Exercise Mountain Peak Tests Soldiers' Combat Readiness at Fort Drum

Soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, tested their combat readiness during Exercise Mountain Peak at Fort Drum, N.Y., Oct. 20-29.

The large-scale, force-on-force event trains and validates soldiers to fight and win against America's adversaries while also leveraging constantly evolving tactics to better sustain units on the battlefield.

Soldiers maneuvered through rugged terrain, conducted coordinated assaults and worked together to secure key objectives. The exercise tested more than tactical proficiency, requiring units to ensure they are ready to fight, endure, and survive on the modern battlefield.

Throughout the exercise, observer controller trainers evaluated and coached units to ensure they were trained to standard.

"Mountain Peak is an opportunity for soldiers to refine their techniques and put into place all the different systems they've been training," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ranger, an observer controller trainer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment. "It gives them opportunities outside of their normal routine for them to work together, war-game and execute. We shadow and coach them so they can be effective in their mission set."

The exercise included tactical operations designed to replicate the demands of large-scale combat, beginning with a forcible entry before transitioning into offensive operations and, ultimately, defensive operations.

As the scenario evolved, soldiers seized and secured key terrain, maneuvered against an opposing force and established defensive positions to protect their gains. The progression challenged the brigade in a multidomain environment, forcing it to adapt to changing battlefield conditions, synchronize its capabilities and refine its tactics, while preparing to fight and win against a near-peer adversary.

In addition to testing the unit's ability to conduct near-peer warfare, Mountain Peak allowed medical personnel to practice prolonged field care, strengthening their ability to sustain casualties when evacuation is delayed or timely access to higher levels of treatment is limited.

The challenges they faced required medical teams to manage patients over extended periods while working with available personnel, equipment and supplies in austere field conditions. One such capability tested was Project Valkyrie, where medics used compatible donors on site for patient whole-blood transfers.

"Project Valkyrie is setting the standard across all branches of service," said Army Staff Sgt. Dominic Vigar, a combat medic specialist assigned to 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.

Along with validating readiness, the brigade used Mountain Peak as an opportunity to assess developing best practices for employing its multi-functional reconnaissance company, as well as integrate intelligence and coordinate fires to support maneuver operations.

The exercise also incorporated modern battlefield technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems and counter-UAS capabilities, allowing units to evaluate emerging threats, improve battlefield awareness and adapt to an evolving operational environment.

Mountain Peak provided the brigade with an opportunity to assess its overall effectiveness before its upcoming Joint Readiness Training Center rotation in January 2027 and for future operational requirements.

"Mountain Peak certifies us as ready to deploy whenever the nation calls," said Army Capt. Connor Bryan, the commander of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. "We train here hard, working on our techniques, tactics and procedures, to ensure that when we go downrange, we're a well-oiled and rehearsed fighting machine."