TC 3-97.61 — Military Mountaineering
TC 3-97.61 governs military mountaineering in mountain environments, including terrain, weather, training, sustainment, mobility, and rope systems.
- Publication number: TC 3-97.61
- Title: MILITARY MOUNTAINEERING
- Date: 11/26/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 3-97.61 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers mountain terrain analysis, weather, mountaineer training, environmental injuries, sustainment, avalanches, navigation, anchors, and climbing systems. It requires training for prolonged field care situations, first aid and evacuation training for litter bearers, and analysis of terrain, snowpack, and weather factors for avalanche forecasting.
Topics covered
- Mountain terrain analysis
- Mountaineer training
- Environmental injuries
- Mountain sustainment
- Avalanche risk management
- Mountain mobility
- Navigation in mountainous terrain
- Rope systems for climbing
Questions and answers
What training is needed for prolonged field care in the mountains?
Specific training should be conducted to prepare medical and nonmedical personnel for prolonged field care situations. (paragraph 15-12)
How much water does a Soldier need in a cold or mountainous environment?
A Soldier needs about 3 to 6 liters of water each day to prevent dehydration when living and performing physical labor in a cold or mountainous environment. (paragraph 3-5)
What training must litter bearers receive for mountain casualty evacuation?
All litter bearers must receive training in evacuation techniques and first aid. (paragraph 15-15)
What must units analyze to develop an avalanche forecast?
As part of their intelligence preparation of the battlefield, units need to analyze terrain, snowpack, and weather factors to develop a forecast for subordinate elements. (paragraph 5-34)
What is the definition of an anchor for military mountaineering?
An anchor for military mountaineering is a fixed object to which a rope system is secured and is of sufficient size, weight, and security to suspend the weight of or arrest the fall of an attached load. (paragraph 9-1)