Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center revisted

[bobsit1945]

If memory serves me right, In 1973 the Center had been closed for about 10 yrs and the State was tryiing to take it over. At that time I was a Corpsman with 2/7 and we had just gotten back from a couple of weeks Float and training exercise and we were sent up there to maintain a presence. The CO was not happy about it so he set about to make it as comfortable as possible and at the same time do the required training. One of the best time's in the field that I had.

[0369DevilDog]

I attended MWTC in 1966. When we got there we had to stag our gear in our quanset huts and get outside for a 3 mile run. Since I was fresh out of Parris Island in 1964; I thought this run would be a piece of cake. When we began the run; I immediately thought I was going to die. The elevation was a shock to my entire system. However, I loved running to The Rock everyday with 250 feet of climing rope in my pack. Our final test included day and night raids up the face of "The Rock".

[4jaimeavalos]

@0369DevilDog Sounds like you were there in the summer for the rock package. When I first went there it was for the winter package in Feb. It was my first taste of the sierras and I have been hooked since. HIgh elevation can wreak havoc on ones body not only because of the thin air but also the extremes in temp. You don't see a whole lot of people above 10k and that is just fine for me.

[0369DevilDog]

@4jaimeavalos You got that right! I remember one weekend, I followed a goats trail to a the edge of the valley. I sat down to enjoy the beautiful scene around me. Then I saw jets flying through the valley BELOW me! I will always rememeber, "always maintain 3-points of contact" and "don't tie a granny knot in your swiss-seat. My instructor was a Warrent Officer who had to be the son of a mountain lion. He made me lead climer on a 200 foot night raid. How many 19 yo can do that? Ooorah!

[Humparuck]

A little MCMWTC history: In 1972 with Viet Nam winding down, MCMWTC was brought out of mothball status. A small group of us from 1st Recon Bn were tasked with establishing a training program and location to teach mountaineering skills to the grunts. We chose a place called Grouse Meadows and for several years was where the training took place. I visited years later and was delighted and honored to see what has evolved. Many very fond memories of my time in the Corps were made here. Semper Fi!

[Humparuck]

A little history for you fellow Jarheads: In 1972-1974, MCMWTC was being brought out of mothball status since Vietnam waw essentially done. We members of 1st Recon Bn were tasked with putting together a training facility and courses for the grunts. The first year we used the area at the top of Pickle Meadows near the now gone cabins and diner. 1973/74 we used an area north of the main base called Grouse Meadows. Today it is again a full blown training center. Just part of the MCMWTC evolution.

[77musica]

Many times I miss the Corps. Does any devil dog feels the same? Carry on.

[4jaimeavalos]

@77musica There were some hard times but I just seem to remember the good times.  You can take the marine out of the woods but you can't take the woods out of the marine.

[multicam2000]

i agree the chow was great.

it seemed like we always had to rush threw our mealtime but the food was great. i think civilians served it. semper fi. 3/5

[4jaimeavalos]

I guess my reply did not come through so I will write it again. I remember the pallet covered floors as well as the commodes being in line and facing eachother with no partitions. I remember it being called the pickle bunker. Do you remember a restraunt and lodge just up the road heading west about 2 miles or so? You are most welcome leatherneck!!

[multicam2000]

Thanks. Nice to see it again.

[4jaimeavalos]

This is one of those places that you really like or you really don't. In the early to mid 80's it was tent city with a wood shack for an eclub. What's yours and dtrooper and Pogi's take on it? (I want to include everyone who has responded view's on the center).

[multicam2000]

i was there in 2000 and lived in the newer squad bays that you showed, the chowhall was great, but like you said it was hard training but good training. we went in the summer and learned how to rappel and transport 81mm mortars up and down the cliffs using ropes and knots. one day we had to get to low ground because it started lighting and we were up on the cliff face. the area is beautiful and i remember seeing civilians backpacking past us as we were in a 360 defensive formation with rifles

[deathtrooper30]

I hated training there!

[PogiKevin2000]

Wow it has changed. I was stationed there at the motorpool back in85-87

[trailriderresearch]

It's been a long trip in the mountains for you Jaime

[marvelhd]

Cool, I feel that you are going about this the right way, (very respectful) and so I was wondering, when your out there and you feel that they may be close have you tried speeking to them? Even if you get no answer by this time they probably know who you are.

[4jaimeavalos]

Maybe.......Thanks for your support

[clewi1091]

interesting jaime.