MCRP 12-10A.2 — Winter Mountain Leader's Guide To Mountain Warfare

MCRP 12-10A.2 covers winter mountain warfare in snow-covered terrain and cold-weather environments, including mobility and reconnaissance.

Search MCRP 12-10A.2

  • Publication number: MCRP 12-10A.2
  • Title: WINTER MOUNTAIN LEADER'S GUIDE TO MOUNTAIN WARFARE
  • Date: 11 May 2026
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCRP 12-10A.2 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication covers snowshoe and ski mobility, movement techniques, firing positions, avalanche hazards, ice reconnaissance, frozen waterways, snow tracking, ski-borne patrolling, and over-the-snow vehicles. It requires ice thickness determination before crossing frozen waterways and reconnaissance for hazards beneath the ice before cutting it.

Applies to: Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 12-10A.2, Winter Mountain Leader’s Guide to Mountain Warfare, is a reference for winter mountain leaders to use during operations in snow-covered terrain or a cold-weather environment.

Topics covered

  • Avalanche-prone terrain
  • Snow tracking and antitracking
  • Ice reconnaissance
  • Frozen waterway crossings
  • Snowshoe and ski mobility
  • Ski-borne patrolling
  • Over-the-snow vehicle employment

Questions and answers

What is MCRP 12-10A.2 used for?

Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 12-10A.2, Winter Mountain Leader’s Guide to Mountain Warfare, is a reference for winter mountain leaders to use during operations in snow-covered terrain or a cold-weather environment.

Why is ice reconnaissance necessary before crossing a frozen waterway?

Conducting ice reconnaissance before crossing a frozen waterway is necessary to determine the ice’s load-bearing capacity (i.e., what equipment can cross, how many people can cross, and the required dispersion to mitigate risk). (paragraph 3)

What antitracking techniques can Marines use?

Marines employ various antitracking techniques depending on time and terrain, and more than one technique can be used simultaneously. (paragraph 3)

How should Marines increase the distance from a tracker?

When Marines are being tracked, they should put as much distance as possible between themselves and the tracker. (paragraph 3)

What should Marines do to increase distance from a tracker?

Marines should increase this distance by using antitracking and or spoor-reducing techniques. (paragraph 3)

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