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Air Commandos Make History: 492nd, 919th SOW Airmen Graduate Argentine Mountain School

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

BARILOCHE, Argentina — For the first time in United States Air Force history, two Airmen have successfully completed the rigorous mountain warfare course at the Escuela Militar de Montaña in Bariloche, Argentina, according to Director of the Argentine Mountain Warfare School, Col. Ignacio García Solórzano. The graduation of members from the 492nd Special Operations Wing and the 919th Special Operations Wing marks a major milestone, representing the first time in 20 years that any U.S. military personnel have completed the prestigious school.

Set in the unforgiving, rugged terrain of Patagonia, the mountain school is designed to push students to their absolute physical and mental limits. These Air Commandos faced a demanding curriculum focused on high-altitude operations, specialized cold-weather survival, and moving quickly through mountainous landscapes. Over several weeks, they mastered advanced rock climbing, complex rope safety techniques, and the use of single-rope bridges to cross dangerous mountain rivers.

“Prior to attending this school, I had completed extensive land navigation training in steep mountain terrain, hiked glaciers, and completed several multi-day trips. Nothing compared to the level of mountaineering we would endure during this course,” said the participating Airman from the 919th SOW. “They took what I had previously considered intense hiking and went vertical. While I had some experience, this school introduced an entirely new element: multi-pitch rock climbing.”

Beyond the tactical skills acquired, the training served as a vital platform to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Argentina. U.S. Airmen trained alongside their Argentinean military counterparts, integrating into combined teams on dangerous terrain. This shared experience fostered mutual trust and “interoperability” — the ability for different nations’ militaries to work together seamlessly during a mission. The integration was so successful that one of the U.S. Airmen was voted by their classmates to receive the “Best Teammate Award,” a powerful testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect.

After initially graduating, both Air Commandos were invited to stay for the school’s instructor course. They both successfully graduated from this advanced cadre training and received an invitation from the Argentinean military to return as guest instructors for future iterations of the mountain school.

“When you look back at the legacy of the original Carpetbaggers in World War II, they forged new alliances through innovative intelligence and the drive to accomplish the impossible,” said Col. Zak Blom, 492nd SOW commander. “By mastering this course and becoming instructors alongside our Argentinean partners, these Airmen are writing the next chapter of that legacy — tackling challenges that haven’t been touched by U.S. forces in decades.”

Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 919th SOW commander, echoed the significance of the accomplishment.

“What these Air Commandos achieved in Patagonia is nothing short of historic,” Hurrelbrink said. “By conquering this environment and bridging a two-decade gap with Argentina, they proved the unwavering strength and reach of our international alliances.”

Breaking a two-decade hiatus since the last U.S. military participation in 2006, these achievements signal a renewed and highly active commitment to military cooperation between the two nations. By sending Air Force Special Operations Command personnel to one of South America’s premier mountain warfare schools and having them recognized as elite instructors, the U.S. Air Force is reinvigorating critical alliances in the region.

The successful completion of this course and the follow-on instructor training by the 492nd and 919th SOW Airmen directly enhances the global posture of U.S. special operations forces. By mastering mobility, survival, and instruction in extreme mountain conditions alongside international partners, these Air Commandos ensure they remain adaptable, lethal, and fully prepared to lead complex missions in any climb and any place.

Story by Elizabeth Easterling and MSgt Jonathan D McCallum

492d Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International, Mountaineering, Training | No Comments »

Symbol of Grit Returns, 10th Mountain Division to Wear Crossed Ski Insignia

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division can once again wear the division’s historic crossed ski insignia on their Army Green Service Uniform garrison caps, restoring a visual link to the unit’s World War II roots and reinforcing the alpine spirit that resonates across the formation.

The insignia was first adopted in 1943, when the Army created the 10th Mountain Division as a specialized alpine force. The symbol represented the unit’s ability to fight in harsh winter conditions and rugged mountain terrain. Today, leaders say bringing the emblem back to everyday uniform wear honors that legacy while reminding soldiers of the division’s high standards.

Army Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division, said the decision carries real meaning for the force.

“The crossed skis are more than a symbol from our past,” Naumann said. “They represent the toughness, adaptability and spirit that define this division. Seeing them on our soldiers’ caps connects who we are today with the mountaineers who built our reputation.”

The division’s origins trace back to Camp Hale, Colorado, where soldiers trained on steep slopes, icy ridgelines and snow-covered trails before deploying to Italy during World War II. Their assault on Riva Ridge and the breakthrough of the German Gothic Line became defining moments in U.S. military history. Although today’s 10th Mountain Division no longer fights on skis, its mission as a rapidly deployable light infantry force still demands the same warrior spirit, readiness and grit.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brett Johnson, the division’s senior enlisted leader, said the return of the insignia helps reinforce that identity.

“When a soldier puts on that cap and sees the crossed skis, it’s a reminder of the legacy they’re part of,” Johnson said. “It tells them, ‘You belong to a division known for going where others dare not go and you’re expected to carry that forward.'”

Leaders say the change not only strengthens esprit de corps but ensures that the division’s heritage remains visible in modern formations. For those across the formation, the crossed skis serve as a proud reminder of the unit’s identity and the generations who shaped it.

By Army Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael, 10th Mountain Division

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mountaineering | 2 Comments »

Blue Force Gear Further Shatters Conventional Gear Design

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Blue Force Gear, Inc., the world leader in load carriage equipment innovation, unveils at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show a collection of products that continue to challenge currently set standards. From a revolutionary integrated battle belt climbing system to signature-reduction and life-saving gear, BFG continues to engineer solutions that professionals didn’t know they needed, until now. SHOT Show attendees can explore the following cutting-edge gear, as well as the rest of Blue Force Gear’s legendary product line, at BFG’s booth #20405 where specialists will demonstrate their unique capabilities.

Integrated Stealth Harness (ISH™): From Climber to Gunfighter in Seconds

The patented ISH Harness combines a gun belt, climbing harness, tourniquet, and travel restraint allinto one lightweight, certified system rated to hold over 3,000 pounds. Modular, removable leg loops deploy in seconds and feature windlass points for emergency tourniquet application or rappelling friction hitches. The ISH Harness features BFG’s signature MOLLEminus platform and anatomical curve design for uncompromising comfort on the ground or at height.The ISH Harness is UIAA and EU Certified as a Type C Mountaineering Harness.

UPL MR Pouch: Maximum Versatility, Minimal Footprint

This compact pouch securely organizes everything from 40mm grenades and CS Spray to tourniquets and spare mags in just 2″ of MOLLE space. Adjustable flaps accommodate items from 4″ to 7″ in height, while the integrated BLIP pull tab ensures quick access in any conditions. Built with ULTRACOMP laminate, the MR Pouch reduces weight by up to 60% without sacrificing durability.

MTKN!® Nano LE: Life-Saving Capacity in a Compact Package

Despite its streamlined design, the Nano LE matches the capacity of the Micro Trauma Kit NOW!, holding QuickClot Gauze, Mini Compression Dressing, Hypothermia Blanket, and more depending on the fill level chosen. Two integrated sidecar pouches secure NARCAN Nasal Spray and a tourniquet, while single-hand BLIP pull tab access ensures rapid and consistent deployment. The Nano LE mountshorizontally or vertically on MOLLE or pants belts for ultimate flexibility.

BNVD Pouch & Slipcover: Signature Management and Convenience

Born from GWOT lessons learned, BFG’s BNVD Slipcover addresses a critical operational need: signature reduction. The lightweight Slipcover masks the distinctive BNVD shape with a shaggy design built out of nylon spandex while also providing natural face-shading. The perfect companion to the Slipcover, the BNVD Pouch delivers padded protection with a Fastex Buckle closure and MOLLE-compatible Helium Whisper pouch attachment. Together, they provide seamless protection from arms room storage to deployment.

For more information about Blue Force Gear or any of their product offerings, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

About Blue Force Gear®

Blue Force Gear designs the best weapon slings and leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and the patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietaryULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, and attention to detail set Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Medical, Mountaineering, Press Release | Comments Off on Blue Force Gear Further Shatters Conventional Gear Design

2026 Petzl Professional Catalog Now Available

Saturday, November 8th, 2025

The new Petzl Professional Catalog is now available in a digital format. Find out more about the Petzl brand, the latest on new 2026 products and the full range, technical content, and more! Get the most out of this year’s catalog with the Fluidbook format.

catalogs.petzl.com/Petzl-pro-catalog-2026/en/

Posted in Catalog, Mountaineering | Comments Off on 2026 Petzl Professional Catalog Now Available

Logistik Unicorp – Extreme Cold Weather Mittens

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

As an internal R&D project, Logistik Unicorp has developed an extreme cold weather mitten which combines traditional materials with new high tech features. Designed to protect the wearer to -50°C and beyond, they are worn as part of a handwear system.

I bought up with the design team at last week’s CANSEC in Ottawa. The team explained that after having evaluated numerous materials, they found that beaver pelts are the optimal material for this application. They looked at several animal hides, including seal, but nothing held up to the Arctic temperatures quite like beaver pelts. In fact, the skins add Canadian content to the system, the pelts harvested and prepared by First Nation craftsmen.

While First Nation tribes live in the far north, they concentrate on survival, avoiding raising a sweat as much as possible. A Soldier on the other hand, isn’t going to be able to avoid moving and other hard work that causes sweat. Beaver not only insulates, but it is inherently waterproof. What’s more, it is extremely comfortable meaning you can use it to warm your face and if you wipe a runny nose, the frozen mucus just slides away, with no build up.

Although the beaver is combined with a Cordura shell and synthetic insulation, the team continues to consider other sustainable materials such as salmon skin, although there are currently challenges to keeping the material supple in such extreme conditions.

According to Logitik Unicorp designers, you might yet see salmon skin integrated into future iterations if they can get the material processing down to meet the challenge.

Editors Note: First paragraph updated to remove reference to DND Operational Clothing contract and clarify that the mittens are being developed in-house.

Posted in CANSEC, Clothing, International, Mountaineering | 4 Comments »

Thurston Introduces Initial Collection of Performance Headwear

Monday, April 7th, 2025

(Aspen, Colo.) – Thurston, designer and developer of premium-quality performance headwear, introduces updates on classic silhouettes featuring outstanding materials, functional and simple designs, and meticulous construction.

Comprising two beanies, a skull cap and a balaclava made from Polartec® Power Wool™ and Wind Pro® fabric technologies, the initial products advance the concept of high-quality ski and snowboard headwear as multifunctional by nature of its refined reliability. The results are dynamic and wearable pieces that work perfectly for alpine environments and beyond.

The Power Wool™ Beanie, Skull Cap and Balaclava are made of Polartec® Power Wool™, which uniquely isolates plush merino wool on the inside, and a high-stretch technical knit on the outside. This maximizes the natural isothermic powers of wool (warming yet pleasantly cooling), while significantly improving its resilience. No other wool fabric comes close to its total comfort and long-lasting performance.

The Wind Pro® Beanie is made of Polartec® Wind Pro®, a superfleece that resolves the weakness of regular fleece: wind chill. It’s engineered with proprietary yarns in a compact knit construction to supply 4x more wind resistance, while retaining critical breathability for temperature regulation. It outperforms and outlasts any other fleece.

Made in British Columbia, the collection is now available at thurstonunlimited.com.

Posted in Arctic, Clothing, Mountaineering | Comments Off on Thurston Introduces Initial Collection of Performance Headwear

HCMH II Harness Bison Belt

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Designed as a collaboration between Helix Operations, Ferro Concepts, and DOM Systems HCMH II Harness Bison Belt builds on the Ferro Concepts Bison Belt, designed to be ultra-light and slim without sacrificing functionality.

For added comfort when wearing lighter clothing or carrying a heavy load, the DOM Padded Belt offers the perfect solution—enhancing comfort with minimal extra weight.