Winter Strike Training Concludes
ALPENA, Mich. — The skies over Alpena saw some action outside of their usual winter snowstorms last week.
This weekend, U.S. Marines from North Carolina and Army National Guard from Illinois concluded a joint helicopter training in Alpena and Grayling. The focus of the training was operating the helicopters in natural winter conditions. While the military can simulate cold weather and study, experience is one thing that won’t come from a book.
“It only gets you so far, reading a book and reading a simulator,” said Captain Charles Auer, and Army National Guard commander from Illinois. “You’ve got to go do it. You actually get to do it here.”
Alpena offers a unique, light snow that swirls up into dust clouds and can imitate landing in overseas locations where there is no helipad. Last week, Marines and Army National Guard soldiers trained departing and landing the helicopters as well as assault missions between Alpena and Grayling.
