wet dog

While most of the world was watching the news of Operation Desert Storm, and fearing the worst of desert warfare. Several SF ODA's were tasked to train elements of the 3/25 IF DIV, Schofield Field Barracks, HI in cold weather survival techniques, 450 troops in all, fresh off the plain wearing jungle fatigues and limited cold weather gear. The Japanese Self Defense Ground Forces, Hakado, Saporo, Japan were the primary ski instructors, and who loved the "Aiko" sleds. Saporo, Japan proved to be an excellent training facility. Rolling hill, deep snow and Saki - this is were we could begin to talk about the benefits of having Aikos on the team.

Following 15 days of training, skiing, ski-joring, (being pulled by track vehicles, 25-30 MPH - There's another story here, similar to any Key Stone Cop Comedy routine). We had a force on force FTX for another 7 days. Average temp., 40 below zero. The Aikos proved effective litters, crew served weapons carriers and improvised surgical tables.

If I ever had to go to war in that climate, I believe I would take snow shoes over skis any day and an aiko or two.