Archive:Mountain Warfare Training Center
| Mountain Warfare Training Center, MWTC | |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport, California | |
 MWTC Insignia | |
| Type | Military base |
| Built | 1951 |
| In use | 1951 - present |
The Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) is a United States Marine Corps installation located in Bridgeport, California. The training center exists to train units in mountain and cold weather warfare.
Mission
The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, as a major subordinate element of Marine Air/Ground Task Force Training Command, and with support from Marine Corps Installations - West, conducts unit and individual training courses to prepare USMC, Joint, and Allied Forces for operations in mountainous, high altitude, and cold weather environments in support of the Regional Combatant Commanders. Additionally, MCMWTC provides support to Marine Corps Combat Development Command; Training and Education Command; Marine Corps Systems Command; and other USMC and DOD agencies engaged in the development of warfighting doctrine and specialized equipment for use in mountain and cold weather operations.
History
The Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) is one of the Corps most remote and isolated posts. The Center was established in 1951 as the Cold Weather Battalion with a mission of providing cold weather training for replacement personnel bound for Korea. After the Korean War, in 1963, the school was renamed the 'Mountain Warfare Training Center' due to its expanded role. During the 1980's the Training Centers focus was on training and preparing Marines and operational units for deployments on NATO's Northern flank, particularly Norway. Recently, with the Global War on Terrorism, the MWTC provides pre-deployment training in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Operating Areas
MWTC is located in the Sierra Nevada Mtns South of Lake Tahoe on 46,000 acres of mountainous terrain with elevations from 6,700 ft – 11,000 ft. Other areas utilized by MWTC: Sweetwater Airstrip, Mt Shasta 14,179ft, the eastern slopes of theSierra Nevada (U.S.) Range and Hawthorne Weapons and Ammo Depot HWAD for live fire exercises.
Formal Courses Offered
Mountain Operations Staff Planning Course, Mountain Leaders Courses, Mountain Sniper Course, Mountain and Cold Weather Medical Courses, Mountain Survival Course, Tactical Rope Suspension Techniques (TRST) Course, Assault Climber Course, Scout Skier Course, Mountain Warfare Instructor (MWI) Qualification Courses.
Pre-Deployment Training Programs
MOUNTAIN VIPER (OEF ETT PTP) Training USMC ETTs for OEF
MOUNTAIN WARRIOR (OEF MAGTF and Bn PTP) Training for all MAGTF elements/units in support of OEF
Instructor Training
MWI Level 1 1.IQC Graduate 2.SAT and ORM 3.Wilderness First Responder (CPR)
MWI Level 2
1.225 PFT unadjusted for age or altitude 2.FSIC Graduate 3.Assault Climber Certification 3.Military Skier Certification 4.Completed AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course 5.Completed 20 hours of platform Instruction 6.Recommendation from Course Chief Instructor/Team Leader.
MWI Level 3
1.Completed Avalanche Level 3 Or Level 1 Instructor Course 2.Qualify as either an Assault Climber Instructor (ACI) or a Military Ski Instructor (MSI). 3.Mentored two Level 1 MWIs to Level 2 4.Led an ATC, WTC, or Expedition 5.Completed 40 hours of platform Instruction 6.Recommendation from Course Chief Instructor/Team Leader.
See also
