[2] The school runs 'summer' sessions focusing on rock climbing and high-angle tactical combat, and 'winter' courses that also include winter travel, camping, and survival skills.

The school was established in April 1983 to train members of the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) then consisting of company-sized units from several New England states.

[3] Enrollment was opened over the years to include members of all branches of the armed services, Federal law enforcement and foreign armies.

Each level is to prepare soldiers to operate in mountains year-round and in cold, snowy, and/or icy environments.

The curriculum is structured as a two-week course, covering three main categories of mountain-specific skills: individual, small unit, and medical training.

The purpose of the BMMC is to train soldiers in the skills required to conduct mountain combat operations during any climatic conditions and to award the SQI "E" upon graduation.

Emphasis is placed on developing the level 2 assault climber tasks described in Chapter 2 of Army Field Manual 3-97.6, Mountain Operations (2000 Revision).

Many portions of the course are physically demanding as soldiers apply their newly learned skills in various medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) scenarios.

The skills are then combined in practical exercises that test a student's ability to plan and execute missions in mountainous terrain.