Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center revisted

I go back some 20 years later to the training site that I was at while in the Corps. It has changed much, from tent city to a modern complex of buildings. This site was exclusively for marines learning survival skills and how to fight in high elevation. It is now a site for many countries and other special services to learn how to fight in Afghanistan.

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Science & Technology

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• mcmwtc
• Movie1
• Chapter1

[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.

[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.

[antonered]

Wow, bring's back more great memories in the Corps. Tent city no doubt. I was there in 85. I remember the pallet covered floors in the shower's. Wasn't the club called the Pickle Bunker ? their was also an aircraft hanger across from the tent's. We were bused to Reno for some R&R. Beautiful country for sure. Thank's for the video Devil Dog !

[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!!

[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]

@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.

[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

[sut71]

Was there with 3/6 in August '98. Lots of blisters. Am I alone in thinking the chow hall was supreme?