Operations, Mountain

Mountain warfare and mountain operations in the modern American context refers to the act of, and the specific demands involved with, engaging in combat [Page 1031]operations in winter, hilly, or mountainous terrain. Mountain operations have traditionally been undertaken by specialized regular military units, avoided all together by belligerents due to the adverse and demanding conditions, or utilized by guerrilla, partisan, and nongovernmental combatants as a means to gain an advantage over traditional military opponents. Combat operations in mountainous terrain are especially dangerous since combatant forces need to concern themselves with not only surviving enemy engagement but also the harsh and often lethal conditions typical in high and precarious terrain. This entry discusses the history, equipment, weapons, and tactics of mountain operations.