MCTP 12-10A — Mountain Warfare

MCTP 12-10A governs Marine Corps operations, planning, and sustainment in mountainous, snow, and cold-weather environments.

Search MCTP 12-10A

  • Publication number: MCTP 12-10A
  • Title: MOUNTAIN WARFARE
  • Date: 3 Jul 2024
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCTP 12-10A on armypubs.army.mil


It covers mountain terrain, weather, offensive and defensive operations, intelligence, mobility, engineering, logistics, medical support, aviation, and training. It identifies skills Marines need for mountainous, snow, or cold-weather environments and references Department of Defense mountain warfare training programs.

Applies to: Marine Corps Tactical Publication (MCTP) 12-10A, Mountain Warfare, is a reference for all unit commanders and their staffs (trained or untrained in mountain warfare) and all leaders from the company level through regiment or brigade for use in operations in mountainous terrain, snow, or cold weather.

Topics covered

  • Mountain weather
  • Offensive operations
  • Defensive operations
  • Mountain intelligence collection
  • Mobility considerations
  • Mountain engineering
  • Logistic support
  • Mountain warfare training

Questions and answers

What temperatures does MCTP 12-10A identify as extremely hazardous for operations?

Commanders and planners are warned that operations below -40 °F are extremely hazardous. (paragraph 3)

What training is required before operations in extreme cold?

Units must be extensively trained before undertaking an operation in these temperature extremes. (paragraph 3)

Where should fixed defensive sites be located in mountainous terrain?

Ideally, sites should be located on the military crest of the reverse slope with observation posts on the military crest of the forward slope and surrounding key terrain. (paragraph 3)

How far can a mountain unit's Class IX block need to be increased?

The increased stress on vehicle parts and adverse effects of cold weather can force a unit to increase its Class IX block by up to 300 percent. (paragraph 3)

What must be considered when selecting landing zones in mountainous terrain?

Further considerations include the height and size of obstacles, slope, suitability, topography, wind direction, demarcation line, turbulence, null areas, escape or departure routes, drop-off, wave off, elevation, density altitude, and power available versus power required. (paragraph 3)

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