Cold Weather Military Operations

U.S. military forces training in snowy environments, emphasizing winter warfare techniques and preparation for arctic conditions.

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a platoon live-fire maneuver range in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 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 Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a platoon live-fire maneuver range in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 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, fire an FGM-148 Javelin 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 Spc. Charles Conrad, 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.

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets assault their objective during a field training evercise 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.

SGT Gary Coutu and SPC Harry Shoemaker of the 2d Battalion, 1ST Infantry Regiment, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, check their compass to find grid coordinates during NORTHERN EDGE '98, an annual Joint Chiefs of STAFF winter exercise involving air and ground units of all services. The men are wearing winter combat gear, carrying M-16s as well as MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Simulation) equipment on their bodies as well as on the helmets. The MILES receivers will beep when targeted by a weapon equipped with the MILES laser emitter, indicating a kill or wounding of the wearer. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE '98 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sfc. William Naney, from Bravo Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Gladius, provides security during a key leader engagement in Jalokheyl village in the Tagab district of the Kapisa province of Afghanistan Feb. 5, 2008.

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, break holes into the ice in preparation for a polar plunge as part of the extreme cold weather training course prior to Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 2,2024. 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

An Alaska Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, makes a tactical approach into Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. The aircrew conducted medevac and hoist training with the 24th Special Operations Wing during its arctic operations training exercise. 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.

CPL. Clarence Bohn, 6th Battalion, 327th Infantry, 6th Infantry Division (Light), secures his snowshoes before walking guard duty during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Country: United States Of America (USA)

050205-F-7169B-002. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A soldier from 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division asks another soldier inside the Ten-Man Arctic tent a question April 02 in during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to their warfighting, and JPMRC-AK 23-02 is key to testing the divisions leaders and soldiers.

CPT Bob Lasky, an A-10A Thunderbolt II pilot with the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing, gathers material for a campfire 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Nathan Leonard, a vehicle recovery operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, receives final instructions prior to participating in a polar plunge event during the extreme cold weather training course prior to Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 2, 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

040206-M-8205V-010. Base: Ojojibara State: Tohoku Country: Japan (JPN)

020108-F-0007M-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility

US Marine Snipers Aim M40 Sniper Rifles During Mountain Warfare Training

Minnesota National Guard members conduct winter training on February 8, 2023 as part of a 5-day field training exercise at Base Camp 1 in the Haltdalen woods, Norway, while participating in the 50th Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX). 100 Soldiers and Airmen from the Minnesota National Guard, 148th Fighter Wing and 133rd Airlift Wing traveled to Norway for two-weeks of winter survival training, Nordic cultural experiences and building friendships. NOREX is the longest-running military bi-lateral troop exchange between two nations starting in 1973.

DF-ST-85-11239. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '85 Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, maintains security position for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. A company of soldiers headed toward an exercise objective at the top of a hill. JPMRC 24-02 builds readiness and enhances interoperability through realistic training within the Arctic Circle. Army

Staff Sgt. Edward Wilson of the 168th Vehicle Maintenance leads a post-attack reconnaissance team during the Golden Raven 23-1 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2022. Post-attack reconnaissance team sweeps provide communications to execute mission-essential tasks in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments. Team Eielson exercised the capability to accomplish the mission while countering CBRN threats.

U.S. Army soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1AD CAB), and Turkish civilians offload humanitarian aid from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Elbistan, Türkiye, Feb. 15, 2023. 1AD CAB provides a dynamic lift capability in direct support of USAID and Turkish relief efforts. 1AD CAB is one of several U.S. military units supporting Task Force 61/2 (TF 61/2), operating under U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) and U.S. European Commanders part of the International Turkish disaster relief efforts.

020402-F-6740T-011. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Kodiak State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

041229-M-4697Y-001. Base: Khowst-Gardez Pass State: Khowst Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 3RD BN, 3RD MARINES

Members of the 722nd Combat Control Squadron and the 616th Combat Control Group erect a tentduring exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division and Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry prepare a Raven drone for deployment April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

DA-ST-90-01591. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '89 Base: Fort Richardson State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. Ashaun Howard, a motor transport operator attached to the 719th Transportation Company, New York Army National Guard, performs last minute checks on Humvees designated for use as part of the Guard's response to the winter storms, at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., January 4, 2017. (

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

Close-up of a soldier from the 2d Battalion, 1ST Infantry Regiment, Fort Wainwright, Alaska , observing his sector of fire as he aims his M-16 while assaulting the village of Simpsonville, Alaska during NORTHERN EDGE '98, an annual Joint Chiefs of STAFF winter exercise involving air and ground units of all services. The soldier, wearing winter combat gear, also has on the MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Simulation) equipment on his body as well as on the helmet. The MILES receivers will beep when targeted by a weapon equipped with the MILES laser emitter, indicating a kill or wounding of the wearer. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE '98 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

A University of Alaska Army ROTC cadet signals to his teammates to get in the prone position while maneuvering to the 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.

USA, California, United States Marine aims an M16 Service Rifle during cold weather and mountain warfare training in Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport

A University of Alaska Army ROTC cadet bounds to the 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.

NASA Astronauts Eric Boe, left, and Bob Behnken are seen making contact with other team members outside a Search and Rescue helicopter that was grounded by low visibility at the Arkalyk Airport in Kazakhstan on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft landed with Expedition 34 Commander Kevin Ford of NASA, Russian Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and Russian Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin near the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Ford, Novitskiy, and Tarelkin returned from 142 days onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 33 and 34 crews.

060320-N-9723W-015. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Scene Major Command Shown: USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74)

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, load gear into a trailer during an extract as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 9, 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.

The setting sun highlights paratroopers from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division as they dig in defenses for a night attack April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Members of Co. B, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Div. aim M-136 light anti-armor weapons 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)

DA-ST-90-01586. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST 89 Base: Fort Richardson State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060302-A-3733B-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, land on Malemute Drop Zone during airborne training at 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.

The 168th Wing Force Support Squadron Services Flight Airmen prepare and test the Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer during- 40-degree temperatures and colder at Eielson Air Force Base on Feb. 3, 2024. Services Airmen ensure meals are readily available and train continuously in all conditions, including emergency preparedness. Air National Guard

A soldier from the 6th Infantry Division (Light) takes aim with his M-16A2 rifle while manning a firing position at a live-fire range during the joint readiness exercise Arctic Warrior '91. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC WARRIOR '91 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, position a fuel berm during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

040317-F-8966D-003. Subject Operation/Series: POLAR FORCE 04-4 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Todd Jarzynkowski, a 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 team from the U.S. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center prepares gear in preparation of hoist operations on a 207th Aviation Troop Command, Alaska Army National Guard, UH/MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 23, 2024. The SOMWTC are conducting glacial training in preparation for the conditions they will experience in Greenland during the Arctic Edge 24. Special Operations Command North deployed more than 400 joint and allied Special Operations Forces across the pan-Arctic region, stretching from Alaska to Greenland, during AE24 to advance SOF capabilities and readiness in extreme cold weather and the high latitude environments. Army

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob Hancock, an F-16 Fighting Falcon mechanic assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, braves the cold and snow to close-up panels on the jet to prevent damage from inclement weather, 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.

050125-F-4201N-024. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A scene of Equipment Park is shown Dec. 9, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis., after a fresh snowfall left several inches of snow. Equipment Park is inside the installations historic Commemorative Area. The Equipment Park is an outdoor display of historic and present-day equipment representative of the types used on the installation. The design of the park allows for display of 70 pieces of equipment, ranging from helicopters and howitzers to trucks and trailers. The Commemorative Area also consists of five World War II-era buildings set aside to help tell Fort McCoys unique story. These facilities are representative of the types found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942.

Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts National Guard, engage in cross-country ski training during Northern Strike 22-1 (Winter Strike) at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, Grayling, Mich., Jan. 23, 2022. Winter Strike, the winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise program, takes place at Northern Michigans National All-Domain Warfighting Center. The NADWC serves as the perfect place for units across the Department of Defense to experience cold-weather, all-domain training, allowing participants to enhance their Arctic warfare capabilities. (U.S. National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Cessna)

DN-ST-88-07294. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL POTLATCH '87 Base: Shemya Island State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines, along with NATO allies and partners, conduct a safety and rehearsal brief before executing a breaching and clearing mission in preparation for Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in coordination with NATO allies and partners, are gearing up for the biennial exercise Nordic Response 24. This NATO training exercise aims to enhance Arctic security, elevate global readiness, and foster interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

Alaska Army National Guard Infantryman assigned to Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, conducts military tactical movements(bounding overwatch) while engaging with opposing forces during a training exercise near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise was aimed at enhancing the units combat readiness and to evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment. (Army National Guard photo by Spc. Bradford Jackson, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, take a break during a hike to a campsite as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 15, 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. 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

GRAYLING, Mich. - U.S. Army Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts National Guard, engage in cross-country ski training during Northern Strike 2 -1 (Winter Strike”) at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), Grayling, Mich., Jan. 23, 2022. Winter Strike, the winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise program, takes place at Northern Michigan’s NADWC. The NADWC serves as the perfect place for units across the Department of Defense to experience cold-weather, all-domain training, allowing participants to enhance their Arctic warfare capabilities. (U.S. National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Kujawa)

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 are 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.

040206-M-8205V-001. Base: Ojojibara State: Tohoku Country: Japan (JPN)

Members of Echo Company, Battalion 2, 36th Marine Amphibious Unit, march down the road during Operation Alloy Express '82. Subject Operation/Series: ALLOY EXPRESS '82 Country: Norway (NOR)

Paratroopers assigned to A Battery 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, part of U.S. Army Alaska, fire a 105mm Howitzer on Malemute drop zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 2013.

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

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.

Russian support personnel work to help get crew members out of the Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft shortly after the capsule landed with Expedition 26 Commander Scott Kelly and Flight Engineers Oleg Skripochka and Alexander Kaleri near the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan on Wednesday, March 16, 2011. NASA Astronaut Kelly, Russian Cosmonauts Skripochka and Kaleri are returning from almost six months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 25 and 26 crews.

A U.S. Army paratrooper from the 11th Airborne Division leaves Donnelly Drop Zone, dragging a new jumpable sled as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 8, 2024. The 11th Airborne Division is taking advantage of JPMRC 24-02s location to innovate, experiment with, and test new equipment to give our soldiers a tactical edge against any adversary, in the worlds harshest environment. Army

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. Marine Corps Cpl. Ethan Walters, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, builds a wind wall as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 15, 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Lamie, a Mount Juliet, Tenn., native, and mortar section leader with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division filters water at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Jan. 20, 2022. 3/3 conducted winter survival training, winter terrain mobility training, and built defensive positions as part of Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-22 in order to increase combat lethality and readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

USA, California, US Marine Skiing cross country during cold weather and mountain warfare training in Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport

040206-M-8205V-008. Base: Ojojibara State: Tohoku Country: Japan (JPN)

A US Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) is directed ashore by a US Marine during the NATO exercise. The exercise is designed to employ the rapid deployment and use of multinational maritime, air and land forces in a military response. Over 22,000 personnel from NATO nations, France and Spain are taking part in the exercise. Subject Operation/Series: STRONG RESOLVE 95 Base: Surnadal Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, puts on his main pack 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.

020425-F-3798Y-012. Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve 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 are 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. Marine Corps Cpl. Walker Plesko, left, a water support technician, and Capt. Christopher Ryan, center right, a logistics officer, both with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, carry a fuel berm during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. Plesko is a native of Virginia. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. 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

DM-ST-88-08125. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos conduct land-based arctic mobility training on snow mobiles in Utqiagvik, Alaska, Feb. 26, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Navy

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.

PFC Mark Briggs, Co. B, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Div., operates a field radio 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)

Airmen with the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard and the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard assist the Idaho Air National Guards Air Support Operations Squadron as they prepare for their departure out of Gowen Field, ID, January 6 & 7, 2023. The ASOS will travel to Fort Smith, Kansas where they will conduct predeployment training throughout the month of January.

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.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Martin, the company gunnery sergeant with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducts an ice breaker drill as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 9, 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.

Wounded soldier in white camouflage sneaking through the mountains. Against the background of blue sky in winter sunny day

The Lockheed P2V-7B, P-2H & SP-2H Neptune Maritime Patrol Vergier 204 (1961-1982) on a snowy flying camp Valkenburg.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare detonation cords during a demolition range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 29, 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 Sgt. 1st Class Brian Seney, infantryman with Charlie Troop, 3-71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, prepares to step off during ski familiarization training at Arctic Forge 23 on Sodankylä Garrison, Finland, Feb 18, 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. Armys Arctic Strategy.

U.S. Air Force Airman Kennedy Cuellar, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oil and lubricants distributor from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., prepares to refuel an F-15E Strike Eagle at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, Jan. 28, 2022. 4th Fighter Wing personnel deployed to Ämari AB to support a NATO enhanced Air Policing mission and practice agile combat employment concepts. European partners and U.S. forces continue to conduct engagements and multinational exercises to enhance interoperability and improve regional cooperation and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Megan M. Beatty)

Soldiers and National Park Service personnel offload equipment and supplies from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on Kahiltna Glacier April 27, 2022. The Sugar Bears of B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment fly out of Talkeetna, Alaska, each spring to assist the NPS setting up a base camp for climbers attempting to summit Denali. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Crewchiefs from the 114th Maintenance Squadron assemble tents during the Lobo Trident exercise in Hector Field March 28, 2023. Hector Field was set up as a simulated forward operating station in a friendly country in order to give Airmen a chance to practice wartime emergency operations and communications in a remote location.

DF-ST-88-05091. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve performs a simulated reload on a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 23, 2024. As part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capabilities, the HIMARS weapon system contributes significantly to the MAGTF's power projection and precision fire support for Marines in diverse scenarios including those in an arctic environment, enhancing overall effectiveness and versatility. 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. Marine Corps

Virginia National Guard aviation crews aboard two UH-60 Black Hawkhelicopters pick up and deliver food, mail and medicine Jan. 6, 2018,to icebound Tangier Island, Virginia. Six Soldiers assigned toSandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment participated inthe mission, flying first to Crisfield, Maryland, to pick up supplies,then on to the 1.2-square-mile island of Tangier, located in theChesapeake Bay. Following their first delivery to the island, aircrews stopped for fuel at the Accomack County Airport in Virginia andheaded back out for round two, again picking up supplies in Crisfieldand delivering them to Tangier Island.

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