by Christian Beckwith
Ninety-Pound Rucksack is a podcast about the US Army's legendary 10th Mountain Division, a gritty unit of World War II climbers and skiers who trained for more than two years in the Colorado Rockies (often wearing ninety-pound “rucksacks,” or backpacks) to fight the Axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Not only did the Division's insertion into the war help end Germany’s occupation of Italy; post-war, its veterans founded and developed ski areas across America, started companies like NOLS and Nike and launched the fields of avalanche science and wilderness rescue. Equal parts real-time research, intimate conversation and revelatory journalism, Ninety-Pound Rucksack explores not only the stories that made the unit famous, but also the transformative power of the mountains to forge a collective identity among the mountain troops—and to ignite a passion for the outdoors that reshaped American society in the process.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/29/2022
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January 27, 2025
<div class="entry-content"> <p>In Part 2 of our deep dive into Camp Hale, host Christian Beckwith explores the rocky beginnings of the mountain troops’ high-altitude military encampment. From the soldiers’ grueling acclimatization to the challenges of uniting skiers, mountaineers, and draftees under the harshest of conditions, Episode 12 uncovers the untold stories of struggle, frustration and resilience that emerged from the smog-filled valley.</p> <p>We also rejoin John McCown as he embarks on his first journey to Camp Hale, witnessing the stark contrasts among the soldiers who would form the nucleus of this iconic unit. Through McCown’s eyes, we experience the Army’s struggles to adapt traditional flatland tactics to the demands of mountain warfare and the creation of protocols that would go on to revolutionize skiing, mountaineering, and wilderness travel after the war.</p> <p><span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> Show Notes and Resources: <a href= "https://christianbeckwith.com/camp-hale-part-2-episode-12/">https://christianbeckwith.com/camp-hale-part-2-episode-12/</a></span></p> <p><strong>In This Episode:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The Army’s ambitious yet chaotic vision for Camp Hale</li> <li>The psychological and physical challenges faced by recruits</li> <li>The cultural impact of bringing America’s best skiers and climbers together in one place</li> <li>The first steps toward institutionalizing mountaineering and outdoor skills within the military</li> <li>John McCown’s reflections on leading a diverse group of soldiers, from seasoned mountaineers to young draftees from the south who would comprise the heart of the unit</li> </ul> <p><strong>Sponsorship Acknowledgments:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>CiloGear</strong>: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit <a href= "http://cilogear.com/">cilogear.com</a> and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.</li> <li><strong>Snake River Brewing</strong>: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at <a href= "http://snakeriverbrewing.com/">snakeriverbrewing.com</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Partnership Acknowledgments:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://10thmountainfoundation.org/"><strong>The 10th Mountain Division Foundation</strong></a>'s mission is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived. </li> <li><strong>The Denver Public Library</strong>'s <a href= "http://10th%20mountain%20division%20resource%20center/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10th Mountain Division Resource Center</a> is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.</li> <li><strong>The <a href="https://10thmtndivdesc.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc.</a></strong> exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.10thmountainalpineclub.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-link-type="web">The 10th Mountain Alpine Club</a></strong> is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing alpinism in the 10th Mountain Division community.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Support the Show:<br /></strong>Become a patron at <a href="http://christianbeckwith.com/"></a><a href= "https://www.patreon.com/c/NinetyPoundRucksack">christianbeckwith.com</a> to access exclusive content and help keep this project alive. Special thanks to our newest patrons: Nelson F., Chris Johnson, Clay Kennedy, and more!</p> <p><strong>Join the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge:</strong><strong><br /></strong>Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 10th’s historic Riva Ridge ascent by participating in the 2025 Challenge on February 18th, 2025. Ski areas across the country are hosting events—find one near you or join independently. Details at <a href= "http://christianbeckwith.com/"></a><a href= "https://christianbeckwith.com/npr-challenge/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">christianbeckwith.com</a><a href= "https://christianbeckwith.com/npr-challenge/">.</a></p> <p><strong>Merch Alert:<br /></strong>Show your support with official Ninety-Pound Rucksack caps, mugs, and t-shirts—<a href= "https://christianbeckwith.com/shop/">available now on our website</a>!</p> <p><strong>Advisory Board:</strong><strong><br /></strong>Thank you to <strong>Lance Blythe, McKay Jenkins, Chris Juergens, Jeff Leich, David Little, Sepp Scanlin, Keli Schmid,</strong> and <strong>Doug Schmidt</strong> for their invaluable expertise.</p> </div> <div class="et_post_meta_wrapper"> <section id="comment-wrap"> <div id="comment-section" class="nocomments"></div> <div id="respond" class="comment-respond"></div> </section> </div>
September 16, 2024
<p>In Episode 11 of <em>Ninety-Pound Rucksack</em>, host Christian Beckwith explores the origins of Camp Hale, the high-altitude training ground where the mountain troops were transformed into the elite mountain warfare unit of the U.S. Army. </p> <p><span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> The episode covers the decision-making process behind the camp’s selection, the incredible logistical challenges of building it, and the impact Camp Hale's development had on both the 10th Mountain Division and the nearby town of Leadville. </span></p> <p><span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> Show Notes and Resources: https://christianbeckwith.com/camp-hale-part-1-episode-11/</span></p> <p><strong>Key Points:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Origins of Camp Hale:</strong> How the U.S. Army scouted, selected, and developed the high-altitude Pando Valley site to create a training ground for mountain warfare.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Key Figures:</strong> Brigadier General Harry Lewis Twaddle and Colonel Onslow Rolfe were instrumental in bringing Camp Hale to life.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Challenges of Construction:</strong> The environmental and logistical challenges involved in building a base for 15,000 soldiers and 5,000 mules at 9,200 feet in just seven months.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>John McCown’s Story:</strong> The personal journey of John Andrew McCown II, a climber-turned-soldier, whose rise through the ranks paralleled the evolution of the 10th Mountain Division.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Leadville’s Origins & Relationship to Camp Hale:</strong> The rich history of Leadville, once a booming silver mining town, and how the proximity to Camp Hale redefined its role during WWII. The town’s "triple iniquities" (saloons, gambling, and prostitution) posed unique challenges for the military, leading to a strained yet interdependent relationship between the base and the community.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Featured Segments:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Opening Segment:</strong> Christian Beckwith introduces the episode and highlights the significance of Camp Hale in the 10th Mountain Division’s history.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Interview with Lance Blyth:</strong> Military historian and Ninety-Pound Rucksack advisory board member Lance Blyth discusses the requirements for selecting Camp Hale and the challenges involved in its development.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>On the Ground:</strong> A vivid description of the construction process at Camp Hale, bringing to life the stories of the workers, engineers, and military personnel who made it happen.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Expert Insights:</strong> Ninety-Pound Rucksack Advisory Board members Sepp Scanlin and Chris Juergens provide context on the camp's construction and its impact on Leadville, Colorado, while Colorado ski mountaineering pioneer Lou Dawson describes the topography and climactic challenges of Camp Hale.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>John McCown's Journey:</strong> A narrative that ties McCown’s personal climbing experiences to his role in the formation of the 10th Mountain Division.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Patron Support:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A special thank you to our community of patrons for making our research possible. Join us at <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack">www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack</a> to support the show and access exclusive content.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Sponsorship Acknowledgments:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>CiloGear</strong>: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit <a href= "http://cilogear.com/">cilogear.com</a> and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the 10th Mountain Alpine Club.</li> <li><strong>Snake River Brewing</strong>: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at <a href= "http://snakeriverbrewing.com/">snakeriverbrewing.com</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Partnership Acknowledgments:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://10thmountainfoundation.org/"><strong>The 10th Mountain Division Foundation</strong></a>'s mission is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived. </li> <li><strong>The Denver Public Library</strong>'s <a href= "http://10th%20mountain%20division%20resource%20center/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10th Mountain Division Resource Center</a> is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.</li> <li><strong>The <a href="https://10thmtndivdesc.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc.</a></strong> exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.10thmountainalpineclub.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-link-type="web">The 10th Mountain Alpine Club</a></strong> is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing alpinism in the 10th Mountain Division community.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Call to Action:</strong> If you enjoyed this episode, please give us five stars on your podcast app, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.</p>
July 23, 2024
<p><em>In Episode 10 of Ninety-Pound Rucksack, host Christian Beckwith explores how John McCown and his fellow citizen-soldiers overcame traditional military doctrine to prepare for mountain warfare—and in the process, reshaped the Old Army into one of the mightiest forces the world had ever known.</em></p> <p><strong>Show Notes and Resources: <a href= "https://christianbeckwith.com/the-old-and-the-new-episode-10-2/">www.christianbeckwith.com</a></strong></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>The episode includes interviews with Ninety-Pound Rucksack Advisory Board Members:</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href= "https://www.historians.org/research-and-publications/perspectives-on-history/summer-2016/aha-member-spotlight-lance-r-blyth"> Lance R. Blyth</a></strong>: Command Historian of <a href= "https://www.norad.mil/">North American Aerospace Defense Command</a> (NORAD) and <a href= "https://www.northcom.mil/About/">United States Northern Command</a> (USNORTHCOM); Adjunct Professor of History at the <a href="https://www.usafa.edu/">United States Air Force Academy</a>.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjlittle/"><strong>David Little</strong></a>: “living historian” for the <a href= "https://10thmountainfoundation.org/">Tenth Mountain Division Foundation</a>.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seppscanlin/"><strong>Sepp Scanlin</strong></a>: military historian and museum professional; served as the <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/FortDrumMuseum">10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum’s</a> Museum Director.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <p><!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>Key Points:</strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The draft and the enlistment of citizen soldiers changed the US Army from a rigid, authoritarian, all-volunteer institution into one of the mightiest forces the world had ever known.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The development of Officer Candidate School (OCS) created an industrial-style assembly line that produced junior leaders to lead the citizen army into combat.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The innovative Junior Officers’ Plan, which was developed to train officers for the mountain troops and then return them to the unit, preserved institutional knowledge critical to the mountain troops' ability to fight in cold weather and mountainous terrain.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A specialized division designed to fight in extreme conditions had to adapt the Army's standard flatland, warm-weather military strategies to mountain warfare.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <p><!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>Featured Segments:</strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A vivid recreation of a conversation between John McCown and his peers at Ft. Benning, Georgia, highlighting:<!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>their takeaways from Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union and the impact of winter on his army's defeat</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>their frustrations with traditional Army tactics and its inability to recognize the importance of specialized training</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>their resolve to embody the change they knew the mountain troops would need in order to fulfill its mandate</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An overview of the Army's transformation from an all-volunteer force into one led by citizen-soldiers like John McCown.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Detailed analyses of Officer Candidate School, the Junior Officers Plan and the need for a purpose-built encampment for the mountain troops.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <p><!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>Patron Support:</strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A special thank you to our community of patrons for making our research possible. Join us at <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack">www.patreon.com/NinetyPoundRucksack</a> to support the show and access exclusive content.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Sponsorship Acknowledgments:</strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>CiloGear</strong>: Makers of the finest alpine backpacks. Visit <a href="http://cilogear.com">cilogear.com</a> and use code "rucksack" for a 5% discount and a matching donation to the American Alpine Club.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Snake River Brewing</strong>: Wyoming's oldest and America's most award-winning small craft brewery. Discover their beers at <a href= "http://snakeriverbrewing.com">snakeriverbrewing.com</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Partnership Acknowledgments:</strong></p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>The 10th Mountain Division Foundation</strong>: The mission of the <strong><a href= "https://10thmountainfoundation.org/">Tenth Mountain Division Foundation</a></strong> is to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division past, present, and future by doing good works that exemplify the ideals by which they lived. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>American Alpine Club</strong>: Supporting climbers and preserving climbing history for over 120 years. Learn more at <a href= "http://americanalpineclub.org">americanalpineclub.org</a>.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>The Denver Public Library</strong>: The Denver Public Library: The Denver Public Library's <a href= "http://10th%20mountain%20division%20resource%20center/" target= "_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10th Mountain Division Resource Center</a> is the official repository for all records and artifacts related to the World War II-era 10th Mountain Division.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"400"}}} --> <li><strong>The 10th Mountain Division Descendants</strong>: The 10th Mountain Division Descendants: The <a href= "https://10thmtndivdesc.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noreferrer noopener">10th Mountain Division Descendants, Inc.</a> exists to preserve and enhance the legacy of the WWII 10th Mountain Division and 10th Mountain Division (LI) for future generations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <p><!-- /wp:list --></p>
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