Mountain Cold Weather Company

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Mountain Cold Weather Company was founded in 1947 by MSG Leslie J. Hurley, a mountaineer and a member of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II.

      Hurley saw the uniqueness of Norwich University’s location in mountains with severe winter temperatures and mission to train disciplined cadets to be officers in the Army. Realizing the need for officers with experience in mountain warfare, Hurley and the Army started the MCW platoon at Norwich University. Skills taught to these students included: skiing, snow shoeing, wilderness survival, basic and advanced first aid, climbing and mountaineering, day and night land navigation and cold weather injuries.

http://www.norwich.edu/about/guidon/story_one.html

 Mountain Cold Weather Rescue Team

In 1960, Spc. 1st Class Don Jennings started the MCW rescue team. The mission of this organization is to provide Northern New England with a rescue service capable of conducting search and rescue operations at any time of year under any climatic condition.

The rescue team has gone on to provide this service on many occasions. Northern New England recognizes the MCW rescue team as the one to call when no one else can complete the rescue.

An important first was accomplished in the Fall of 2000 with the certification of 45 company members as National Search and Rescue Association Search and Rescue Technicians II. Team members continue to certify in these areas today. Also with the generous financial help of the Tawani Charitable Foundation, we have been able to send company members to civilian courses ranging from first aid to advanced mountaineering out on Mt. Baker, Washington. (www.norwich.edu)