Arctic Military Readiness

U.S. Army infantrymen engaging in winter exercises, highlighting cold weather operations, teamwork, and military tactics in snowy environments.

Leadership from the Wisconsin National Guard, including Maj. Gen. Paul E. Knapp, Wisconsin's Adjutant General, visited soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery and 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, both a part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during Northern Strike 23-1 on Jan. 25 in Camp Grayling, Mich. Northern Strike is a winter exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard, and took place at Northern Michigans National All-Domain Warfighting Center from Jan. 20-29.

U.S. Army infantrymen with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, clear the area of opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

U.S. Army infantrymen with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, engage opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division engage with Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Complex-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a regional combat training center rotation focusing on large-scale combat operations including situational training and live-fire exercises designed to build cold weather and mountain-proficient forces prepared for employment within the U.S. Army Pacific area of responsibility.

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets move to the designated landing zone on the Malemute drop zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Alaska, Dec. 2, as an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 1-207th Aviation Regiment approaches to conduct an extraction. The Seawolf ROTC Detachment maneuvered across more than one mile of frozen terrain to assault opposition forces and secure its objective. The Alaska Army National Guards General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to increase its operational interoperability and to be ready for a wide range of federal and state missions. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Pope, an instructor with Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) in Bridgeport, California, demonstrates the application of the Marine Corps Cold Weather Infantry Kit (MCCWIK) to the Marines of Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on Feb. 22, 2024. The MCCWIK incorporates a sled, transport bag, compression straps, main harnesses, assist harnesses, carabiners, pole sets, climbing skins, and various essential items for cold-weather operations. Its ergonomically designed harness pulling system aids Marines during sled movement, enhancing mobility in challenging arctic conditions. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise showcasing the military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, highlighting joint force readiness, and reinforcing the U.S. military's commitment to mutual strategic security inte

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets proceed to their objective after offloading from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 1-207th Aviation Regiment, during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. Following a tactical air insertion, the Seawolf Detachment cadets maneuvered across snow-covered terrain, assaulted opposition forces, secured their objective, and concluded with an air exfiltration. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

A U.S. Army infantryman with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, trudges through snow while moving into position to engage opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

Leadership from the Wisconsin National Guard, including Maj. Gen. Paul E. Knapp, Wisconsin's Adjutant General, visited soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery and 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, both a part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during Northern Strike 23-1 on Jan. 25 in Camp Grayling, Mich. Northern Strike is a winter exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard, and took place at Northern Michigans National All-Domain Warfighting Center from Jan. 20-29.

A U.S. Army Ranger from the 75th Ranger Regiment pull security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 12, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

Two U.S. Soldiers and a member of the Mongolian Ground Forces conduct troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 19, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

US Marine Corps (USMC) members with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, wait silently in the snow with a Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) during a staged ambush for Japanese spectators on Camp Engaru, in support of Exercise FOREST LIGHT II 2003. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

Alaska Army National Guard Infantrymen assigned to Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, evacuate a simulated casualty with a two-man-carry technique as part of an Air Assault training exercise during their drill weekend on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise was aimed at enhancing the unit's combat readiness and to evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Airborne) and their Norwegian and Spanish allies conducted casualty evaluation training during Exercise Swift Response 2022, May 7, 8 and 9, 2022, Lake Altevatnet, Norway.Casualty triage and evaluation training is essential in preparation for potential combat situations. Medical personnel had to deal with mock injuries in relation to paratroopers jumping into Arctic and Subarctic conditions.Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltic and Balkans from May 2-20. The purpose of the exercise is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.

DA-SC-88-00424. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHWIND '87 Base: Camp Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group hikes with Marines during exercise Joint Viking 23 in Setermoen, Norway, March 8, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, practices skiing during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 1, 2022. This training was conducted to enhance the units combat effectiveness in extreme cold weather as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa theater of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul Hagedorn, left, a native of Hawaii and a transmissions system operator, and 1st Lt. John Ryan, a native of New Mexico and a communications officer, both with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, assemble a satellite communications antenna during a demonstration with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, director for the J-6 command, control, communications, and computers / cyber for U.S. European Command, at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 26, 2024. Phillips engaged with communications Marines in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

A U.S. Army Ranger from the 75th Ranger Regiment pull security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 12, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, departs Malemute Drop Zone after completing airborne training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2022. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air.

A Special Forces candidate assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School provides security during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cale Woodman, a Combat Engineer assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, leads Marines down range during a Live Fire and Maneuver Range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 22, 2024. CLB-6 is in Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 24.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. Marine Corps

Winter war in the Arctic mountains. Operation in cold conditions. Soldier in winter camouflaged uniform in Modern warfare army on a snow day on forest battlefield with a rifle. Selective focus. High-quality photo. Winter war in the Arctic mountains. Operation in cold conditions.Soldier in winter camouflaged uniform in Modern warfare army on a snow day on forest battlefield with a rifle. Selective focus

An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 1-207th Aviation Regiment, approaches Malemute Drop Zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. The AKARNG aviators conducted air assault training with the University of Alaska Army ROTC detachment during its end-of-semester field training exercise. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in a live-fire mortar range near Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conducts supply drops during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Alaska 24-02, at Buffalo Drop Zone, Alaska Feb. 7, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 is a display of our soldiers ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere. Army

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division set up camp at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 27, 2023, as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC). JPMRC-AK 23-02 validates the cold weather readiness and capabilities of the 2nd Infantry BDE Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division and trains Soldiers for deployment in an Arctic environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin Dickison (left), a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) chief and Cpl. Dustin Pickel (right), a CBRN defense responder with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, begin the decontamination process during a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenario in Setermoen, Norway March 24, 2023. Cold weather CBRN training is designed to increase Marines confidence and readiness in their abilities to combat extreme cold weather conditions.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 19, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen were participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Canadian Soldiers from A Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry pull security while paused on patrol March 31, 2023 in Yukon Training Area for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. With more than 8,000 participants and observers from 12 different countries, JPMRC-AK 23-02s multinational environment helps increase Arctic proficiency throughout the Army and the joint force, in support of the nations, and the Armys Arctic strategy.

040206-M-8205V-025. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nathan K. Knowles, the commanding officer of 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, walks with a Norwegian Army soldier reporters during exercise Joint Viking during Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway March 6, 2023. Exercise Joint Viking took place as a part of MRF-E 23.1 to demonstrate North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliances warfighting capabilities and combat tactics. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

030216-M-2796K-044. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

Capt. Chelsea Brisbois, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, pulls daytime security in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska, March 30 during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. (Army photo/John Pennell)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, depart Malemute Drop Zone after completing airborne training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2022. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division set up a hasty bivouac during cold weather training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Jan. 28, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging Arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn to build an Arctic 10-person tent Jan. 19, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen were participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about using these tents in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about building improvised cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

USA, California, United States Marine Corps Scout / Snipers during mountain high angle sniper training in winter, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport

020114-F-3838S-008. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Special Forces candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School communicate with each other prior to a foot-march during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

Soldiers and Airmen of the North Dakota National Guard pass sandbags along a human chain to build sandbag dikes, March 25, Fargo, N.D. The soldiers are moving into place to create barriers blocking the rising flood waters of the Red River along the North Dakota and Minnesota border.

U.S. Air Force weapons loaders, Tech. Sgt. Adam Pawlicki and Master Sgt. Tom Gonzalez (from left), assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, brave the cold and snow to unload a training Air Intercept Missile, referred to as the AIM-9, Jan. 24, 2022. The 180FW performs daily training, conducted in realistic environments under realistic circumstances, ensuring our forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

Special Forces candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hike down a trail during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo illustration by K. Kassens)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Christian Downing, a platoon commander and a NATO Winter Instructor Course instructor with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, teaches Marines and Sailors how to properly use the avalanche probe to locate a casualty in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 4, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines Corps Maj. Michael Reynolds, a combat artist with the Marine Corps Combat Art Program illustrates Marines during cold weather training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners. Marine Corps

041008-F-5343T-017. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

030115-A-2442C-097. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

In his foxhole, AIRMAN 1ST Class Michael Walker, a security policeman with the 319th Missile Wing, uses a compass to find the direction and bearings for overlapping fields of fire. He is participating in Exercise Condor Contest, part of a Space Command Operational Readiness Inspection which deployed 155 members of the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. to Camp Guernsey Army National Guard Base, Wyo. Subject Operation/Series: CONDOR CONTEST Base: Camp Guernsey State: Wyoming (WY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen were participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

U.S. Army Green Berets with 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conduct casualty care on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 16, 2024. The Green Berets are conducting pre-mission training to prepare for the Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate the Commands ability to conduct Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Army

020116-A-3438S-002. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Northwest

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat team, 11th Airborne Division, maintain watch at a remote fighting position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 3, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere.

U.S. Army Spc. Nicholas Papalia, a signal support systems specialist with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, relays a situational report during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere. Papalia is from Jacksonville, Fla.

Special Forces candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hike through a wooded area during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, set up a combat operations center during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 4, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

A hunter on a grouse-shooting expedition in the north of Sweden.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division conduct a patrol at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 27, 2023, as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC). JPMRC-AK 23-02 validates the cold weather readiness and capabilities of the 2nd Infantry BDE Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division and trains Soldiers for deployment in an Arctic environment.

A soldier armed with an M-16A1 rifle waits for transportation during exercise Brim Frost '87, a Joint Force-Alaska exercise incorporating units of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The units, commanded by LT. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a convoy live-fire range in Setermoen, Norway March 24, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units take part in a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, WI.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, remove unexploded ordnance during a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenario in Setermoen, Norway March 24, 2023. Cold weather CBRN training is designed to increase Marines confidence and readiness in their abilities to combat extreme cold weather conditions.

U.S. Army Soldiers, attached to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, secure their gear during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 15, 2024. The soldiers equipped the cold weather gear necessary to move along the woodline for one kilometer. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to warfighting, and JPMRC 24-02 is key to testing some of the best leaders and soldiers the Army has to offer. Army

040207-F-9244N-001. Base: Flagstaff State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

U.S. Army Soldiers attached to 5th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment conduct an After Action Report during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 19, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel EsquerMontoya, an Automotive Maintenance Technician with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. Michael Weeks, Fire Support Marine with Fox Battery, demonstrate the use of a small burner to melt snow into water during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2024. EsquerMontoya and Weeks conducted a comprehensive cold weather class, covering essential techniques needed for successful operations in extreme cold weather environments and enhancing the Marines' preparedness for arctic conditions. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise showcasing the military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, highlighting joint force readiness, and reinforcing the U.S. military's commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. EsquerMontoya is a native of Garland, Colorado. Weeks is a native of Rocky Mount, North Ca

Soldiers from across the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum compete in the second D-Series XXIV, Jan. 19, 2024 on Fort Drum, New York. D-Series pays homage to the culminating exercise the original 10th Mountain Division Soldiers went through from March-April in 1944, to prepare for combat in the mountains of Italy.

240129-N-LR905-2071LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 29, 2024) - A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 conducts Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) training as part of Snow Crab Exercise 24-1. SNOWCRABEX is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD and Navy Divers capabilities and equipment in a simulated arctic environment and improve combat effectiveness. Navy EOD and Navy Divers are part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF), enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet by clearing and protecting the battlespace.

The 124th Air Support Operations Squadron participated in a search and rescue training event with local agencies March 1-4, 2018 in Cascade, Idaho. Agencies involved in this training included members of the Idaho Guard, local law enforcement, fire departments, and the forest service.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, push forward through a forest during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 17, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 is held in the coldest part of the Alaskan winter, exposing roughly 10,000 joint, multi-national service members to unforgiving conditions, transferring the divisions expertise in the Arctic in support of the Army, the DoD and the Nations Arctic and Defense Strategies. Army

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division sets security during exercise Rolling Thunder on Fort Drum, New York, March 27, 2023. This exercise is a live-fire artillery event that tested the 10th Marine Regiments ability to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

Service members from Norway, Minnesota National Guard conduct asymmetric threat training with local law enforcement agencies, April 3, 2022 at Camp Ripley. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army infantrymen with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, hold their position while preparing to engage opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

GRAYLING, Mich. - U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, conduct live fire exercises with their M777A2 Ultralight Field Howitzers (UFH), a 155mm caliber weapon system designed to be both towed by ground vehicles as well as moved through the air by helicopters. Wisconsin soldiers are training in northern Michigans rough terrain during Northern Strike 22-1 on Jan. 24, 2022. Winter Strike is held annually in northern Michigan during the coldest part of the year. Snow, high winds, and single-digit temperatures are commonplace at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center this time of year. Visiting units are able to train in subarctic conditions, so they are better able to meet the objectives laid out in the Department of Defenses Arctic strategy. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. James Bennett)

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

A U.S. Air Force 1ST LT. David L. Peters, a platoon leader with the 331st Squadron, uses an entrenching tool to widen the entrance to his snow cave (sleeping quarters). Leaning against the snow cave is his M-16A1 rifle. Base: Route E-6 Country: Norway (NOR)

Charlie Battery, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin National Guard, responded to a simulated chemical response event at Camp Grayling, Mich. Jan. 25, 2022. The event took place during Northern Strike 22-1 (Winter Strike), a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise held Jan. 21-30 with participants from several U.S. states and partner forces at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, which together comprise the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Joe Legros)

U.S. Army instructors from the Northern Warfare Training Center, 11th Airborne Division, introduce the maneuver equipment used by Soldiers in Alaska to international partners who visited the division during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 16, 2024. The Large Scale Combat Operations scenario used in JPMRC 24-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome both environmental and military challenges. Army

040207-F-0681L-019. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

020425-F-9528H-032. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Base: Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat team, 11th Airborne Division, maintains watch at a remote fighting position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 3, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen were participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

060306-A-4973A-002. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

Norwegian Army Soldiers fire mortars during Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

An 11th Airborne Division soldier leaps onto a high snow berm to provide security for his unit April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Vincent Espinar, a tank commander, with 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, explains the capabilities of the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank to Lithuanian Speaker of Parliament Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen during a tour of Camp Herkus, Lithuania, Jan. 4, 2024. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

Soldiers from Charlie Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Finnish soldiers progress through the over-under obstacle event at the ski obstacle course during Exercise Arctic Forge in Sodankyla Garrison, Finland on Feb. 21, 2023. Exercise Arctic Forge 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led umbrella exercise that leverages the host-nation exercises Defense Exercise North in Finland, and exercise Joint Viking in Norway, taking place Feb. 16 through March 17, 2023, focused on building capabilities and cooperation in support of the U.S. Army's Arctic Strategy.

050109-F-0681L-065. Base: Hector Iap State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CPL F. Rodrigez and PFC T. Daniel's from Communication Company, and LCPL A. Vaughn from Bravo Company, 1ST Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, work together to construct a high frequency antenna to obtain radio communications back to Camp Pendleton, California during the exercise. THERE IS ONLY A SCREEN RESOLUTION IMAGE AVAILABLE. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Edwin Cruzportillo, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, performs a simulated reload on a HIMARS during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 23, 2024. The HIMARS weapon system is a crucial component of the Ground Combat Element in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). HIMARS play a pivotal role in providing long-range precision fires to support the MAGTF's objectives, from expeditionary operations to sustained combat in all terrains and climate. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Cruzportillo is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Marine Corps

An Air National Guard Medic assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, participates in a cold-water immersion as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota, on January 18, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold-water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

Spc. Samuel Bonney, a Mass Communication Specialist with the 27th Public Affairs Detachment hailing from Cape Girardeau, MIssouri, provides imagery support to Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division during avalanche training provided by the National Ski Patrol at Chalk Creek at an elevation of 11,800 feet near Leadville, Colorado, on Feb. 17, 2024. This intensive program equipped them with essential skills, including safe avalanche response, expert transceiver operation, effective probing methods, efficient shoveling techniques, and the ability to locate buried victims even without transceivers. Just like their predecessors who trained in this very terrain in the 1940s, our Soldiers today are mentally and physically tough, prepared to execute operations in complex terrain anywhere in the world. Army

USA, California, US Marine Sniper Skiing cross country pulling mock casualty on sled during cold weather and mountain warfare training in Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin Dickison (left), a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) chief and Cpl. Dustin Pickel (right), a CBRN defense responder with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, begin the decontamination process during a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenario in Setermoen, Norway March 24, 2023. Cold weather CBRN training is designed to increase Marines confidence and readiness in their abilities to combat extreme cold weather conditions.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists participate in a hypothermia training event in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 17, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

030217-M-2796K-016. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

Alaska National Guardsmen assist community members of Kipnuk, Alaska in moving a boat for storm recovery efforts during Operation Merbok Response Sept. 24, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia , which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kelly Willett)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron prepare to load a Captive Air Training Missile 120-C onto a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor during exercise Polar Force 22-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 4, 2022. The F-22 increases lethality against all advanced air threats by minimizing enemy capabilities to track and engage with the jet due to its stealth, integrated avionics and supercruise characteristics. The F-22's characteristics provide synergistic effects, increasing lethality against all advanced air threats.

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