Cold Weather Military Operations

Military personnel engaged in winter training exercises, featuring snow-covered environments, aircraft maintenance, and soldiers in snowy camouflage, highlighting harsh conditions.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

Ground crewmen perform maintenance on the two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft being used during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Subject Operation/Series: COOL SNOW HOG '82-1 Base: Kotzebue Air Force Station State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060302-A-3760M-093. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

DM-ST-87-10914. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

A Canadian Soldier from Alpha (Para) Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, observes enemy movement from their position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 20, 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

A view of the sail of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS GURNARD (SSN 662) shortly after the vessel surfaced through the ice at the North Pole during exercise ICE EX '90. Subject Operation/Series: ICE EX '90 Country: North Sea

A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, departs Taszar Air Base, Hungary. Base: Taszar Air Base Country: Hungary (HUN)

Students of the Arctic Aircraft Recovery School (a.k.a. "Kool School") sponsored by the 109th Airlift Wing (AW), are instructed on how to build snow block retaining walls. The walls are for shelter purposes while on the ice. The school is located on the Ice cap of Greenland just three miles from the abandoned DYE II site, it was part of the DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001 Base: Kangerlussuaq State: West Greenland Country: Greenland (GRL) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Members of the Air Force Reserve Commands 914th Airlift Wing de-ice a C-130 Hercules on Jan. 4, 2011, at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. When there are freezing conditions and precipitation, de-icing an aircraft is crucial because of potentially severe consequences.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, move a simulated casualty during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 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.

Snow falls in Section 59 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 3, 2022. This was the first snow of the year.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Alan Gorham, from the 51st Security Forces Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, takes a break from mortar duty to clean his cooking utensils. The 51st is in the field in support of Osan's Initial Response Readiness Exercise/Combat Employment Readiness Exercise (IRRE/CERE). (Substandard image). Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Toby Callaway (left), a radar technician with Marine Air Control Squadron 24 (MACS-24), Marine Air Control Group 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve assists Lance Cpl. Mathew Colley (right), another radar technician with MACS-24, to initialize an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) in preparation of Exercise ARCTIC EDGE 2024 at Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 10, 2024. The G/ATOR was utilized to perform radar picture and command and control functions in an arctic environment. 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

Paratroopers drop from a C-17 near the 16/34 runway extension project on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Ultimately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Alaska District will extend the runway about 2,500 feet and allow JBER to have two functional runways of about 10,000-feet long each. The project will deliver critical infrastructure to strengthen global air mobility and mission capabilities for the base and its mission partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Craig Reyes, a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, sets up a pole to locate a simulated avalanche casualty during Cold Weather Training 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

A New York Army National Guard Soldier from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade based in Latham, N.Y. prepares for missions as a massive snow storm hits New York on March 14. New York Army National Guard Soldiers are prepared to provide mobility support or traffic control help to local authorities. The Soldiers were among 2,000 Guard Soldiers and Airmen who Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo placed on state active duty or on standby to respond to the storm.

DN-SC-92-04584. Country: Unknown

USA, California, Bridgeport, Mountain Warfare Training Center, United States Marines skiing up slope

Spec. 4 Raymond Sqank, 6th Bn., 327th Inf. Regt., 6th Inf. Div. (Light), stands guard over Alaskan pipeline pump station No. 4 during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Lockheed C-130 Hercules on loan from the Italian Air Force for logistics operations between Christchurch (New Zealand) and the Mario Zucchelli base. Although military activities are strictly forbidden in Antarctic territory by the Treaty of Madrid, polar-operating countries frequently use the skills and equipment of their armies for polar logistics. Victoria Land, Antarctica

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve 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 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.

DA-ST-87-08488. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 unmanned aircraft system operated by U.S. Marines with Combat logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, loaded with a medical supply to resupply Shock Trauma Platoon during Medical Reindeer a medical exercise held prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermeon, Norway, Feb. 14, 2024. Medical Reindeer is a multinational medical exercise in support of field training during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in order to strengthen and improve medical interoperability between NATO Allies and partners within the European theater. 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

Special Tactics Airmen, assigned to 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, unload from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to 1-207th Aviation Regiment, Jan. 10, 2023, at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The aircrew conducted aerial insertion training while the Special Tactics teams conducted arctic operations at JBER. 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.

A A Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) instructor driving an all-terrain vehicle in a snow field during a Red Flag 23-1 exercise at Rachel, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2023. The goal of Security Forces involvement is to work through planning and execution with combat search and rescue.

Sgt. Miguel Familla, a Soldier from Methuen, Mass., with the 181st Engineer Company, shovels snow away from a fire hydrant here on Nantasket Avenue Feb. 11. Soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard assisted local fire departments across the state to clear roads, open access to public buildings, and free fire hydrants from the snow buildup caused by Winter Storm Juno and the following snowfalls across the state.

U.S. Staff Sgt. Marshal Wenong, an antitank missileman with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, provides security during a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. The HIRAIN training demonstrated Marine Forces Reserves ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats in any environment, including harsh arctic environments. 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. Wenong is a native of Maiden, North Carolina. Marine Corps

040211-M-8205V-003. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-ST-86-01640. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE Country: Antarctica (ATA)

030217-M-2796K-034. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

040210-F-0681L-054. Base: Hector International Airport State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force navigates snowy terrain during 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

Building Constructionman (BUCN) Shawn Price of Naval Mobile Construction 133 (NMCB-133) works diligently despite the driving snow to complete construction of wooden walkways at Camp McGovern as part of the operation. Subject Operation/Series: Joint Endeavor Base: Camp Mcgovern Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Ice is cleared from the hatch of the nuclear-powered submarine USS TREPANG (SSN-668). The submarine surfaced through the ice near Ice Camp Opal, one of three research stations established on the polar ice cap during the Arctic Research and Environmental Acoustic (AREA) program. AREA '85 is a Navy-sponsored expedition to study oceanography, acoustics, geophysics, communications and submarine warfare in the polar environment. Subject Operation/Series: AREA '85 Country: Arctic

Members of the 1ST Battalion, 75th Rangers, move through the woods during an exercise taking place in conjunction with an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft practice bombing. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 3, 2013) Sailors participate in a flight deck scrubbing exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is underway conducting sea trials as the final stage of a six-month planned incremental availability.

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

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare dynamite 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 paratroopers with Baker Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, stage in their Humvee while conducting night operations during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 2, 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.

An AH-64 Apache helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment warms up on the tarmac of Ladd Army Airfield at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in preparation for a mission in support of exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 April 3, 2023. (Army photo/John Pennell)

10th Mountain Division Soldiers trek through the snow after they were transported to the landing zone at Division Hill during the D-Series XXIV winter challenge on Fort Drum, NY. Jan. 19, 2024. D-Series builds combat-capable teams at the lowest level, by promoting a spirit of healthy competition, unit cohesion, and mastery of Alpine tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers prepare vehicles and equipment at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation near Reisterstown, Md., to help first responders during this declared state of emergency on Feb. 13, 2014.

DA-SC-88-00413. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHWIND '87 Base: Camp Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

010401-F-2021R-006. Base: Raf Kinloss State: Forress Moray Country: Scotland (SCT)

A portrait photo of U.S. Army Pfc. Hunter, Casey assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 10, 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

970220-F-7804S-034. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVORJOINT GUARD Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Spec. 4 Eric Strawsine and Spec. 4 James Wilbanks, 172nd Security Police Battalion, patrol the cargo area at Allen Army Airfield during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a foot movement during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 9, 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. Army Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard, don their gear before 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)

Pilots land a UH-60L blackhawk helicopter on a ski trail at Vail Ski Resort on February 17, 2019. The UH-60L, flown in from the High Altitude Army Training Site, was a part of Vail Legacy Days over Presidents' Day weekend.

U.S. Army Soldiers transport passengers aboard snowmobiles during the Joint Forcible Entry Norway portion of Swift Response 2022 at the Hollander drop zone, Norway, 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.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division conduct a hike during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-23 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 19, 2023. MTX prepares units to survive and conduct extended operations in mountainous terrain during the winter.

An eagle flies overhead while 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.

Members of the 343rd Aircraft Generation Squadron warm up in a heated plastic enclosure during Arctic Warrior '91 cold weather training. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC WARRIOR '91 Country: United States Of America(USA)

The sail of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PARGO (SSN-650) protrudes through the ice north of the Arctic Circle. The PARGO has surfaced to visit a nearby ice camp.. Country: Unknown

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment Leader Rakkasans, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), supporting 3rd Infantry Division, pose for a photo during the Sentry Sentinel exercise at Camp Taara, Estonia, Feb. 21, 2024. Sentry Sentinel prepares for potential reaction to an invasion by occupying battle positions as a battalion by air assaulting out, conducting defense and preparing for enemy forces. 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. Army

The 2nd Brigade Service Support Group offloads a jeep from the tank landing ship USS NEWPORT (LST-1179) during Exercise Cold Winter '83. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER '83 Base: Bogan Bay Country: Norway (NOR)

A Canadian is participating in Exercise Jack Frost '76. Subject Operation/Series: JACK FROST '76 Base: Blair Lakes State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Coast Guard, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and Navy Supervisor of Salvage conduct an oil-spill-on-ice training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Feb. 1, 2023. The exercise was structured to comply with the OPA-90 National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (NPREP) training and drill requirements for deploying oil spill response gear in Arctic conditions within the Alaska geographical area of responsibility.

The Norwegian Rapid Reaction Force conducts ambush Situational Tactical Exercises with opposing forces from the 1-151st Infantry at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 10th, 2024. The Norwegians are in Minnesota as a part of the 51st annual Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange where troops from the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard send troops to the allied country to conduct winter operations training (Minnesota Army National Guard

060420-N-9928E-037. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DM-ST-87-10921. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

240122-N-LR905-2089LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 22, 2024) - U.S. Navy Divers assigned to Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 construct a shelter during an ice diving exercise in Little Falls, Minnesota, Jan. 22, 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.

NORTH FACE (2008) -Original title: NORDWAND-, directed by PHILIPP STOLZL.

040206-M-8205V-006. Base: Ojojibara State: Tohoku Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 24, Marine Air Control Group 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, deploy an AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR (Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar) in preparation of Exercise ARCTIC EDGE 2024 (AE24) in Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 10, 2024. The G/ATOR provides air task-oriented radar picture and command and control function in an Arctic Environment. AE24 is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic region. Marine Corps

An M-973 small unit support vehicle leaves the Seward shipping docks as night falls during Exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Seward State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A convoy from the First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, heads down the highway in route to Fort Greely, Alaska, for field training at Operation site #27 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)

An Airman with the 155th Civil Engineer Squadron removes snow, Jan. 17, 2024, at the National Guard air base in Lincoln, Nebraska. The 155th CES crew prioritizes each road and parking lot by how critical it is to the mission. The flight line, medical facilities and 24-hour centers receive attention first, and the team finishes with sidewalks and stairs. Air National Guard

Tanks of U.S. 42nd Armored Battalion, moving into attack, Mabompre, Belgium, U.S. Army Signal Corps, January 16, 1945

Memorial in honour of the fallen of the Second World War, the so-called Great Patriotic War between the German Reich and the Soviet Union, Borshchivka, Raion Isyum, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, Europe

Paratroopers from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division move around the area on snowmachines at sunset 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. 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.

An Air National Guard Security Forces specialist 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.

040206-M-8205V-024. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade's Task Force Provider participate in a convoy live fire exercise in Swietoszow, Poland, Feb. 12, 2024. The 3rd DSB tests Soldiers and teams with individual and collective unit defense and convoy live fire exercises to ensure readiness to protect critical logistics and mission command systems on any battlefield. Army

GRAYLING, Mich. - U.S. Army Soldiers from the 173rd Engineer Battalion, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin National Guard, build a forward operating base with multi-layered defense during Northern Strike 22-1 on January 21, 2022. Winter Strike is a National Guard Bureau sponsored exercise which unites service members from several U.S. states and partner forces from Jan. 21-30, 2022, 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 Staff Sgt. Tegan Kucera).

Members from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron operate air blast sweepers on the runway at Misawa Air Base, Japan Feb. 24, 2016. Airmen from the 35th CES ensure the flying mission is carried out and the base populous is able to safely commute during the winter.

U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook assigned to 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1AD CAB), delivers relief supplies to AFAD, the Turkish relief authority, in Göksun, Türkiye, Feb. 16, 2023. The 1AD CAB provides dynamic lift capability in direct support of USAID and Turkish relief efforts, to those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye. 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 Command as part of the International Turkish disaster relief efforts.

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.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists build a fire using only matches and materials found in nature 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.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, move down a slope for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 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 left front view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing preparing for take-off. This assignment to Norway marks the first overseas deployment of the F-16A aircraft. Base: Flesland Air Station Country: Norway (NOR)

Air Force personnel fold out camouflage netting during exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Subject Operation/Series: COOL SNOW HOG '82-1 Base: Kotzebue Air Force Station State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Skis and Weaponry During Mountain Sniper Training

U.S. Soldiers, attached to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, prepare to conduct troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 15, 2024. Troops equipped 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

A High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) waits outside of the Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center while mayor Mayor Muriel Bowser conducts a press conference to address issues caused by a severe winter storm, Washington, D.C., Jan. 23. A part of the National Guards mission included transporting Bowser and her security detail throughout the city during Winter Storm Jonas.

Russian all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are seen at the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft landing site shortly after the capsule landed with Expedition 42 commander Barry Wilmore of NASA, Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Elena Serova of Roscosmos near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan on Thursday, March 12, 2015. NASA Astronaut Wilmore, Russian Cosmonauts Samokutyaev and Serova are returning after almost six months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 41 and 42 crews.

Searchers pick through rocks and debris on Colony Glacier June 13, 2022, working to recover the remains of 52 passengers and crewmembers, and wreckage of an Air Force C-124 Globemaster aircraft that crashed Nov. 22, 1952, near Mount Gannett, Alaska. Soldiers assigned to the Alaska Army National Guard discovered the debris on June 10, 2012, during a routine Black Hawk helicopter training mission on Colony Glacier nearly 14 miles from where the plane first crashed. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Sailors from the Alaska Naval Militia and U.S. Navy Reserve and their guests, salute the flag at the U.S. Navy Reserve Center on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Jan. 24, 2024, in honor of the S-26 submarine and crew who were lost Jan. 24, 1942. The remembrance event underscored the unity and shared commitment across naval components to honor the sacrifices made by submariners throughout history. (Alaska National Guard

DF-ST-86-10053. Base: Sapporo Country: Japan (JPN)

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.

230330-N-OX029-2065ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 30, 2023) Sailors wash aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) off the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) after performing AFFF system tests, March 30, 2023. Wasp is underway conducting Type Commander (TYCOM) sea trials.

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