Cool and Ready: The Marines and U.S. Navy Sailors Battle the High Elevations of the Mountain Warfare Training Center
When the U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group come together for a mission, it’s not just about executing orders or performing drills—it’s about preparation. It’s about pushing limits, overcoming obstacles, and perfecting the skills necessary to thrive in some of the most difficult environments the world has to offer. In January 2026, they came together for one of their toughest training exercises yet: the Mountain Training Exercise 1-26 at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California.
This mission wasn’t just about mastering the art of war—it was about mastering the rugged, unforgiving terrain of the mountains. It was about learning to adapt and acclimatize to the high altitudes and harsh conditions that can make or break a soldier. In this high-stakes training environment, every step counts, and the ultimate goal is clear: to ensure the Marines and Sailors are “cool and ready” for anything the mountains—and combat—can throw at them.
The Mission: Acclimation to High Elevations and Austere Terrain
The purpose of the acclimation hike conducted by Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (CLB-24) was clear: to prepare the Marines and Sailors for the challenges posed by the unforgiving landscape and high altitudes that make up the training center’s terrain. The team wasn’t just hiking for the sake of exercise; they were preparing for the physical and mental demands of warfare in mountainous regions—conditions that require specialized training, endurance, and the ability to adapt quickly.
As the Marines and Sailors embarked on the hike, it was evident that this was no ordinary mission. The mountainous terrain presented unique obstacles that tested their stamina, endurance, and ability to remain calm under pressure. The hike was a key component of the larger Mountain Training Exercise, where the service members were immersed in one of the most demanding environments possible, designed to mirror the harsh conditions they might face in a real-world combat scenario.
The acclimation hike wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it was about getting used to hiking in an environment where the air is thinner, the terrain is more treacherous, and every step becomes a challenge. The exercise was carefully designed to ensure that the Marines and Sailors could successfully operate in such an austere environment, providing them with the tools and mental fortitude necessary to succeed when the stakes are highest.
The Mountain Warfare Training Center: A True Test of Endurance
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, is one of the toughest and most respected training grounds in the U.S. military. Known for its rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and harsh conditions, the center is the perfect place for service members to prepare for combat situations in mountainous and cold weather environments.
The training center is strategically placed to give soldiers the chance to experience some of the most extreme conditions that nature has to offer. The 10,000-foot-high peaks and treacherous terrain provide the ideal setting for soldiers to learn how to navigate, survive, and thrive in an environment where every decision and every action could mean the difference between success and failure.
Over the course of the Mountain Training Exercise 1-26, Marines and Sailors were subjected to these exact conditions, pushing their physical and mental limits as they acclimated to the higher elevations and learned how to traverse the difficult terrain. They weren’t just hiking for fitness; they were training to become more effective and resilient under the harshest conditions possible.
In the mountains, there is no room for complacency. The thin air, uneven ground, and steep inclines force soldiers to slow down, pay attention, and work as a cohesive unit to make it through safely. These challenges build character, teamwork, and leadership—all qualities essential for military personnel who may one day be called to serve in similarly extreme environments.
Teamwork and Leadership: The Backbone of Mountain Training
As the Marines and Sailors made their way up the steep slopes of Bridgeport, one thing became abundantly clear: teamwork was critical. The acclimation hike was not a solo mission—it was a collective effort that required every individual to work in sync, support one another, and focus on the overall mission.
Each member of the team played an essential role, whether they were leading the way, supporting a teammate, or ensuring that everyone stayed on track. Leadership was not just about giving orders—it was about empowering those around you, maintaining morale, and ensuring that everyone was prepared to face the next challenge, no matter how difficult.
The physical challenge of hiking in the thin mountain air also tested the Marines and Sailors’ mental toughness. The lack of oxygen and the intense physical exertion forced them to dig deep, focus on their training, and rely on one another. In this environment, every individual’s strength contributed to the strength of the group, making the success of the mission depend on their ability to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate.
The Importance of Acclimatization in Mountain Warfare
Acclimatization is a key component of mountain warfare training, as soldiers need to learn how to adjust to the unique demands of high-altitude environments. The body’s ability to adapt to lower oxygen levels is vital for maintaining peak physical performance. For service members unfamiliar with the challenges posed by high elevations, the acclimation hike is an essential part of the training process.
At elevations above 8,000 feet, the oxygen levels in the air become significantly thinner, and the body must adjust to these new conditions. The physical exertion required in this environment is significantly higher, and soldiers can experience fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath more quickly than they would at sea level. Learning how to manage these symptoms, maintain energy, and push through the discomfort is crucial for those who will eventually face combat in mountainous regions.
This is where the acclimation hike comes in. It’s not just about hiking through the mountains—it’s about teaching the soldiers how to recognize the signs of altitude sickness, manage their breathing, and work together to ensure that no one is left behind. The ability to adjust to high elevations, both mentally and physically, is essential for operating effectively in these kinds of conditions.
Beyond the Hike: A Comprehensive Training Experience
The acclimation hike is just one component of a much larger training exercise. Over the course of the Mountain Training Exercise 1-26, Marines and Sailors were put through a series of challenges designed to teach them everything from navigating difficult terrain to surviving in extreme cold weather conditions.
They practiced setting up camp, building shelters, and maintaining equipment in conditions that tested their resourcefulness and ingenuity. The high-altitude environment was a constant reminder that in mountain warfare, the terrain is as much a threat as the enemy itself.
In addition to the physical demands of the training, service members also learned critical skills related to combat in these challenging environments. They practiced tactics for ambushes, defensive positions, and offensive maneuvers—skills that are essential for military success in rugged, mountainous terrain. The goal was to ensure that every Marine and Sailor left the training with the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to perform under pressure in high-altitude environments.
Building Resilience: The Ultimate Goal
At its core, the Mountain Training Exercise 1-26 was about building resilience. The ability to endure physical exhaustion, handle extreme weather conditions, and perform under stress is a defining characteristic of a successful soldier. In these high-altitude conditions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or exhausted—but it’s through these challenges that service members develop the mental and physical fortitude necessary to succeed in real-world combat situations.
By the end of the exercise, Marines and Sailors had not only gained new technical skills—they had developed a new understanding of their own capabilities. They had learned that, with the right preparation, they could endure anything the mountains threw their way. This resilience, built through training and camaraderie, is what ultimately makes them ready to face the most extreme challenges, no matter where their service takes them.
Preparing for the Ultimate Test
The acclimation hike at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center was more than just a physical challenge—it was a test of endurance, teamwork, and mental fortitude. For the Marines and U.S. Navy Sailors who participated in Mountain Training Exercise 1-26, it was an opportunity to prepare for the ultimate test: to be ready for combat in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.
As the Marines and Sailors continue their training and face the challenges ahead, they can take pride in knowing that they are more than prepared to tackle the demands of mountain warfare. The hard work, the sweat, and the dedication they put into this training will serve them well in the field, where survival and success often depend on the skills they honed in Bridgeport, California.
In the mountains, the stakes are high, but the Marines and Sailors of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group are now more equipped than ever to face whatever challenges lie ahead. They are truly “cool and ready”—ready for anything the mountains, or war, can throw at them.
