Cold Weather Military Exercises

Soldiers engage in challenging cold weather training and operations in snowy terrains, emphasizing teamwork and survival skills in Arctic conditions.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in a live-fire range in Setermoen, Norway, April 26, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

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.

10th Mountain Division Soldiers trek through the snow dragging an Ahkio sled at Division Hill during the D-Series XXIV winter Challenge on Fort Drum, NY. Jan. 19, 2024. Soldiers participating in D-Series had their mental and physical fortitude pushed to the limits by adapting and overcoming challenges such as qualifications for multiple critical weapons systems under simulated stress, and several hands-on tests validating knowledge over essential Alpine survival skills and unit history.

Spc. Joseph Shrader, 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division digs a defensive fighting position in deep snow 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. Air Force Staff Sgt. Asher Wilthew, a tactical air control party specialist with Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, pulls a pulk sled while cross country skiing along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Jan. 28, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring. Wilthew is from Garrettsville, Ohio.

Soldiers from the 6th Infantry Division (Light) walk toward their positions at a live-fire range during the joint readiness Exercise Arctic Warrior '91. Subject Operation/Series: ARTIC WARRIOR '91 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct an eight-mile movement on skis during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 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.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct a cross-country ski movement during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 10, 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.

030220-M-2796K-013. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Pvt. Jason Samek, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, rappels during sustainment training at the Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., March 5, 2023. Special equipment, such as climbing rope, sit harness, carabiners, and crampons, allows Soldiers to negotiate steep terrain and vertical obstacles that are otherwise impassable.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a snowshoe and trailbreaking familiarization hike during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-23 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 17, 2023. MTX prepares units to survive and conduct extended operations in mountainous terrain during the winter.

A soldier from from Charlie Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, conducts the low crawl obstacle event on skis at the ski obstacle course training event 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.

970202-M-8708Y-003. Base: Silver Creek State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-87-09028. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Michael Rowley, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division camouflages a firing point with spruce branches April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

040212-M-8205V-005. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets maneuver to their objective 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. Alaska Army National Guard aviators from the 1-207th Aviation Regiment provided air support for the training. 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.

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets move across the Malemute drop zone after unloading from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 1-207th Aviation Regiment during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2. The Seawolf ROTC Detachment continued maneuvering 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)

A U.S. Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force participates in a snowmobile course in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. II MEF Marines are scheduled to participate in exercise Nordic Response 24, which is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation under challenging Arctic conditions, in high-intensity warfighting including rugged terrain and extreme cold weather. 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. Marine Corps

Members of the Germany Army participate in a pre-dawn ski session in the vicinity of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. The representatives of the Bundeswehr are visiting Alaska to enhance relationships between the two nations and explore training opportunities in the region.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, dismount from BV206 Tracked Terrain Vehicles during Exercise Cold Response 2022, Norway, March 30, 2022. Exercise Cold Response '22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional North Atlantic Treaty Organization allied nations and regional partners.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, march in tactical formation for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Rotation 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 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

A U. S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the Bastion Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, engages a target during squad blank-fire and tactical movement training at Bloska Polica Range in Postonja, Slovenia, Dec. 6, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

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.

A U.S. Marine 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. Soldiers, attached to 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, transport tote boxes at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 09, 2024. The boxes contained supper for soldiers in preparation for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02. JPMRC 24-02 demonstrates the effective synergy between resilient and well-trained Soldiers, modernized and ruggedized Arctic equipment, and unique techniques, tactics, and procedures to build an unmatched combat lethality in Arctic environments. Army

A U.S. Air Force SERE specialist from the 720th Special Tactics Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida, teaches cold-weather survival training to a 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard Soldier during Northern Strike 22-1, at Camp Grayling, Mich., Jan. 22, 2022. The winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise series, known as Winter Strike, is held annually in northern Michigan during the coldest part of the year, so visiting units can train in subarctic conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan D. Viglianco)

DF-ST-88-05099. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, conduct a joint reconnaissance mission during a series of joint training events conducted to increase interoperability with allies and partner nations prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in collaboration with NATO allies and partners, gear up for exercise Nordic Response 24 which is a biennial NATO training exercise designed to advance arctic security, boost global readiness, and promote interoperability among U.S., Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

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.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, reloads the M27 rifle during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 12, 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 with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, run to a firing position during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 2, 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.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division descend the Whitetail Ridge Ski Hill during snowshoe training at Fort McCoy, Wis. on Jan. 21, 2024. Despite the forecasted frigid temperatures, members of HHD Company assembled at the installation's Whitetail Ridge Ski Area on one of the coldest days of the year to train on the use and familiarization of snowshoes and cold weather gear.

1083 U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Marcus Kroh, with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses tactical movement plans with a Norwegian troop during a combined level brigade attack in Setermoen, Norway, April 27, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

DA-ST-90-01567. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '89 Base: Fort Richardson State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050109-F-0681L-062. Base: Hector Iap State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Daniel Chamberlain, a paratrooper assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, recovers his jump gear during airborne training at Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 9, 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.

Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Europe set up security after unloading a Swedish NH90 helicopter during Exercise Winter Sun 18 in Boden, Sweden, March 14, 2018. Winter Sun 18 is a multinational exercise that integrates dismounted elements with a mechanized infantry and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces in a cold-weather environment.

020425-F-9528H-004. Base: Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, calculate a time fuse during a demolition range near Setermoen, Norway, March 31, 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. Army infantrymen with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, trudge 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.

041229-M-4697Y-023. Base: Khowst-Gardez Pass State: Khowst Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 3RD BN, 3RD MARINES

U.S. Army Spcs. Gabriel Cantu, left, and Piucanon Sohl, infantrymen with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, shield themselves from windy conditions while acting as opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 31, 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. Cantu and Sohl are from Panama City Beach, Fla., and Pohnpei, Micronesia, respectively.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gabriel Steeves, a structural engineer assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, relaxes after securing a camp during a training exercise at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to bare base - to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Anna DeMaria, assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Webber, assigned to the 773rd Civil Engineering Squadron, build a shelter during the first iteration of the Arctic Skills Training Course at Camp Mad Bull, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 22, 2023. This course was designed to help Airmen at JBER learn Arctic survival skills, become comfortable with the harsh conditions, and be prepared for emergency situations.

CPT Bob Lasky, an A-10A Thunderbolt II pilot with the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing, sets off a smoke marker to attract attention as he takes part in survival training during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. Chase Tomlinson, Critical Care Fight Paramedic, signals to the Crew Chief that the simulated casualty is ready to be hoisted as part of Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape (SERE) recovery training during this years Joint Pacific Readiness Center excercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska March 29, 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.

Army National Guardsmen with Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, work to set up a 10-man tent to act as a warming shelter near the Alaska Army National Guard Readiness Center in Bethel, Feb. 3, 2024. The Guardsmen pulled an Ahkio Group, a sled with the tent and other squad cold-weather supplies, during their 5 kilometer snowshoe ruck march to the training area. (Alaska National Guard

030208-F-0017M-028. Base: Sandston State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S Army Spc. Drake Wasson, a machine gunner, assigned to Bravo Company, 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Engineer Reconnaissance Team, poses for a photo during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 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

Sustainment training, conducted by Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, includes various mountain mobility skills at the Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., March 5, 2023. Special equipment, such as climbing axes, sit harness, carabiners, and crampons, allows Soldiers to negotiate steep terrain and vertical obstacles that are otherwise impassable.

Staff. Sgt. Benjamin Rimatzki, left, a military police officer with the 46th Military Police Company, Michigan Army National Guard, and Army Capt. Nicholas Fiebke, left, with Joint Force Headquarters, Michigan National Guard, engage a team with the 5th Special Forces Group while in the role of the opposing forces during Northern Strike 24-1 at Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, Michigan, Jan. 21, 2024. Northern Strike 24-1 is the winter warfare component of the annual National Guard Bureau-sponsored Northern Strike exercise series. Held at the Michigan National Guards National All-Domain Warfighting Center, which includes Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, and the Alpenna Combat Training Center, the regions snow, winds and often single digit temperatures help units develop capabilities required to operate in arctic-like conditions.

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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Padilla, a security forces craftsman assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, directs Airmen during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7, 2023. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to bare base - to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

050404-F-7049H-009. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing untie concertina wire in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. 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

Army servicemen in winter camo somewhere in the mountains.

DA-ST-87-08440. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Hunt, a tactical air control party officer with Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, prepares to break camp after spending the night along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Jan. 30, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring. Hunt is from Peoria, Ariz.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an 81mm mortar 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.

U.S. Army Pfc. Danville Aguirre assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, packs up his parachute after an airborne operation as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 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

040206-M-8205V-034. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron pull pulk sleds while cross country skiing along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Jan. 28, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kenneth Deck, a bulk fuel specialist assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, unravels an electrical blasting cap during a demolition range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. CLB-6 is in Norway apart 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

A young military man training to shoot a weapon during a snowstorm in an outdoor environment

GRAYLING, Mich. - U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company 1-147 Aviation Battalion in Grand Ledge, MI fly in to pick up Fire Support Teams from Delta Battery, 1st Battalion 120th Field Artillery Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard to move them from an Observation Post after a day of calling for artillery live fire exercises during Northern Strike 22-1 also known as Winter Strike on Jan. 26, 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. All types of military 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)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryjahn Joyner, an observer coach, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division "Arctic Angels", patrols the area during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 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

030218-M-2796K-003. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Sgt. William Gano, a military police officer with the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, instructs a member of the Afghan National police on how to properly operate a PKM machine gun prior to firing it during training at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, Feb. 19, 2008.

071208-F-7169B-001. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

First Sergeant Maribel Amat Andres assigned to the Spanish Armed Forces in Bripac, Spain and U.S. Army Private First Class Colon, a radio telephone operator assigned to the 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division Airborne, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, pose for a photo on a snowmobile during exercise Swift Response, May 10, 2022, near a dropzone on a frozen lake in Bardu, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tyler Massey, a rifleman with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up a tent for shelter during cold weather training, in Setermoen, Norway, April 15, 2022. U.S. Marines and Sailors are training in Norway to strengthen relationships between NATO and allied forces.

First Sgt. Samuel Agostine (left) and Sgt. Christian Blackmon sit on the ramp of their CH-47F Chinook helicopter April 27, 2022. The Sugar Bears of B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment fly out of Talkeetna, Alaska, each spring to assist the National Park Service by inserting equipment, supplies and personnel for the NPS base camp on Kahiltna Glacier for climbers attempting to summit Denali. (Army photo/John Pennell)

030222-M-2796K-002. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron pull pulk sleds while cross country skiing along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Jan. 28, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, drive an M1123 Humvee during a slippery-road training course in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 8, 2024. 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 Norwegian Army soldier rides away on a snowmobile after dropping off a passenger at the Hollander drop zone, Norway during Swift Response 22, May 10. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. 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 partnerships.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts an eight-mile movement on skis during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 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. Army Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard, conduct snowmobile training during Northern Strike 22-1, at Camp Grayling, Mich., Jan. 22, 2022. The winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise series, known as Winter Strike, is held annually in northern Michigan during the coldest part of the year, so visiting units can train in subarctic conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan D. Viglianco)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Remy Nuthson, a Port-au-Prince, Haiti native, and machine gunner with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, sights in at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 22, 2022. Marines with 3/3 conducted winter survival training, winter terrain mobility training, and built defensive positions as a part of Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-22 in order to increase combat lethality and readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

A Vermont guardsman, of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, signals for his squad to halt during Arctic Eagle 2018 at the Donnelly Training Area outside of Fort Greely, AK, March 2, 2018. The National Guard has the ability to rapidly deploy and operate in the Arctic.

Mountaineer approaches a steep hole, access to ice cave.

A Republic of Korea Marine lays salt during Korea Viper 24.1 at Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Feb. 15, 2024. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. The Marines are with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2013) Damage Controlman Fireman Tiffany Chaney, from Dallas, takes a sample of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) during a systems check on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with the Arrival and Assembly Operations Group (AAOG), practice driving a Humvee in snow and icy conditions during the Slippery Driver training in preparation for the arrival of personnel from II Marine Expeditionary Force to participate in exercise Nordic Response 24, in Stjordal, Norway, Jan. 19, 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.

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion travel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Nome, Alaska, via UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter April 11, 2022. The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will remain in Nome for Golf Company, Detachment 1, 2-211th GSAB to conduct annual training and aide in River Watch if needed this spring. Should there be significant flooding or other emergency in the vicinity, the helicopters will provide support as requested by the State. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle Stowers, a weapons load crew member assigned to the 333rd Fighter Generation Squadron, loads munitions on an F-15E Strike Eagle during an annual load crew competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, on February 23, 2024. The teams consisted of Airmen assigned to the 333rd, 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Generations Squadrons, as well as the 414th Fighter Group. Air Force

DA-SC-87-09054. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry, Leader Rakkasans, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), supporting 3rd Infantry Division, observes enemy movement from a defensive position during a situational training exercise with the Estonian Defense League at the Central Training Area, near Camp Tapa Estonia, Jan. 28 2024. During the exercise, U.S. troops took up defensive positions around a training village while troops from the Estonian Defense League conducted offensive operations. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Mendez, a native of Texas and a combat engineer with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, sets up a charger onto a bangalore torpedo during a demolition range in preparation for NATO-exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 25, 2024. 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

DA-ST-87-08549. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a helicopter lift with Finnish aircraft NH90 during Freezing Winds 22 in Gumbole, Finland Nov. 30, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl Jackson Kirkiewicz)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct walks at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. on Martin Luther King Jr Day, Jan. 15, 2024. Martin Luther King Jr Day is a federal holiday in the United States that takes place on the third Monday in January. It honors the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Special Operations forces from the U.S. Armys 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard teamed up Jan. 24, 2022, with local first responders from Muskegon, Roscommon, Crawford and Grand Traverse counties to perform intensive hypothermia training at Lake Margrethe near Camp Grayling, Mich. 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)

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