Ninety-Pound Rucksack

Featuring all-original research, this episode uncovers the Army's little-known low-mountain warfare program and the role the mountain troops played in preparing ordinary infantrymen for the Italian campaign.

In the spring of 1943, with Allied forces preparing to invade Sicily, the U.S. Army turned to the Mountain Training Center to answer a critical question: Could standard infantrymen be taught to fight effectively in rugged mountain terrain?

On the cliffs above Virginia's James River, mountain troop instructors developed and tested an innovative low-mountain warfare program for soldiers of the 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions. Drawing on extensive original research, this episode reconstructs one of the least documented chapters in the history of the mountain troops, exploring the people, strategy, and training that shaped the invasion of Sicily, influenced the development of the 10th Mountain Division, and helped transform climbing into a practical military skill with lasting influence on postwar American climbing.

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Highlights include:

• The Army's forgotten low-mountain warfare program in Virginia
• How the Mountain Training Center prepared the 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions for the invasion of Sicily
• Why the North Africa campaign, Operation Husky, and Gen. Lesley McNair reshaped Army training
• How the Virginia maneuvers shaped the 10th Mountain Division's climbing curriculum at Camp Hale
• Why the program helped lay the foundation for postwar American climbing

Become a Patron for early access, bonus interviews, and fully illustrated episodes.

Sponsors:

• CiloGear: The world's best alpine backpacks
• DPS Skis: The world's most advanced skis
• Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery
• Outdoor Research: Technical apparel designed for demanding mountain conditions

Special thanks to our newest patrons: Scott Bassman, Laura Tewnion, Eli Feret, Paul McKean, Ian Pihl, Ben Hoffman, Don Elting, Cristina Quintero and Steve McCarthy.

Featuring all-original research, this revelatory episode reveals how David Brower helped revolutionize American climbing from within the ranks of the 10th Mountain Division.

The story also examines the extraordinary new recruits who made up the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment and the parallel development of the 10th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop and the Mountain Training Group.

Highlights include: • David Brower's Rock Climbing chapter and its influence on military and civilian climbing • The influx of the remarkable new soldiers of the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment • The evolution of the 10th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop and Mountain Training Group • How the Camp Hale experiment helped shape postwar American outdoor culture

Resources & Bonus Content: christianbeckwith.com

Sponsors:

• CiloGear: Premium alpine backpacks – cilogear.com (Code: rucksack)
• DPS Skis: Designing the world's most advanced skis - dpsskis.com
• Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery – snakeriverbrewing.com

Support Ninety-Pound Rucksack on Patreon for early access, bonus interviews, and illustrated transcripts.

Special thanks to our newest patrons: Jerry Laverty, Kenneth Brooks, Carter Hatton, Mark Wharton, Eric Corbett, Nairb Lenz, Sydney Palmer, Dan Burgette, Dave Rhodes, Andrew Wilhelm, Neil Gallensky, Paul Kuenn, Chad Horne and Justin Colquhoun.

In Part 3 of our Camp Hale series, host Christian Beckwith explores America's military mountaineering experiment during the pivotal winter of 1942–43. Following Second Lieutenant John McCown, the episode traces early training frustrations, the media frenzy that made the "mountain warriors" famous, and the disastrous Homestake Peak Maneuvers—an exercise so plagued by frostbite, blizzards, and failures it drew comparisons to Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.

Interviews with Lance Blyth, David Little, and Sepp Scanlin provide behind-the-scenes insights into the Army's evolving mountain experiment and its cultural ripple effects that would later shape America's outdoor recreation boom.

Highlights include:

• The recruitment push led by Minnie Dole, John Jay, and Deborah Bankart

• The birth of the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment

• Special missions, including the Columbia Icefield Expedition and Studebaker's M29 Weasel

• Lessons from the Homestake Peak Maneuvers

Resources & Bonus Content: christianbeckwith.com

Sponsors:

• CiloGear: Premium alpine backpacks – cilogear.com (Code: rucksack).

• Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and most award-winning craft brewery – snakeriverbrewing.com.

Support the show on Patreon for early access, bonus interviews, and illustrated transcripts.

Special thanks to our newest patrons: Dave Pagel, Li'l Boba, Bryan Dayton, Kyle Carr, Greg Staz, Mike Suhrbier, John Murdoh, Brian Alman, Dom Visconsi, John Andrews and Sam Harriman!

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Camp Hale, host Christian Beckwith explores the rocky beginnings of the mountain troops' high-altitude military encampment. From the soldiers' grueling acclimatization to the challenges of uniting skiers, mountaineers, and draftees under the harshest of conditions, Episode 12 uncovers the untold stories of struggle, frustration and resilience that emerged from the smog-filled valley.

We also rejoin John McCown as he embarks on his first journey to Camp Hale, witnessing the stark contrasts among the soldiers who would form the nucleus of this iconic unit. Through McCown's eyes, we experience the Army's struggles to adapt traditional flatland tactics to the demands of mountain warfare and the creation of protocols that would go on to revolutionize skiing, mountaineering, and wilderness travel after the war.

Show Notes and Resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/camp-hale-part-2-episode-12/

In This Episode:

• The Army's ambitious yet chaotic vision for Camp Hale
• The psychological and physical challenges faced by recruits
• The cultural impact of bringing America's best skiers and climbers together in one place
• The first steps toward institutionalizing mountaineering and outdoor skills within the military
• John McCown's reflections on leading a diverse group of soldiers, from seasoned mountaineers to young draftees from the south who would comprise the heart of the unit

Sponsorship Acknowledgments:

• CiloGear: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit cilogear.com and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.
• Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at snakeriverbrewing.com.

Partnership Acknowledgments:

• The 10th Mountain Division Foundation's mission is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived.
• The Denver Public Library's 10th Mountain Division Resource Center is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.
• The 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc. exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.
• The 10th Mountain Alpine Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing alpinism in the 10th Mountain Division community.

Support the Show:Become a patron at christianbeckwith.com to access exclusive content and help keep this project alive. Special thanks to our newest patrons: Nelson F., Chris Johnson, Clay Kennedy, and more!

Join the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge:Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 10th's historic Riva Ridge ascent by participating in the 2025 Challenge on February 18th, 2025. Ski areas across the country are hosting events—find one near you or join independently. Details at christianbeckwith.com.

Merch Alert:Show your support with official Ninety-Pound Rucksack caps, mugs, and t-shirts—available now on our website!

Advisory Board:Thank you to Lance Blythe, McKay Jenkins, Chris Juergens, Jeff Leich, David Little, Sepp Scanlin, Keli Schmid, and Doug Schmidt for their invaluable expertise.

In Episode 11 of Ninety-Pound Rucksack, host Christian Beckwith explores the origins of Camp Hale, the high-altitude training ground where the mountain troops were transformed into the elite mountain warfare unit of the U.S. Army.

The episode covers the decision-making process behind the camp's selection, the incredible logistical challenges of building it, and the impact Camp Hale's development had on both the 10th Mountain Division and the nearby town of Leadville.

Show Notes and Resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/camp-hale-part-1-episode-11/

Key Points:

• Origins of Camp Hale: How the U.S. Army scouted, selected, and developed the high-altitude Pando Valley site to create a training ground for mountain warfare.

• Key Figures: Brigadier General Harry Lewis Twaddle and Colonel Onslow Rolfe were instrumental in bringing Camp Hale to life.

• Challenges of Construction: The environmental and logistical challenges involved in building a base for 15,000 soldiers and 5,000 mules at 9,200 feet in just seven months.

• John McCown's Story: The personal journey of John Andrew McCown II, a climber-turned-soldier, whose rise through the ranks paralleled the evolution of the 10th Mountain Division.

• Leadville's Origins & Relationship to Camp Hale: The rich history of Leadville, once a booming silver mining town, and how the proximity to Camp Hale redefined its role during WWII. The town's "triple iniquities" (saloons, gambling, and prostitution) posed unique challenges for the military, leading to a strained yet interdependent relationship between the base and the community.

Featured Segments:

• Opening Segment: Christian Beckwith introduces the episode and highlights the significance of Camp Hale in the 10th Mountain Division's history.

• Interview with Lance Blyth: Military historian and Ninety-Pound Rucksack advisory board member Lance Blyth discusses the requirements for selecting Camp Hale and the challenges involved in its development.

• On the Ground: A vivid description of the construction process at Camp Hale, bringing to life the stories of the workers, engineers, and military personnel who made it happen.

• Expert Insights: Ninety-Pound Rucksack Advisory Board members Sepp Scanlin and Chris Juergens provide context on the camp's construction and its impact on Leadville, Colorado, while Colorado ski mountaineering pioneer Lou Dawson describes the topography and climactic challenges of Camp Hale.

• John McCown's Journey: A narrative that ties McCown's personal climbing experiences to his role in the formation of the 10th Mountain Division.

Patron Support:

• A special thank you to our community of patrons for making our research possible. Join us at www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack to support the show and access exclusive content.

Sponsorship Acknowledgments:

• CiloGear: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit cilogear.com and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.
• Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at snakeriverbrewing.com.

Partnership Acknowledgments:

• The 10th Mountain Division Foundation's mission is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived.
• The Denver Public Library's 10th Mountain Division Resource Center is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.
• The 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc. exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.
• The 10th Mountain Alpine Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing alpinism in the 10th Mountain Division community.

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In Episode 10 of Ninety-Pound Rucksack, host Christian Beckwith explores how John McCown and his fellow citizen-soldiers overcame traditional military doctrine to prepare for mountain warfare—and in the process, reshaped the Old Army into one of the mightiest forces the world had ever known.

Show Notes and Resources: www.christianbeckwith.com

The episode includes interviews with Ninety-Pound Rucksack Advisory Board Members:

• Lance R. Blyth: Command Historian of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM); Adjunct Professor of History at the United States Air Force Academy.
• David Little: "living historian" for the Tenth Mountain Division Foundation.
• Sepp Scanlin: military historian and museum professional; served as the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum's Museum Director.

Key Points:

• The draft and the enlistment of citizen soldiers changed the US Army from a rigid, authoritarian, all-volunteer institution into one of the mightiest forces the world had ever known.
• The development of Officer Candidate School (OCS) created an industrial-style assembly line that produced junior leaders to lead the citizen army into combat.
• The innovative Junior Officers' Plan, which was developed to train officers for the mountain troops and then return them to the unit, preserved institutional knowledge critical to the mountain troops' ability to fight in cold weather and mountainous terrain.
• A specialized division designed to fight in extreme conditions had to adapt the Army's standard flatland, warm-weather military strategies to mountain warfare.

Featured Segments:

• A vivid recreation of a conversation between John McCown and his peers at Ft. Benning, Georgia, highlighting:
  • their takeaways from Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union and the impact of winter on his army's defeat
  • their frustrations with traditional Army tactics and its inability to recognize the importance of specialized training
  • their resolve to embody the change they knew the mountain troops would need in order to fulfill its mandate
• An overview of the Army's transformation from an all-volunteer force into one led by citizen-soldiers like John McCown.
• Detailed analyses of Officer Candidate School, the Junior Officers Plan and the need for a purpose-built encampment for the mountain troops.

Patron Support:

• A special thank you to our community of patrons for making our research possible. Join us at www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack to support the show and access exclusive content.

Sponsorship Acknowledgments:

• CiloGear: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit cilogear.com and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the American Alpine Club.
• Snake River Brewing: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at snakeriverbrewing.com.

Partnership Acknowledgments:

• The 10th Mountain Division Foundation: The mission of the Tenth Mountain Division Foundation is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived.
• American Alpine Club: Supporting climbers and preserving climbing history for over 120 years. Learn more at americanalpineclub.org.
• The Denver Public Library: The Denver Public Library: The Denver Public Library's 10th Mountain Division Resource Center is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.
• The 10th Mountain Division Descendants: The 10th Mountain Division Descendants: The 10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc. exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.

Illuminating a pivotal moment in both military and outdoor recreation history, this groundbreaking episode reveals the collaborative efforts of America's leading mountaineers to equip the 10th Mountain Division for war. Featuring original research and exclusive interviews, the episode details the audacious climbs and expeditions used to test the mountain troops' gear—and that revolutionized the American outdoor recreation industry in the process.

Show notes and resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/ninety-pound-rucksack-episodes/gear-heads-part-2-episode-09/

Episode 8: Gear Heads, Part 1 is the first segment of our two-part mini-series that examines the equipment, clothing and food developed, at great expense, for the 10th Mountain Division. Not only did this development make the soldiers' ability to train for cold-weather and mountain offensives like Riva Ridge possible; post-war, it catalyzed the explosive growth of America's nascent outdoor recreation industry as well.

Show notes and resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/ninety-pound-rucksack-episodes/gear-heads/

With this special bonus episode, the 10th Mountain Division's commanding officer, Major General Greg Anderson, and its Command Sergeant Major Nema Mobar identify some of the lessons learned from the Division's World War II inception and the relevance of those lessons to its efforts to rebuild its military mountaineering identity, culture and capacities.

What has changed between the original division and its contemporary counterpart, and what remains the same? What has the current division learned from its own history and how is it using those lessons to guide its rebuilding process? And how can America's climbers and skiers, inspired by the service of our forebears, support the division as it strives to reconnect with its roots?

Show notes and resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/ninety-pound-rucksack-podcast/10th-mountain-division/

Featuring original and previously unpublished research, Episode 7 reveals the untold story of H. Adams Carter, the Harvard Five, and their groundbreaking efforts to make the 10th Mountain Division the best-trained, best-fed, best-equipped mountain unit in the world.

Show notes and resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/ninety-pound-rucksack-episodes/mountain-intelligence-episode-07/

The Harvard Five—Carter, Bob Bates, Terry Moore, Charlie Houston and Bradford Washburn—were pioneers of American mountaineering during the 1930s. When World War II erupted, they harnessed their extensive expertise on the mountain troops's behalf. The hub of their efforts was Carter's intelligence work, which established the cornerstone of American mountain warfare doctrine.

Despite their pivotal roles in the 10th's development, their contributions have remained hidden from the public eye—until now. Join us as we uncover the forgotten saga of these trailblazers and their profound impact on the foundations of American mountain warfare.

Available only to patrons, the Unabridged version of Episode 7 features the complete transcript of the episode, as well as bonus content for this and all other episodes.

To become a patron and unlock these and other perks, go to https://www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack

Please consider becoming a patron. Patrons allow us to pursue the show's journalistic and educational objectives as we inform and inspire the public about the Division's living legacy. In return, patrons receive access to all Unabridged episodes, including bonus content, supporting documentation, historic imagery and exclusive interviews.