Taking advantage of a rare opportunity to partner with the Vermont National Guard and the U.S. Army Biathlon Team, nine cadets from the West Point Nordic Ski Team, led by Class of 2025 Cadet Sierra Bennett-Manke, a Department of Foreign Languages German minor, and Maj. John Georg, DFL German instructor, visited Camp Ethan Allen, Vermont, from Jan. 6-8.
While there, several cadets successfully skied cross country for the first time and every cadet shot a biathlon rifle for the first time.
In addition to several hours spent perfecting the art of moving across snow with skis attached to their feet, cadets participated in a relay with the biathlon rifles, practiced double poling in the gym, and received information about workouts to prepare them for 2023 cross-country skiing competitions in the upcoming weeks.
Many cadets will be racing at Woodford, Vermont, and Lake Placid, New York, later in January, putting the skills they learned last weekend to the test.
Not only did cadets enjoy the process of learning a new skill, but they also learned the importance of this skill in the Army. Arctic warfare fighting is not a widespread discipline, but it will play an increasing role in future combat, as seen in combat operations in Ukraine.
Commissioning leaders with experience in maneuvering on skis and maintaining those skis will promote the abilities of their future Soldiers and ensure the Army is prepared on all fronts.
It was a fantastic restart to the Nordic Ski Club after the restrictions COVID required for travel and competition limited their ability to go, but the Nordic Ski Club’s trip to the Vermont National Guard at Camp Ethan Allen is projected to be an annual event.
This trip was, and future trips will be, an amazing opportunity to teach new skiers, train with biathlon rifles, begin preparation for cadets racing later in the season, and learn more about the significance of winter combat. The Nordic Skiing Club is excited to continue enhancing the leadership potential of cadets as they expand on their 47-month experience at West Point. Special thanks to the Vermont National Guard and to Maj. Kevin Elmer from the Army Biathlon Team for making this event happen.