When a team from the United States participated in the international military mountaineering competition for the first time in 2019, they created history by becoming the first team in the tournament’s history to finish the match on its first attempt. The team finished the competition in 13th place out of 23 total units.
Teams travel 40 kilometres (24.85 miles) across the harsh terrain of the Austrian Alps over two days, gaining a cumulative height of up to 4,000 meters (14,000 feet), and accomplishing various military duties at a total of 12 checkpoints along the way. They bring a litter along with their other gear in case they need it for a challenge or in case there is a real casualty emergency.
Soldiers from the United States National Guard, most of whom are from Vermont, which is also the location of the Army Mountain Warfare School as well as the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), travelled to Austria earlier this year to take part in the competition that is held there every two years. This time around, the United States team, which consisted of 16 people, competed in two groups. Both completed the race, with one finishing in the top ten.
One of the competitors from the United States, Captain Scott Stone of the Connecticut National Guard, described the event as “pretty much what we all call Type 2 Fun.” “Which is basically… not ‘Ha ha, we’re all having a good time fun, but it’s one of those things that, once you’re done with it, it’s an awesome experience,”.
