ROME, N.Y. – A New York Air National Guardsman has completed specialized training designed to prepare personnel for operations in extreme cold-weather conditions. Staff Sgt. David Blovat, of the 224th Security Forces Squadron, recently finished the Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley, Minnesota.
Rigorous Training in Harsh Conditions
The two-week program, attended by Blovat in January, focuses on equipping Airmen to operate effectively in arctic and subarctic environments. Blovat described the course as “extremely physically and mentally challenging,” noting the difficulties of operating in temperatures as low as -35 degrees with wind chill while carrying essential gear.
The 224th Security Forces Squadron is part of the 224th Air Defense Group, based in Rome, New York. The squadron’s broader mission involves supporting the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS), which is a component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and responsible for the air defense of the United States East of the Mississippi.
A Demanding Curriculum
The CWOC curriculum begins with classroom instruction covering cold-weather injury prevention, risk management, and specialized equipment. This “crawl” phase is followed by a “walk” phase involving practical skills like land navigation with snowshoes, hauling gear with ahkio sleds, and building natural shelters.
The final phase, a five-day “run,” is a continuous field exercise designed to push participants to their limits. This includes navigating through deep snow, constructing shelters, making leadership decisions, and a cold-water immersion drill overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard to test their ability to withstand hypothermia.
“I had a excellent experience,” Blovat said. “This course was very rewarding. It built confidence knowing we could function so well as a team in such a demanding environment.”
Approximately half of those who attempt the CWOC are unable to complete it due to injury or the extreme difficulty of the course. Successful completion earns participants the right to wear the “Arctic” tab on their uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Cold Weather Operations Course?
The CWOC is designed to prepare personnel to operate and thrive in arctic and subarctic environments.
What unit does Staff Sgt. Blovat belong to?
Staff Sgt. David Blovat is a member of the 224th Security Forces Squadron, part of the 224th Air Defense Group based in Rome, New York.
How difficult is the CWOC?
The course is described as “very physically and mentally challenging,” and approximately half of the candidates are unable to complete it.
As the Air National Guard continues to refine its capabilities, it remains to be seen how the skills acquired through the CWOC may be applied in future operations or training exercises. More Airmen from the 224th Security Forces Squadron, and other units, could pursue this specialized training in the future.
