4-1. Purpose and Scope
a. The purpose of this chapter is to provide information concerning--
(1) Techniques used in military skiing and snowshoeing.
(2) Application of these techniques to facilitate the oversnow mobility of troops engaged in military operations.
b. This chapter also describes--
(1) Equipment available for military skiing and snowshoeing.
(2) Maintenance and care of that equipment.
4-2. General Considerations
a. The Need for Individual Mobility.
(1) Warfare in snow-covered areas requires oversnow mobility off the roads. Well-trained ski and snowshoe troops are a definite asset on the snow-covered battlefield. In deep snow (61 cm (2') or greater in depth) the individual has almost no mobility without the aid of skis or snowshoes. Troops on skis attain mobility, are not roadbound, and are able to move cross-country over all types of snow-covered terrain. They are ideally suited for reconnaissance, security missions, and deep penetration patrols conducting unconventional type operations. Aggressive action can be carried out with advantage against the enemy flanks, rear, or communication lines by lightly equipped, fast-moving troops on skis.
(2) Deep snow hinders movement on foot. By using snowshoes, individual mobility will be restored to a point approximately equal to that of foot movement on hard ground. Skis, on the other hand, provide individual mobility usually exceeding that possible on foot.
b. Need for Certain Techniques.
(1) During cross-country marches and in combat the soldier on skis or snowshoes will be required to negotiate various types of terrain conditions. He will be moving and operating in different weather and snow conditions. Carrying a rucksack-and a weapon, he will be required to move in forests, over open terrain, uphill and downhill, and often while pulling a sled.
(2) In order to execute his mission with the least wasted effort, the soldier must apply the proper techniques of skiing and snowshoeing required for the various conditions under which he will operate.
c. Use of Oversnow Equipment to Achieve Mobility.
(1) The means available to the individual soldier for obtaining oversnow mobility are skis and snowshoes. When operating in snow-covered terrain the soldier must be equipped with either skis or snowshoes at all times. Using skis, he is normally able to execute long marches with less effort and in less time than when using snowshoes. Cross-country movement by soldiers on skis can be facilitated by towing the skiers with tracked vehicles or animals (skijoring). Snowshoes are more suitable than skis in confined areas, when working close to heavy weapons, or when training time is limited.
(2) Rates of movement over snow-covered terrain cannot be given in exact time requirements. They vary in each situation. However, as a guide, the following rates are listed. Rates are given for movement over flat or gently rolling terrain while individuals are carrying a rifle and loaded rucksack.
