1. 01 - Unveiling the Dynamics of Vertical Manoeuvre in Mountain Warfare

COL Leon Holc, SVN (A); NATO MW COE Director

The recently concluded 5th NATO Mountain Warfare Congress touched on the critical aspects of mountain warfare, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal concept of vertical manoeuvre. The event brought together experienced lecturers and participants from various countries to delve deep into the dynamic field of mountain warfare, emphasizing the strategic importance of vertical manoeuvre in such challenging terrain.

Mountains have always posed unique challenges to military operations. The Congress aimed to shed light on the complexities and strategic significance of operating in rugged landscapes, highlighting the decisive role played by vertical manoeuvre. Lessons learned from mountain warfare underscore the need for specialized skills, adaptive strategies, and a profound understanding of the obstacles inherent in such environments.

At its core, the event aimed to underscore the complexity of vertical manoeuvre in mountain warfare, recognizing the advantages that high ground offers while acknowledging the formidable challenges it presents to military operations. Vertical manoeuvre embodies adaptability, resilience, and agility – attributes which are indispensable for success in such demanding landscapes.

Throughout the Congress, discussions revolved around the critical elements and integrated strategies required to effectively conduct vertical manoeuvre in mountain warfare. The comprehensive dialogue covered the physical, logistical, strategic, and leadership dimensions, recognizing the dynamic nature of operations in mountainous terrain and the impact of vertical manoeuvre on mission success.

We delved into the principles of parachuting and paragliding in mountain environments, examined the force structures of mountain units, explored the significance of close air support based on experiences in Afghanistan, and analysed the strategic use of drones, especially in conflict scenarios such as the Russo‐Ukrainian war.

The scope of our discourse extended beyond tactical considerations to encompass critical aspects such as Combat Service Support (CSS) and Engineer (ENG) support, medical assistance, and the crucial roles played by helicopters and drones in supporting mountain warfare operations. The lessons learned provided us with invaluable insights, enhancing our collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented in mountain warfare.

The event provided a platform for diverse perspectives, expert insights, and collaborative discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of vertical manoeuvre in mountain warfare. The participants engaged in robust dialogues, exchanged experiences, and shared expertise, collectively aiming to enhance their understanding of manoeuvring in challenging landscapes.

The four‐day Congress marked a significant milestone in the collective exploration of
mountain warfare and vertical manoeuvre. Lecturers from many different nations and organizations contributed their insights, expertise, and dedication to enriching the collective understanding of this specific land domain. The vibrant exchanges, diverse perspectives, and invaluable collaborations between mountain warfare experts, troop commanders, school leaders, academia and industry highlighted the depth of the discussions and the wealth of knowledge shared during the event.

The engagement between military experts, academic leaders, industry innovators, and technology providers emerged as an invaluable platform for the exchange of ideas and best practice, and the exploration of cutting‐edge solutions. The collective efforts invested in analysing the various dimensions of vertical manoeuvre significantly enhanced our understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by mountain warfare.

I express my gratitude to every participant, speaker, organizer, and contributor for their unwavering commitment, passion, and valuable contributions to the success of the Congress.
The dedication and expertise displayed have been instrumental in shaping a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in operating in challenging
mountainous landscapes.

The engagement between military experts, academic leaders, industry innovators, and technology providers emerged as an invaluable platform for the exchange of ideas and best practice, and the exploration of cutting‐edge solutions. The collective efforts invested in analysing the various dimensions of vertical manoeuvre significantly enhanced our understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by mountain warfare.

I express my gratitude to every participant, speaker, organizer, and contributor for their unwavering commitment, passion, and valuable contributions to the success of the Congress.
The dedication and expertise displayed have been instrumental in shaping a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in operating in challenging
mountainous landscapes.

See the Power point Presentation of titled “support and cooperation with other COE in 2024”

The engagement between military experts, academic leaders, industry innovators, and technology providers emerged as an invaluable platform for the exchange of ideas and best practice, and the exploration of cutting‐edge solutions. The collective efforts invested in analysing the various dimensions of vertical manoeuvre significantly enhanced our understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by mountain warfare.

I express my gratitude to every participant, speaker, organizer, and contributor for their unwavering commitment, passion, and valuable contributions to the success of the Congress.
The dedication and expertise displayed have been instrumental in shaping a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in operating in challenging
mountainous landscapes.

2. 02 - Mastering the Art of Mountain Warfare: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Triumph

COL Italo Spini, ITA (A); NATO MW COE Deputy Director/COS

From a Mountain Warfare Chief of Staff Perspective, the Congress on vertical manoeuvre in mountain warfare emerged as a pivotal and comprehensive gathering, bringing together a diverse array of experts and professionals. This assembly proved instrumental in delving into the unique challenges and potential opportunities that characterize military operations in mountainous terrain. Throughout the extensive presentations and nuanced discussions, a multitude of novel perspectives came to the fore, shedding light on the intricate nuances of tactics and strategies essential for achieving success in these complex environments.

At the heart of these deliberations was the pivotal role played by the Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (MW COE). Acting as a nexus for endeavours aimed at standardizing procedures, the Centre is poised to address the prevailing diversity in approaches. It stands as a cornerstone for providing a unified and clear vision for the future of mountain warfare over the next two decades. By consolidating best practice and honing specialized training programmes, the Centre aims to foster a harmonized approach to mountain warfare, thereby enhancing interoperability among military forces engaged in such operations.

The Congress even served as a crucial forum for addressing not only the tactical and
strategic aspects, but also the intricate challenges posed by logistics in mountainous terrain. The discussions highlighted the unique logistical hurdles that military operations encounter in such environments, where rugged topography and extreme weather conditions add layers of complexity.


In this context, the MW COE emerges as an essential hub, not only for refining combat techniques but also for devising innovative logistical solutions. The need to standardize and optimize logistical procedures in mountain warfare was highlighted as a key priority. The MW COE, through collaborative efforts, seeks to develop streamlined logistical approaches that account for the demanding nature of mountainous terrain, ensuring the timely and efficient deployment of resources. These discussions, encompassing supply chain management, transportation, and resource allocation, contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted logistical demands associated with mountain warfare.

The Congress also presented a unique and invaluable opportunity to engage in high‐level discussions with commanders of NATO mountain units and leaders of military mountain schools. This collaborative dialogue not only facilitated the exchange of ideas but also played a pivotal role in fostering a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges faced by practitioners of mountain warfare.


In conclusion, the next Congress, entitled “Mountain Warfare in 2040”, represents an exciting challenge as we collectively chart a course towards the future, envisioning the landscape of mountain warfare two decades hence. The MW COE stands as a beacon, guiding the way towards standardized practices, collaborative knowledge exchange, and a unified vision that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of mountain warfare for years to come.