Capt. Thomas P. Govan; Historical Section Army Ground Forces 1946

“ Combat intelligence training was given-to all individuals with emphasis on scouting, patrolling, compass, map reading, reporting by small units and individuals, reconnaissance by ground foot patrols, observing, use of air photos, movement of individuals and patrols through mountainous country, mountain climbing, skiing, survival and operations in snow and extreme cold, sketching, communications and keeping of records. The division had no organic reconnaissance unit and the intelligence sections in all echelons of command were small. ”

“ The filler replacements from the armored infantry and tank destroyer units, however, proved to be satisfactory, though considerable training was necessary to bring them up to the standards of the remainder of the division. [16] The need for special-physical requirements for troops in high altitude and mountain training became more apparent as training progressed. It was found that a soldier able to do duty at a low altitude may find considerable difficulty doing duty in the mountains. To learn to live and fight in sub-zero and rarefied atmosphere was not an easy task. ”

“ The standard type of emergency rations, i.e., K rations, C rations, B Frigid ration, mountain ration, and the D ration, have been experimented with during the division maneuvers and have been found to be satisfactory for use under certain conditions. Operations over this type of terrain make it necessary for frequent use of a ration that can be easily carried by the individual and consumed without the necessity of cooking. ”

“ Training consisted not only of special mountaineering techniques, skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, etc, but also of the individual and unit training of the various arms and services, and in their combined operations. At the same time there was continuous experimentation with-technical equipment and in training methods applicable to mountain and winter warfare by the Mountain Training Center in conjunction with the Mountain and Winter Warfare Board which had been established for this purpose. ”

“ Another factor encountered to which no answer has been secured is that the rugged terrain and the deep snow over which the foot elements operate make it very desirable that the weight of the pack on the individual's back be reduced to the minimum in order to permit him to reach his objective while still capable of efficient combat. In order to exist in this extreme cold for a protracted length of time quite a large amount of equipment is necessary for the individual's use. ”

“ It is thought that it would be very desirable to have sufficient transportation made available in order to carry a. large percentage of this equipment for the troops. The original table of organization cut the number of administrative and supply personnel of the division considerably under that of a normal infantry division. A division operating in high mountainous territory requires a greater number of supply personnel than a normal law land division, and experience has shown that the supply personnel allowed is seriously inadequate for efficient performance. ”

“ The original training letter from the XI Corps directed the division to make a report at the conclusion of combined training to cover the following: 1. Organization—all units; adequacy of personnel. Flexibility of organization. Efficiency in type operations. Modification recommended. Adequacy of staffs for continuous operations. 2. Weapons: Adequacy of numbers. Proper types. Ammunition supply. 3. Equipment: Amount and efficiency of types issued. Is organic transportation adequate and of proper type to meet minimum requirements? ”

“ Because of the high caliber men in the division a great many were lost to Air Corps, Ground Crew and Aviation Cadet. There were many volunteers for parachute training. These losses added to the normal attrition of the division caused considerable difficulty in reaching table of organization strength. The division did not reach its full strength until 22 March 1944. The same rapid turnover of personnel existed in the case of officers. The division was called on to furnish numerous officer replacements to AGF replacement depots. ”

“ Persons finding errors of fact or important omissions are encouraged to communicate with the Commanding General, Army Ground Forces, Attention: Historical Section, in order that corrections may be made prior to publication in printed form by the War Department. ”

“ Intelligence training and that to attain combat proficiency was carried on simultaneously and the problem of proper scheduling was overcome only by the close coordination of the G-2 and G-3 Sections. One of the most difficult problems was the maintenance of trained intelligence men in the intelligence sections. ”

“ The 86th Infantry had been organized with personnel selected by the National Ski Patrol System who were either qualified or showed aptitude for high altitude operations. The personnel of this regiment were redistributed uniformly in all grades among the three infantry regiments. [2] The division artillery consisted of three battalions, the 604th Field Artillery Battalion, 605th Field Artillery Battalion and 616th Field Artillery Battalion. ”

“ The K ration and C -ration have both been found satisfactory for the purpose, although extreme cold encountered makes an addition of hot coffee or some similar hot beverage very desirable as a supplement to these rations when it can be prepared. ”

“ Div Redesignation. 10th Light Div memo, sub: Enlisted Men transferred who are Physically Unqualified for High Mountain Operations. General Orders GO 1, 10th Light Div, 15 Jul 43, sub: Activation of the 10th Light Div. GO 7, 10th Inf Div, 22 Feb 44, sub: Reorgn and Redesignation of 87th Mt Inf Regt. ”

“ Enlisted Men Transferred to Lower Altitude. In G-1 files.↑ 10th Inf Div ltr 201.6 GNMIJ, 7 Oct 43, sub: Age and AGCT Grade Distribution in Div and Non-Div Units.↑ Comments of Capt H. W. Longfellow, Classification Off, 10th Inf Div.↑ 10th Inf Div memo, 27 Jan 44, sub: Enlisted Men Transferred to Lower Altitude. ”