US Army secretary tours Mountain Warfare School

JERICHO, Vt. — U.S. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper has made a stop in Vermont as part of a national Army tour.

Esper toured the National Guard’s Mountain Warfare School in Jericho Saturday and met with Army leaders and climbed with students.

He says the skills taught at the school will ensure the Army is prepared to "fight and win any time, any place."

Esper says while recruiting is a challenge, the Army is on track to reach its recruitment goals nationally.

Vermont lawmakers approved a program last year that would allow the Guard to offer free tuition to state schools.

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National Guard Capt. Mike Arcovitch says the program has been a huge help for recruiting.

Esper also discussed combatting sexual harassment among service members, saying it’s “intolerable.”

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