���������������������������������� combining mean slope angles of 45 degrees , with elevation differentials exceeding 300 meters , with peaks exceeding 2400 meters above sea level ( Hamilton 1988 ; Pierce 2008 , 12 ). The fact is , that globally agreed classification is more complex if considering the latitudinal position of an area .
The NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence ( NATO MW COE ) understands the complexity of identifying numerous characteristics of mountains that should be used as basis for their categorization . Although mountains seem to be all the same at first glance , they differ significantly when some military objective is set , and a tasked unit is deployed to conduct a mountain operation . The mountains of Greenland are not the same as the Dolomites in Italian Alps , Afghan mountains cannot be treated the same way as those in South America . Some are steep , snowy , or covered by glaciers , but not very high , others are arid , full of scree and rocks , but significantly high-elevated . The crucial question arises of how to make a precise and useful classification and definition of mountains across the Globe . Some accurate definitions and classifications are set in national doctrines ( France , Italy , USA , etc .) 3 , however , it is impossible to generalize them in any simple way for the use in a wider global environment .
An interesting approach to any landscape fine comparison is the consideration of four key elements : altitude , relief , climate and type of land exploitation ( fr .: typ de population , set by Veyret & Veyret , 1962 ). This method is accurate enough to describe the key characteristics of any location on Earth . Still , the question is of where do the mountains exactly begin , or what altitudes are needed to refer to them as high or even extremely high mountains . The community of interest would certainly agree that mountain warfare begins at the valley ’ s flat terrain and continues higher according to mission requirements . In addition to this , available specialized capabilities and correlating interdependent training levels require particular consideration .
Justification for classification
The justification for military classification of mountains shall be based on common understanding of terrain features , mountain operations and related specialized capabilities . Receiving a mission , commanders are faced with many initial inputs , which are supposed to support the final goal . In the predeployment stage , decisions taken by commanders cannot be simulated and tested with respect to various unforeseen particularities of the mountainous environment . To know exactly what we are talking about when developing a relevant Common Operational Picture , standardized definitions and unified descriptions are indispensable in order to provide clear information needed . As NATO involves more combined forces , the need for agreed standards and terminology significantly arises . Through studying existing NATO standards ( mostly within AJDA and ALPA ), a lack of clear definitions concerning the mountain environment has been identified . A more detailed examination based on the perspectives of soldiers deployed , equipment used and procedures set , some additional explanations and definitions are needed .
In general , existing descriptions provide a rough explanation of mountains referring to their height , toughtness and extremely changing climate . What else does the military need besides that ? When a certain terrain analysis is ready , the first thing that commanders have in their mind is to consider the effects of terrain on personnel , equipment and procedures . Although movement and survivability might be very limited , deploying highlytrained and equipped units should result in an advantage against opposing forces . Crossing snow-covered mountain ridges takes an enormous amount of time ,
Figure 2 . Classification matrix of mountains
LAND POWER23