On the cliffs above Virginia's James River, mountain troop instructors developed and tested an innovative low-mountain warfare program for soldiers of the 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions. Drawing on extensive original research, this episode reconstructs one of the least documented chapters in the history of the mountain troops, exploring the people, strategy, and training that shaped the invasion of Sicily, influenced the development of the 10th Mountain Division, and helped transform climbing into a practical military skill with lasting influence on postwar American climbing.

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Highlights include:

  • The Army's forgotten low-mountain warfare program in Virginia
  • How the Mountain Training Center prepared the 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions for the invasion of Sicily
  • Why the North Africa campaign, Operation Husky, and Gen. Lesley McNair reshaped Army training
  • How the Virginia maneuvers shaped the 10th Mountain Division's climbing curriculum at Camp Hale
  • Why the program helped lay the foundation for postwar American climbing

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Sponsors:

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  • DPS Skis: The world's most advanced skis 
  • Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery 
  • Outdoor Research: Technical apparel designed for demanding mountain conditions 

Special thanks to our newest patrons: Scott Bassman, Laura Tewnion, Eli Feret, Paul McKean, Ian Pihl, Ben Hoffman, Don Elting, Cristina Quintero and Steve McCarthy.

 

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