Saber training course starts Sunday at fort

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will offer another series of classes in its U.S. Army dragoon saber training program.

The series of seven classes, held in partnership with Academia Duellatoria of Portland, begins Sunday at Fort Vancouver. Ninety-minute classes will continue on the following six Sunday afternoons, through June 3.

The training course focuses on the saber techniques used by the soldiers of the U.S. Army Dragoons, who arrived at Vancouver Barracks in 1855.

The training program is an opportunity to learn about the history of the military at Fort Vancouver while also learning some of the hands-on skills that the soldiers would have relied upon to survive.

Instruction will be at three levels — Basic 1, Basic 2 and Intermediate. Participants must demonstrate proficiency before advancing to Basic 2, and then to Intermediate.

The program is for those 12 and older; fee is $100 per person.

Information is at www.nps.gov/fova/getinvolved/sabertraining.htm. Registration is required; contact Academia Duellatoria at 503-888-9310.

Participants who complete both the Basic 1 and Basic 2 courses will have the opportunity to volunteer at living history events and programs at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.