ROME, N.Y. – A New York Air National Guardsman from the 224th Security Forces Squadron recently completed the demanding Cold Weather Operations Course, or CWOC, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota.
Staff Sgt. David Blovat attended the two-week training program in January, during the height of the harsh Minnesota winter. The CWOC is designed to prepare personnel to operate and thrive in arctic and subarctic environments.
“It was a very physically and mentally challenging course,” Blovat explained. “The cold hits different when its -35 degrees with wind chill and it’s just you and the gear you have packed in your ruck and you still have another 3 miles until your next tent site.”
The 224th Security Forces Squadron is part of the Rome, New York-based 224th Air Defense Group. The Airmen of the 224th conduct the mission of the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS). EADS is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and is tasked with the air defense of the United States East of the Mississippi.
The CWOC curriculum employs a “crawl, walk, run” methodology. The initial “crawl” phase consists of classroom instruction on key topics such as cold-weather injury prevention, risk management and the use of specialized equipment. Participants then progress to the “walk” phase, which involves practical outdoor applications, including land navigation on snowshoes, hauling gear with ahkio sleds, and constructing natural thermal shelters.
“We applaud Staff Sgt. Blovat’s desire to enhance his professional and tactical skills,” said Lt. Col. Michael Kidd, 224th Security Forces commander. “Bottom line, we support and encourage the professional development of all our Defenders.”
The final test is a grueling five-day “run” phase – a continuous field exercise that pushes participants to their limits. In subzero temperatures, they must navigate through deep snow, build their own shelters for overnight survival and make critical leadership decisions. The ultimate test of their resolve is a cold-water immersion drill, conducted under the watchful eyes of the U.S. Coast Guard, proving they can overcome the deadly effects of hypothermia.
“Overall, I had a good experience. This course was very rewarding. It built confidence knowing we could function so well as a team in such a demanding environment,” Blovat said.
About half of the candidates are unable to complete the course because of injury or extreme difficulty. Those who emerge successfully have earned the right to wear the prestigious “Arctic” tab on their uniform.