Fighting at sea level is tough, but it doesn’t get any easier thousands of feet up a mountain. The military prepares for fights at altitude by training extensively in challenging weather and terrain. Here are 16 photos that show what it’s like.
1. Narrow passes of ice-covered rocks
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289607/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
2. Getting down the mountain is faster – but more dangerous – than climbing up.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289609/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
3. Helicopters can make a big difference when they’re available.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289610/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
4. For getting across the soft snow, skis and snowshoes are handy.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289612/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
5. Sleds can carry extra gear that won’t fit in a pack.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289613/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
6. The Marines train on both riding horses and mules, and use them as pack animals.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289614/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
READ MORE: Military working bees and other animals you didn’t know serve in the US Military
7. When the snow is melted, standard boots can get the job done.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289617/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
8. But again, a controlled fall is the easiest way to travel.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17275667/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
9. Traveling across the rock face takes skill and trust in the equipment.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289618/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
10. Getting around the mountain isn’t enough. Troops have to fight up there.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289619/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
11. The terrain makes it hard for troops to maneuver on well-placed snipers, so they can be especially effective.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17275666/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
12. Working as a team is key in the mountains.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289620/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
13. The “Red Hats,” trainers who specialize in mountain operations, know to move as a group.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289621/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
14. Even on the ropes, it’s best if the team can stay together.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289622/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
15. You get cool points for taking photos on top of a mountain, but you would get more if you removed the blank adapters first.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17289623/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)